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A senile cat is forgetful of his own
well-being. He may venture into risky areas, be
unable to find his way back home, not remember to
come in from the rain or be unable to find his
litter box or food bowl. He may yowl, seem
confused, demand feeding because he has forgotten
that he has just eaten not because he dislikes the
food you served (if led to the food bowl he starts
eating at once rather than waiting for you to
serve more desirable food).
He may become
incontinent because he forgets to control his body
functions, not from bowel or bladder disease. He
may show repetitive behaviors such as walking in
circles, plucking fur or aimless movements. Anyone
who has seen programs about Alzheimer's Disease in
humans will recognize similar symptoms in their
cat, though they may choose to deny that it is
happening. Your vet will determine whether the
behavior is due to illness, injury (e.g. head
trauma) or senility.
Some cats remain clean but become
"delightfully dotty" or "slightly
scatty". Given help with grooming, several
litter-boxes to prompt their failing memory and a
safe environment, they remain contented pets,
remaining happy in their own slightly confused
manner and with no awareness of their reduced
circumstances. A senile cat who wanders must be
confined to the house and/or an escape proof
garden or outdoor run.
At present there is no treatment for feline
senility though senile dogs benefit from a drug
called Anipryl which the natural destruction of
the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.
Because senility is progressive, the effect of the
drug wears off over a period of time. It has
prolonged the quality of life for some dogs for
6-12 months. Many canine drugs are toxic to (or
not licensed for use in) cats so there is
currently no equivalent feline treatment. This is
likely to change as veterinary medicine continues
to advance.
A seizure or convulsion is sudden,
uncontrollable and often violent thrashing.
Muscles contract and spasm violently and
erratically, your cat may fall over and may lose
bladder and bowel control. He may scratch and bite
and as with human epileptics, the usual advice is
to avoid interfering except to prevent him from
injury. If you need to restrain him to prevent
injury or must move him out of danger, either wear
leather gauntlets or cover his body with a towel,
coat or blanket and restrain him that way. Lie him
on his side if possible. If you have to pull his
tongue forward to prevent choking, you will almost
certainly be bitten, but this may be a small price
to pay unless there is any danger of rabies.
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