A feline’s behavior can change as age catches up because the organ functions start to decline as time progresses. It becomes essential to look out for behavioral and personality changes so you can get any medical help required asap.
Feline cognitive dysfunction, or FCD, is a condition related to a cat’s aging brain. A kitty suffering from this condition can have memory problems and less awareness of its surroundings, be deficient in learning, and show a reduced response to stimuli.
If your aging cat has been behaving weirdly of late, like being confused about locations, getting trapped in remote corners, not being able to remember where its regularly used things are (litter box, water fountain, food bowl, etc.), or isn’t conscious about what time it is then it possibly is suffering from FCD.
Also, it is worth noting that a senior kitty can be dealing with a combination of physical health issues due to progressing age. This is one reason you should consider being equipped with pet insurance for cats from early in its life – because health conditions aren’t insurable after they’re diagnosed.
Contemplate purchasing the best pet insurance for your fluffy friend as early as possible so it is optimally covered for specific health conditions, and you don’t have to feel much financial heat during unplanned vet visits and medical emergencies.
In the meantime, read this article to learn how to identify feline cognitive dysfunction.
Knowing FCD
Typically, this condition begins as a mild issue but can significantly worsen over time. Identifying the problem can be pretty challenging because there won’t be any drastic behavioral changes at the onset of this disorder.
However, you can look for signs mentioned below in felines over ten years so you can get early clues about the problem.
Disorientation, changes in type and level of interaction with other animals and people, altered sleep patterns and wake times, soiling the house, and changes in energy levels are certain red flags you should watch out for.
Also, restlessness, irritability, lack of desire to play/groom, excessive licking, not being able to follow its routine and comply with house rules, urinary/fecal incontinence, appetite loss, and increased vocalization can indicate underlying health conditions that need to be addressed.
Meet your vet to understand the root cause of your kitty cat’s problems. It could be FCD or something else, so your vet will be the best person to confirm it. Note that although FCD can’t be cured, it can be managed.
Help your cat deal with it by providing the best quality treatments, therapies, and support. A well-planned routine that includes moderate exercise, nutritious food, playtime, training, and mental stimulation activities can help ensure your senior fur baby grows old peacefully makeeover.
At the same time, consider being prepared with pet insurance for cats because an aging pet is more susceptible to physical health issues and often in need of timely medical assistance. This can be especially critical if the older cat is dealing with chronic health issues for a long time.
Contemplate purchasing the best pet insurance so your senior furry buddy is assured comprehensive health coverage with potentially lower financial implications.
