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Senile Moments in Felines

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Image: Pixabay

What is CDS in Cats?
As your kitty ages, you may unknowingly accept symptoms of senility as par for the course of aging, however feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome is now classified as a medical condition. A sad but true statistic is that 50% of cats older than 15 years of age tend to suffer from some degree of dementia, otherwise known as CDS.

Feline CDS is caused by the production of a wax-like protein sediment (beta amyloid) in the brain. The syndrome is associated to Alzheimer’s disease in humans as they both display similar physical and behavioural characteristics.

Symptoms:

Disorientation

  • appears confused and lost
  • doesn’t remember people or places that were once familiar to them
  • roams mindlessly
  • becomes trapped in corners
  • gets lost in their once familiar home

Changes in Social Interactions

  • withdraws from attention
  • social relations with other animals change
  • doesn’t greet family members like they once did
  • disregard for meal times/appetite loss
  • no longer grooms themselves

Changes in Sleep Cycles

  • sleep cycles are either reversed or interrupted

House Soiling

  • unable to recall litter box training
  • unable to recall where the litter box is located
  • unable to recall what to do once in the litter box

Compulsive Behaviour

  • wails for no apparent reason
  • paces continuously
  • mindlessly licks objects
  • experiences tremors
  • restlessness and/or anxiety

Diagnosing CDS
Diagnosing CDS is more challenging than one would expect. CDS takes on symptoms similar to that of other diseases such as arthritis, kidney disease, deafness, blindness, brain tumors or hyperthyroidism, therefore these conditions must first be ruled out before CDS can be accurately diagnosed.

Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for CDS. However, your veterinarian may prescribe certain medications and behavioural therapy to increase your cat’s cognitive function and slow down any associated decline.

Feed your kitty a wholesome diet enriched with antioxidants, vitamin E, beta carotene and essential fatty acids.

Rearrange your home environment to better accommodate your cat’s condition, such as:

  • placing numerous food and water bowls as well as litter boxes around the home so they are more accessible to your kitty
  • adhering to regular feeding times so your kitty’s expectations to a certain routine are met
  • replacing old litter trays with wider, more shallow rims so your kitty can access them easily. Using sand-like litter is also gentler on their sensitive aging paw pads
  • ensuring any changes to their environment are done incrementally so to avoid your kitty from developing unnecessary anxiety and stress
  • preparing soft and cosy resting spots throughout the home, preferably with a ramp or stairs so your kitty can easily access their numerous safe havens
  • imparting as much love that your cat desires but don’t smother them as this may agitate or stress them out

Prevention
Studies have proven that by physically and mentally stimulating your cat from an early age, you are able to prevent or even offset the negative effects of dementia by keeping their brain young and active. Try some of the following to stimulate your kitty:

  • Provide your cat with mentally-engaging entertainment such as placing bird feeders and bird baths outside your windows for your cat’s amusement.
  • Cat trees are a great source for climbing, discovering and resting.
  • By teaching your cat to walk on a leash, you’re able to expose them to an array of new opportunities, places and discoveries.
  • Food-incentive treats are a terrific way to teach your cat new tricks that stimulate both their mind and body.
  • Disperse limited amounts of cat food around the home in bowls so your kitty is encouraged to seek the food.
  • Puzzle toys reward the cat for their interest by releasing treats. This behaviour imitates that of felines’ natural hunting tendencies and will keep your kitty stimulated both mentally and physically.

Feline senility can be a very traumatic experience, not only for you, but your cat too. Remember to continuously invigorate and entertain your kitty throughout their life so their bodies remain agile and able and their minds sharp. When your cat reaches their “geriatric” years, it’s essential to realise that undesired actions are unintentional on their part and they too, are undergoing stress and frustrations, if not more, than what you are, so acceptance, patience and compassion are key.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.

Organic Pet Food

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Organic Pet Food - image

Nature appears to be leaving science in its wake as people increasingly place their faith in organic pet food made in a kitchen over those made in a laboratory. Just as we scrutinise the safety and origin of the foods we consume, don’t our four-legged friends deserve the same consideration?

What is ‘Organic’ Food?

Organic pet foods are free from any artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives or any contact with pesticides. Furthermore, they are prepared from meat and meat by-products that do not comprise antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic foods are made with minimal, if any, fillers and some are even enriched with antioxidants to promote your pet’s wellbeing. Animal sources used in the production of organic food must be allowed to live free range, thereby moving around freely outdoors.

Benefits of Organic Pet Food

  • Reduces Allergies and Ailments

Artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives, chemical additives and pesticides found in conventional pet food could be the root of all evil concerning your fur baby’s allergies. Allergies triggered by the diverse chemical additives in various pet foods and treats can result in allergic reactions that could range from mild to potentially critical. As organic pet foods don’t contain these abovementioned ingredients and are made from quality grain and protein sources, they stand to be especially nutritious, thereby strengthening your pet’s immune system, so it’s better fortified to fight infections and reduce their overall allergic responses.

  • Weight Control

You’re better able to control your pet’s weight by ensuring they get all the essential nutrients in one organic meal. They feel more satiated consuming smaller quantities of a higher quality meal that provides them with optimal energy and helps them keep those extra kilos at bay.

  • Reduces Digestive Issues

Organic food is far more palatable and digestive than conventional pet food because it doesn’t contain artificial ingredients, toxic chemicals and bulk fillers. Their digestive tract is better able to metabolise the superior forms of proteins and grains, thereby enabling your furry pal to eliminate less, with more predictability as well as more solid and less smelly excretions.

  • Improves Overall Health and Immunity

Because organic pet food is easier to digest than conventional pet food, your pet can efficiently absorb, rather than eliminate, the required nutrients, thereby supporting a healthy immune system to keep costly infections and illnesses at bay.

  • Empowers your pet to live their best life

Just like humans, what our pets eat has direct repercussions on what they look and feel like. Organic pet food empowers our four-legged family members to embrace a fuller, more energetic, healthier and happier life. With a healthy body weight, more energy to play, walk and run, along with a fortified immune system leading to reduced incidences of illness, an organic diet can extend their life expectancy and enhance your pet’s quality of life for years to follow.

Downsides to Organic Pet Food

  • The extent of how much healthier organic pet food is than high-quality commercial food is still inconclusive. Always consult with your veterinarian concerning your pet’s individual nutritional requirements.
  • Organic pet foods maybe challenging to source as only specialised pet stores or health shops may stock it.
  • Being relatively new to the market, you may struggle to find a suitable fit of organic food to suit your pet’s personal preferences.
  • Lastly, as with everything, there’s a cost consideration. Organic foods are heftier in price than commercial pet foods but some vow that the additional pennies spent are well worth it.

Assessing the Organic Pet Food Options

If the initial ingredients on the food packet read carbohydrates and fillers, you can be confident that the product content is highly processed and subsequently unhealthy. Also keep in mind that organic food doesn’t automatically equate to nutritionally healthy. Some organic foods are still high in sugar and contain other ingredients that may be difficult for your pet to digest so try to avoid these products. Despite all the health benefits, remember that organic treats do contain energy that may convert into weight gain and other health issues if given in excess, so moderation is key!

Specific qualities of food you should inspect prior to purchasing and feeding your furry loved-one:

  • Comparatively low cereal or grain content
  • Good balance of vitamins and nutrients
  • High meat content
  • Least amount of processed constituents
  • Label on the packet or tin informing you that the pet food concerned forms part of a complete diet

Always research the brands you purchase to check whether they have been accredited by a certification body and consult your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet. Visiting an organic brand’s website will also give you a clearer idea of what you and your pet can expect from them.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson