Cats are some of the most popular companion pets of all, beloved by so many people all over the world and well-known for their cute appearances and amusing if unpredictable antics. They can be best friends and feel like true members of the family, and cats can live for many years too, with average lifespans of up to 20 years.
Unfortunately, as cats get older, their risks of health problems begin to increase, and one common issue in elderly cats is cat dementia or feline cognitive dysfunction. The ASPCA explains that “FCD affects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 years.”
Dementia in cats can be very difficult for both the cats themselves and their owners. It’s not easy to see the cat you’ve known and loved for so many years beginning to struggle with basic tasks, losing control of their bodies, reacting strangely, and seeming scared, anxious, or confused.
However, while the answer to the question “Can cats get dementia?” is yes, it’s important to note that dementia is not a death sentence. Dementia in cats cannot be cured, but it can be treated. There are various forms of medication, lifestyle alterations, therapy, and even new innovative options like CBD oil for cat dementia which can be turned to.
Causes and Signs of Dementia in Cats
Many people wonder “Do cats get dementia?” Well, yes, they can, especially as they get older. What’s more, the condition in cats is very similar to human dementia, leading to the gradual breakdown of the brain and loss of cognitive abilities. However, the precise causes of this condition are something of a mystery.
PetMD states that DNA may play a part, explaining “Although the exact cause of cognitive dysfunction syndrome is currently unknown, genetic factors may predispose an animal to develop the condition.” It may be the cause, therefore, that your cat was simply born with a higher-than-average chance of getting dementia later in life.
It may also be the case that dementia in cats comes about as a result of the natural aging process. On a scientific level, dementia happens when brain cells die. As cats and other beings get older, their brains naturally start to lose more cells than they can produce. It’s a natural and inevitable part of life, and so in some ways, we can see dementia and cognitive decline as simple aspects of aging.
In any case, identifying dementia early on can help you understand the situation better and get your cat the care they need. It’s therefore important for owners to be aware of cat dementia symptoms. This way, you can keep a close eye on your cat and spot the signs ahead of time. Symptoms and signs may include:
- Forgetting rules and standards of the house
- Defecating and urinating outside of the litter box
- Lacking awareness of its own body and size
- Getting stuck or bumping into things
- Walking around aimlessly
- More tired and less energetic overall
- Either less interested in petting and social contact or suddenly very much dependent on contact with owners
- Less self-grooming
- Lower appetite
- Whining, yowling, and meowing Irritability
Traditional Treatment Options for Cat Dementia
So what can you do about common cat dementia issues like cat dementia howling and urinating around the home? Well, the first thing to note is that help is out there. It’s not at all required for cats with dementia to be put down. There are many dementia in cats treatment options you can turn to, and it’s important to speak with a vet when you notice something is wrong.
In many cases, vets will be able to make recommendations to help your cat live more comfortably. This may include adding additional litter boxes into the home to reduce the risk of urinating or defecating elsewhere. You may also want to make other changes to help the cat get around easily and safely, reducing the risk of them getting lost or bumping into furniture.
Cat behaviorists may also be able to offer their services, and cats with dementia can benefit from therapy too. Plus, there are different medications that can help to ease symptoms and slow the spread of the degeneration.
Dietary changes can also be made and nutritious supplements can help to boost brain health. PetMD explains “This diet is typically supplemented with omega-3 as well as antioxidants such as vitamin E and C, selenium, flavonoids, carotenoids like beta-carotene, and carnitine and — all considered excellent for improving a cat’s cognitive functions.”
CBD Oil for Cat Dementia
Another treatment option that is seeing a lot of popularity right now is CBD oil for cats with dementia. What is CBD oil? Well, it’s a natural oil extracted from the plant matter of the hemp plant. It contains cannabidiol, also known as CBD, which is a chemical compound found in cannabis leaves that can offer a lot of benefits to our feline friends.
CBD is a safe and natural ingredient that can offer a lot of benefits, and many scientific studies in both humans and animals have found that it can trigger an array of positive effects for both the mind and body.
CBD oil for cats reviews states that this oil can do all kinds of positive things. It can help to alleviate stress and anxiety in older cats. It can also help them with any pain or inflammation they might be suffering from.
Some studies even suggest that CBD may be able to slow the spread of dementia and strengthen the brain against further degeneration. It has been linked with neuroprotective properties, which essentially means that it can act as a barrier for the brain.
This can offer both long and short-term benefits for your companion. In the short-term, cats that are treated with CBD oil will be able to regain some of their former character and cope with the anxiety and confusion of their condition.
In the long-term, CBD oil may even be able to help your cat live longer without succumbing to further degeneration too rapidly. This can give you more precious time to share with your feline friend.
Owners can use a CBD dosage calculator to work out the right dose for their cat and then simply drop the oil directly into their food. Once the oil is eaten, it enters the cat’s bloodstream and interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce different benefits.
Cannabinoid Calculator for the Perfect CBD Oil Dosage
In order to get the best effects when using CBD oil for cat dementia, you need to make sure that you apply the correct dosage to your animal. The right dose for each cat will depend on different factors like their weight and the severity of the condition.
Usually, cats that are bigger and heavier will need bigger doses. It’s also recommended to give slightly larger doses to cats that are experiencing the most severe cases and symptoms of dementia.
You can use our Cannabinoid Calculator tool to work out the best possible dose for your cat. Simply input some basic information and the tool will do the rest of the work for you, giving you an accurate reading you can rely on.
Conclusion
It may be stressful and scary to hear that your cat has dementia. However, it’s important to understand that even know this condition cannot be cured, it can be treated. There are a lot of ways for cats with cognitive decline to still have happy, healthy, fulfilling lives. CBD for cats dementia is a great option to try, in addition to therapy, medication, and lifestyle alterations.
FAQ
Cat dementia is a lot like dementia in humans and other animals too. It’s a cognitive condition, caused by the gradual death of brain cells. This can result in many symptoms like confusion, incontinence, and anxiety.
Research is still ongoing to find out more about the causes of dementia in cats. It is believed that aging can play a major part in the chances of this condition appearing. Genes and environmental factors may also have an effect.
CBD oil for dementia cats is able to help in various ways. It can produce various positive effects in cats with dementia. For instance, it can alleviate the stress and anxiety that the cat might be feeling due to its confusion. It can also protect the brain from further degeneration.
Using CBD oil for cats is very simple. Owners can consult a CBD calculator to work out the ideal dose for their furry friend and then drop the oil straight into the cat’s food before it eats.