Are there any neurological problems in older cats?
Neurological problems with cats are not uncommon, especially as they get older. In this post we’ll take a look at some of the more common neurological disorders your cat may develop. Plus, signs to look out for and when to take your cat to the vet. We’ll cover seizures in older cats, epilepsy, brain tumors and strokes.
When does a cat have a brain disorder?
Veterinarians classify brain disorders in cats as neurological conditions. When a neurological problem exists, your cat may have difficulty sensing the environment around him. These conditions can be acquired from traumatic injury, infections, or they can be present from birth.
What kind of disorders can a cat have?
Your cat’s nervous system is complex, consisting of the brain and spinal cord as well as the peripheral nervous system. There are a variety of neurological disorders that can affect your cat’s brain. While some disorders cause minor symptoms, others can have serious consequences to your cat’s health.
Why does my cat have so many behavioral problems?
Understanding the changes your cat is undergoing can help you compassionately and effectively deal with behavior problems that may arise in her senior years. Some effects of aging aren’t related to cognitive dysfunction. Often these effects can contribute to behavior changes that only look like cognitive decline.
Neurological problems with cats are not uncommon, especially as they get older. In this post we’ll take a look at some of the more common neurological disorders your cat may develop. Plus, signs to look out for and when to take your cat to the vet. We’ll cover seizures in older cats, epilepsy, brain tumors and strokes.
Why are cats at risk for brain problems?
It’s no wonder that cats are at risk of develop similar brain disorders. Your cat’s brain is composed of white and grey matter just the same as a human, as well as short and long term memory function. Humans aren’t the only species to suffer dementia in old age. Just as people are living longer so are cats.
Understanding the changes your cat is undergoing can help you compassionately and effectively deal with behavior problems that may arise in her senior years. Some effects of aging aren’t related to cognitive dysfunction. Often these effects can contribute to behavior changes that only look like cognitive decline.
How old do cats have to be to have cognitive decline?
It’s estimated that cognitive decline—referred to as feline cognitive dysfunction, or FCD—affects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 years. Memory, ability to learn, awareness, and sight and hearing perception can all deteriorate in cats affected with FCD.
