Understanding and supporting cats with dementia: what every cat parent should know

If your older cat has started meowing at night, seeming confused in places they’ve always known or just acting off, it’s easy to chalk it up to ‘old age’. But those little changes can sometimes signal something more: feline dementia, or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (FCD). It’s more common than most cat parents realise — with one in four cats aged 11+ displaying at least one behavioural problem related to FCD. And importantly: it’s not just quirks of getting older. It’s a real medical condition.

Dr. Patricia Pimenta, MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), MRCVS, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Feline Medicine, explains: “when your older cat cries at night or seems lost at home, don’t dismiss it as ‘just old age’. Feline dementia is real, but the signs overlap with other common conditions. Early vet checks make all the difference.”

That’s why the first step is always a vet visit. Dementia in cats is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means your vet will first rule out other possible causes like pain, thyroid disease, hypertension or infections. Once those are excluded, you can start giving your cat the tailored support they need.

So what should you actually look out for? Signs can be subtle at first:

1. More crying or yowling at night

2. Seeming disoriented in familiar places

3. Changes to sleep patterns

4. Shifts in how they interact with you (clingier, or withdrawing)

5. Accidents outside the litter box

6. Restlessness — or becoming less active altogether

It’s natural to dismiss these as ‘slowing down’, but they’re red flags worth acting on.

The good news: dementia doesn’t mean the end of joy for your cat. With the right support, many cats adapt beautifully. Dr. Pimenta reassures: “cognitive decline doesn’t mean hopelessness. Environmental modifications and prescription medication in select cases, can go a long way to support your cat’s quality of life.”

Here are some small but powerful changes that can help:

• Soft night-lights to reduce confusion in the dark

• Predictable daily routines for reassurance

• Ramps and steps to favourite spots

• Familiar scents to soothe anxiety

• Pheromone diffusers or calming music for extra comfort

In some cases, vets may also recommend medications to ease anxiety or sleep problems. Pain relief is often key too, since arthritis and discomfort can make dementia symptoms worse. And while diet isn’t a cure, a complete, nutrient-rich food like KatKin can support overall brain and body health.

There’s no cure (yet), but dementia is manageable. Many cat parents describe it as a little like having a kitten again: your cat might need more patience, love and help navigating the world — but in return, you still get the purrs, the headbutts and those moments of pure companionship.

So if you’ve noticed your senior cat acting differently, trust your gut. Get a vet check sooner rather than later. The earlier dementia is recognised, the more you can do to keep their golden years comfortable and filled with love.