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Clever acronym can help spot early signs of dementia in your cat Credits: Social Media
By Tom Llewellyn

Clever acronym can help spot early signs of dementia in your cat

By Tom Llewellyn

Cats are living longer than ever and as a result, more and more of our feline friends are beginning to suffer from diseases associated with old age like dementia. Thankfully, there is an easy-to-remember acronym called VISHDAAL that can help support cat owners in spotting the early signs of dementia.

Cat Brings Therapy And Delight To The Elderly
BERLIN, GERMANY – AUGUST 06: Edith Ehninger, 95, who suffers from dementia, strokes the fur of Mogli during the cat’s weekly visit at the Lutherstift senior care facility on August 6, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. Eva Kullmann, Mogli’s owner, says the weekly visits are vital therapy and spark the curiosity, communication and delight of the facility residents. Friday, August 8, is World Cat Day. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Yes, cats can develop dementia just like humans

Unfortunately, cats can develop dementia just like humans can in a condition typically referred to as feline cognitive dysfunction.

A 2003 study found that almost 30% of cats aged 11-14 demonstrated signs of dementia, rising to 50% by the time that they turned 15.

However, symptoms of dementia in cats can begin to show as early as 6 years old.

Whilst many of these symptoms might have been put down to old age before, scientists are now researching how dementia impacts your cat’s health and how you can help support them.

Speaking to Discover Magazine, veterinary behaviorist Gary Landsberg explained how We can, especially the earlier we diagnose, improve quality of life. If your general veterinary practitioner is seen regularly, they can manage and handle [symptoms] early on, when first detected.

Thankfully, researchers also have a handy way for you to remember the signs of dementia to keep an eye on.

Barbara Smaglinski, a dementia patient at Country Meadows in Wyomissing makes friends with Madison, a facility cat at the center held by Amelia McLean, LPN manager/MOD at Country Meadows. 50 Plus Pets in Retirement Photo by Harold Hoch 1/11/18
Barbara Smaglinski, a dementia patient at Country Meadows in Wyomissing makes friends with Madison, a facility cat at the center held by Amelia McLean, LPN manager/MOD at Country Meadows. 50 Plus Pets in Retirement Photo by Harold Hoch 1/11/18 (Photo by Harold Hoch/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images)

Clever acronym helps spot the early signs of dementia in cats

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh have come up with a clever and easy-to-remember acronym that can help cat owners remember the signs of dementia to look out for: VISHDAAL.

  • V  Excessive Vocalizations, are they making noises far more than usual?
  • I  Changes in social Interactions, are they becoming less playful or distant?
  • S  Changes in Sleeping patterns, are they sleeping more or less than usual?
  • H  House-soiling, are they defecating in the house even when litter-trained?
  • D  Disorientation, are they becoming lost or confused easily?
  • A  Changes in Activity, are they becoming more docile and slower?
  • A  Increased Anxiety, are they becoming more stressed or aggressive?
  • L  Learning and/or memory defects, are they forgetting their favorite toys or their own names?

If you remember this acronym, youll be in a much better position to identify a potential case of dementia in your cat  but what can you do around the house to help your feline friend out?

Little things can have big benefits for cats with dementia

Unfortunately, theres no curative treatment for dementia in cats, but there are various ways that you can help support your feline friends in their time of need.

Purina, one of the largest pet food companies in the world, recommends 9 things that can help cats suffering from dementia:

  1. Avoid changing their favorite spots, food or litter tray locations
  2. Use nightlights or dimmer lights for better sleep patterns
  3. Use ramps, boxes or books to help make getting around easier
  4. Keep their brains active with lots of puzzles and toys
  5. Educate yourself and understand accidents in the house happen
  6. Dietary supplements may offer ways to support a healthier brain
  7. Make litter trays easier to get in and out of
  8. Stick to a rigid daily routine such as keeping the same meal times
  9. Offer more cozy and comfortable spots to relax

The sooner you diagnose [age-related health issues] and not consider them to be parts of normal aging, the better you can manage and prevent their progression, said Landsberg.

If you think that your cat might be suffering from dementia or any other condition, always consult a professional first before making any changes to either your own or your cat’s lifestyle. �