When cats begin to age, they acquire different cat behavior problems. These problems happen due to a disorder called FCD-feline cognitive dysfunction. More than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 and more than 80% of the cats aged 16 to 20 years suffer from this dysfunction. Older cats suffering from FCD lose their memory, perception to hearing, awareness and the ability to learn. This impairment causes reduction in activity, disorientation and disturbances in sleeping pattern. This is when all cat behavior problems start and the cats forget the litter habits and become aggressive. These problems can change your relationship with your old furry pal and its relations with other pets at your home.
Not all cat behavior problems in old cats are due to FCD. It may be a medical disorder which needs to be reported to veterinarian. Do not think that your cat is getting older and you can’t do anything to help it. There are many therapies that can provide comfort to your ailing cat and ease her pain. There is a checklist below to help you read the symptoms of your old cat:
- The ability to learn and memory is impaired if the cat eliminates out of its litter box, does not recognize known people or eliminates in sleeping areas.
- Spatial disorientation can be recognized when the cat stares at objects or fixates its glare into space. It might get lost in familiar location or not be able to makes its way around objects. Wandering aimlessly is another sign of cat behavior problems.
- Social behavior patterns can change if your cat is affected from FCD. It may not greet familiar people or pets. The cat may be less interested in making interaction or petting.
- Reduced activity is another sign of ct behavior problems where, cats groom themselves less, eat less and do not explore as much it used to.
- Anxiety can increase in old cats which may be the cause of FCD. Sleepless nights or reversal of sleep cycle is another symptom to lookout for. Cats may be irritated in general or vocalize more if it is suffering from FCD.
Solving cat behavior problems can be done by consulting with a veterinarian. You should rule out all causes of changed behavior patterns by getting your cat checked by a professional. There may other medical conditions like thyroid, arthritis, cancer, etc that may be causing discomfort in cats. When all of other symptoms are ruled out then the only cause is cognitive dysfunction. If your cat is ageing all you can do is provide therapy for it and be supportive. The next step is to make helpful changes in the cat’s environment and keep its daily schedule intact. There are medications that professional practitioners prescribe so that it eases the discomfort in a cat. There are many medications for cat behavior problems which the veterinarian can prescribe for you cats. You just need to be more affectionate and let your pet age naturally.
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