Does my cat have dementia

[stracci2000]

My cat has been acting strange lately. He is 14 years old. We have another cat, and they get along OK.
Recently, he had become very active and affectionate. Jumping up on places he previously avoided. Climbing on my lap and refusing to leave. Laying on the table between me and the laptop, forcing me to type around him.
I was thinking this was strange, because he previously seemed to have back leg pain, which the vet has attributed to perhaps arthritis.
On other days , he seemed detached, is grooming alot, and I find him sitting in strange places, kind of staring off.

Then suddenly, a few days ago, he started hiding in the lower kitchen cabinet, only leaving to use the litter box or eat.
Then I found pee twice in the foyer which thankfully has ceramic tile. He has a history of peeing outside the box. I'm positive it wasn't the other cat, because the other cat never has accidents.
After an entire day of him not leaving the cabinet, I finally carried him to the litter box, where he had a long pee and a poop.
He then ran back into the cabinet. He was in there all night, as far as I can tell. Again today, I carried him to the box twice, where he seemed relieved to pee. I took him out of the cabinet a short while ago, and now he is in the spare bedroom.
He still seems interested in food and treats, so I don't think he is sick. He was to the vet a few weeks ago, and was OK at that time.

I'm thinking this weird behavior is dementia.
Has any body had experience with this in their cat?

 

[mtsapphirelovingannie]

I have experienced behavior changes followed by hiding behavior. In my experience there was a significant health issue. I suggest you take your cat to the vet just to be sure.

 

[sonnyjane]

I have experienced behavior changes followed by hiding behavior. In my experience there was a significant health issue. I suggest you take your cat to the vet just to be sure.

Agree with the above. The condition "dementia" as it exists in humans hasn't been confirmed in animals, but they can experience cognitive decline as they age. All of the symptoms that you described are very much indicative of a health decline - whether permanent or treatable will remain to be seen until you go to a vet, but go immediately! The hiding in dark places and incontinence is a sign of something serious. I know you said you were at the vet a few weeks ago, but something is going on. If they don't agree, get a second opinion.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Stracci, I'm so sorry for what you are going through with your cat. Is it possible that it could be a urinary blockage? I had a male cat that was hiding and not using the box and he had a blockage, his was a full block but maybe since yours is able to pee he may be partially blocked?

Could he possibly have a UTI? I hope you are able to get him feeling better again soon, keep us posted!

 

[stracci2000]

I'm going to call for an appointment tomorrow. Something is definitely wrong with him.
Thanks for all your suggestions.

 

[cmd2014]

Hiding usually means they are sick. I wouldn’t wait to take him in.

 

[VRBeauty]

When I thought my cat had dementia, it turned out that she was losing her eyesight. (She was about 20 years old, and already had significant hearing loss.) I'm glad you've scheduled a vet visit.

 

[stracci2000]

I've been watching for signs of eyesight or hearing loss. It's just so hard to tell.

 

[Missy]

@stracci2000 I'm so sorry and I'm glad you are bringing your kitty to the veterinarian soon. I hope it turns out to be a fixable issue. Sending you and your cat lots of good luck and healing vibes. (((Hugs))).

 

[cmd2014]

@stracci2000, just wondering how your cat was doing? Hope you are both doing ok.

 

[stracci2000]

@stracci2000, just wondering how your cat was doing? Hope you are both doing ok.

Thanks for asking! I've been meaning to check in.
We have deduced that his problem seems to be arthritis. He's not hiding anymore. But he is in pain. Poor kitty can barely lift his foot to scratch his ear.
He has claimed a chair in our home office, and only leaves it to pee. At least he's visiting the litter box!
We've been bringing food and water to him. He has a good appetite, and he still loves treats.
DH works from home and has been taking great care of our kitty while I am at work.

The vet prescribed Gabapentin, and I just gave him the first dose an hour ago.
He's been sleeping since, so we will keep a close eye on him to see if the dosage is working.
I will also try more glucosamine. He hates the glucosamine treats, but they helped him when I could sneak them in his food. I know there is a powdered form at Petsmart that I will buy tomorrow.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I've been thinking about you and your kitty, not that I'm glad to her it's arthritis but I am glad it isn't something more serious and that there is a treatment available, no doubt he is in good hands with you guys. I will keep your kitty in my prayers for improved health.

 

[stracci2000]

I've been thinking about you and your kitty, not that I'm glad to her it's arthritis but I am glad it isn't something more serious and that there is a treatment available, no doubt he is in good hands with you guys. I will keep your kitty in my prayers for improved health.

Ahh, Stephanie! You just went through such a sad time losing your boy Murphy.
And yet you are thinking of my kitty........

 

[VRBeauty]

Thanks for the update, stracci2000. I hope the medication does the trick!

 

[stracci2000]

This is my baby Phrix (short for Phrixus)

 

[mtsapphirelovingannie]

stracci2000, thank you for the update! I hope the medicine helps.

 

[Missy]

@stracci2000 I am so sorry kitty is in pain but that's good news re it being arthritis vs something worse... Thank you for the update and hoping the medication does the trick! (((HUGS))) to you and your sweet kitty.

(My cat Fred has arthritis and my sister put him on a low steroid dose for the pain fyi).

 

[stracci2000]

@stracci2000 I am so sorry kitty is in pain but that's good news re it being arthritis vs something worse... Thank you for the update and hoping the medication does the trick! (((HUGS))) to you and your sweet kitty.

(My cat Fred has arthritis and my sister put him on a low steroid dose for the pain fyi).

Thanks Missy, for the info. If the Gabapentin doesn't work well, I will ask the vet about steroids.

 

[junebug17]

I'm glad the diagnosis wasn't something more serious stracci but so sorry your beautiful kitty is in pain - I hope the medication helps him feel better.

 

[partgypsy]

Beautiful cat. I'm glad you got it checked out; cats hide when they are sick/feeling vulnerable. Hopefully the medicine will help.

 

[LJsapphire]

Hope he’s well soon!

 

[LaylaR]

Hi stracci,
I'm sorry your kiddo is in such pain. My Lucy has arthritis and we've seen some small changes in her. I would do some independent research on gabapentin for cats. I take it myself for fibromyalgia, it's a nerve not a joint medicine, so I'm surprised at the recommendation for your kid. I'm nowhere near a vet though, so keep that in mind. He's a beautiful baby. I am happy he has you for his mom, taking such good care of him.

 

[stracci2000]

He's been moving around a little more and using the litter box. I started him on glucosamine today.
I'll be thrilled with any improvement.

 

[cmd2014]

I’m glad he’s ok and it’s nothing more serious. Hope he feels better soon!

 

[mtsapphirelovingannie]

He's been moving around a little more and using the litter box. I started him on glucosamine today.
I'll be thrilled with any improvement.

This sounds positive! I hope your kitty continues to respond well to the meds.

 

[stracci2000]

He seems to be slowly improving! He has been moving around a lot more. He seems more alert and gets excited for meals and treats. The meds must be making a difference, yay!

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I'm so glad he is feeling better! The fact he gets excited to eat is a very good thing.

 

[Missy]

He seems to be slowly improving! He has been moving around a lot more. He seems more alert and gets excited for meals and treats. The meds must be making a difference, yay!

Fantastic news @stracci2000!!! So pleased for you all! Sending continued healing vibes and good thoughts for his improvement and comfort!!!

 

[stracci2000]

Here is an update.
It turns out that Phrix has kidney disease, as well as arthritis.
We are giving him enalapril and gabapentin.
Also, special food for renal support.
This is a condition that we can only manage, not cure.
The vet is suggesting subcutaneous fluids, and she showed us how to administer this. This means sticking him in the scruff of his neck with a needle attached to a bag of liquid and forcing a certain amount under the skin. The cat hated it, and I can't imagine subjecting this to him at home, several times a week.
Has anyone done this, and does it help?
He's old and I don't want to make him miserable at the end of his life.
I don't know how much longer we'll have him.

 

[Missy]

Aww @stracci2000, I’m so sorry.

Yes we gave our Billy cat IV fluids the last year of his life on a regular basis. He had kidney and heart disease from years of diabetes which we treated with insulin injections twice a day for years but ultimately he developed kidney disease. He had a good quality of life until he didn’t and then we gave him peace when the time came.

The IV fluids helped and lengthened his quality of life with us. It became less difficult as he got used to it. Sending you hugs and good wishes and keeping you both in my thoughts.


(((Hugs))).