Help with a senior cat with dementia

[debf]

I hope someone can give me some advice. Have owned cats all my life and now have one 18 year old who was showing some issues for a bit-sometimes looked lost, meowed alot, etc. I recently had her to the vet 2 weeks ago for a checkup-all bloodwork came back great, including thyroid. She has had some loose stool issues which I think are due to stress-my other cat tends to bully her. Suddenly last Friday night, she started pacing around the house, yowling at the top of her lungs, jumping on things that she normally would not go on and trying to get out my window. This went on and off for 4 hours. I took her back to the vet the next day and they told me that she had alot of gas in her tummy so maybe she had been in pain. Recommended baby gas drops. Her bp was fine and no temp. Since then, she has changed completely. Paces and howls almost all the time. Constantly looking to eat and drink water. She was never really a cuddler but used to lay next to me on the couch at night. She just looks so distressed and constantly looks to follow me around. I can pet her, but something just seems different.I tried giving her calming chew treats which she eats but doesn't seem to do anything. Now my vet recommended trying melatonin and something called Neutricks. I have melatonin at home and vet said I could use human form, but the Neutricks is hard to find online. I read reviews and someone said their vet recommended Senilife for dogs for her cat and it made a difference, so I ordered some but it will take a few days to get here. Before I left for work this morning, I was so upset as she was just up and down the stairs and walking all around and yowling-jumping in the tub. She is eating well and I am going to try to giving her a higher dose of melatonin later. I am just looking to see if anyone has had any experience with this and any advice.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi and welcome to TCS. I am not saying your cat doesn't have some level of dementia, but the issue with the gas in her tummy - and her looser stools - are something I think you should pursue further. Maybe x-rays or an ultrasound could reveal something?

Btw, how did the vet determine she had excess gas in her stomach? Has she undergone any food changes that might coincide with the belly gas and looser stools? If not, even cats who have been eating the same thing for a long time can start to experience an intolerance.

It's great that her blood work is good, but that probably is not any way to rule out all possible physical (vs. mental) causes. No amount of calming treatments and or cognitive function aids are going to correct whatever is causing the excess gas production, which is likely very uncomfortable, can even cause pain, and could easily be behind some of her behavior. Cats are kind of like babies and sometimes misinterpret stomach/digestive issues for hunger - that could explain her looking to eat and drink more. And, as you mentioned stress can also be a factor in digestive issues.

While she might have some cognitive issues, if it were me, I would want to also look more into possible digestive tract problems being part of the culprit.

 

[debf]

Thank you for getting back to me. You have certainly given me something to think about. I had a prior cat that developed dementia at 20 years old and also had kidney issues and I was giving her sub q fluids 3x a week at home, but it wasn't to this level. Last year my current cat had a bad day and when I took her to the vet, they did do an xray and saw the gas pocket in her stomach. There is a shot they give her-I think its called regalin- and that seems to help her. This time, the vet felt her stomach and said she could feel the gas. With her being 18, I really don't want to go through alot of testing. I guess I just assumed that if she had a belly ache, she wouldn't eat and her appetite has been really good. Usually when she is going to have loose stools, she doesn't eat well. As a human that suffers from stomach issues, I do know how painful and uncomfortable they can be. I may start giving her the gas drops multiple times a day as the vet said that was perfectly fine to do and I may need to have another conversation with my vet to see if there are any other stomach meds I can try. She also gets a probiotic in her food once a day which has seemed to help with the loose stools.
I appreciate your input and please let me know if you can add anything to these additional comments.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Here is another thread about dementia which has some links that might be helpful: Search Results for Query: epilepsy

The link from Today's Veterminary Practices has some ideas of how to help with food, play, etc. if you scroll down a little.

 

[FeebysOwner]

I can't add much, but do know that older cats seem to do better if they are given smaller more frequent meals. And, of course, more wet than dry food is better. Of course, any food adjustments have to be done gradually and multiple types of changes all at once can skew what changes are making a difference or not. If she is on a feeding schedule, you might change it so that she has food available more often.

When they did the x-rays, did it include her intestinal tract as well?

There will likely be other signs of dementia beside the howling. So, if I were you I'd look for other signs of dementia, and if they are not really present, this sounds more like a discomfort issue. Things like periods where she doesn't seem to be aware of her surroundings, stares off into space or at walls, forgets normal routines/patterns that she has in her life. Sadly, these things can also be affected by pain/discomfort too.

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. She sounds like a hyperthyroid cat. Sometimes the standard testing does not pick it up and you have to do more involved testing. This is a good article on it. It is written for Veterinarians, but should be helpful.
Recognizing and confirming feline hyperthyroidism

Can you post your cat’s recent bloodwork?

I have also seen cats with renal disease act this way. As well as cats that have become deaf and/or lost vision.

 

[debf]

I appreciate all the replies as I am having breakfast after getting about 2 1/2 hours of sleep last night. I really don't know what to do. She was good when I got home from work- eating not too much pacing or meowing and enjoyed laying and looking out the window. However that all changed around 10 pm- the pacing and yowling got worse. I gave her the gas drops and melatonin but I literally did not see her sleep more than 20 mins at a time. She kept coming to my room and jumping on the bed looking to be petted and this cat never comes on my bed. She did let me cuddle her for a bit, which is also unusual. Then it was up and down all night. I finally got up at 3am and sat with her while she got a treat of tuna fish. Then I opened a window so she could lay on it. But at 5:30 she was back on my bed. Now she ate and is starting her pacing and meowing. I can't open the window because it's raining and extremely humid.
I am starting to feel she may have a brain tumor or something deeply neurological going on. She does have occasional seizures from loud noises- it's called FARS. And had one the other night but was pretty much her old calm self after, almost like her brain reset. She acts like a cat on speed.
I am going to call my vet and see if she can maybe give me something to calm her. I am not sure I can go thru another night like last and I feel like my only option might be the saddest one. I am working from home today which means I can be with her but also my anxiety will be up because this has me so upset.

 

[debf]

Hi. She sounds like a hyperthyroid cat. Sometimes the standard testing does not pick it up and you have to do more involved testing. This is a good article on it. It is written for Veterinarians, but should be helpful.
Recognizing and confirming feline hyperthyroidism

Can you post your cat’s recent bloodwork?

I have also seen cats with renal disease act this way. As well as cats that have become deaf and/or lost vision.

I have a call into my vet. Thyroid was on my list but vet said the reading came back perfect, but my cat sure does have all the symptoms. My other old cat had kidney disease and acted like this, but my vet said Luna's readings were just slightly high and no cause for concern.
I appreciate your help.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Did she see a neurologist when she was diagnosed with FARS? It might be an idea to see one and explain this new development, there is a possibility it is connected. From what I read, FARS usually impacts high pitched noises, and I am wondering if she is hearing something that is of a frequency that you can't hear. Just a wild guess on my part, but a neurologist would obviously be able to provide better insight.

 

[debf]

Did she see a neurologist when she was diagnosed with FARS? It might be an idea to see one and explain this new development, there is a possibility it is connected. From what I read, FARS usually impacts high pitched noises, and I am wondering if she is hearing something that is of a frequency that you can't hear. Just a wild guess on my part, but a neurologist would obviously be able to provide better insight.

She did not see a neurologist as I was also coping with a cat with cancer who had to have a leg amputated at the same time. But I have read up on it and know what noises set her off. I spoke to a vet today who is not my usual vet and she is trying her on gabapentin and wants me to start the supplement for cognitive function as soon as it arrives.

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. I would strongly suggest getting a referral to an internal medicine specialist. Slightly high renal values mean renal disease.
Can you post the bloodwork?

 

[debf]

Hi. I would strongly suggest getting a referral to an internal medicine specialist. Slightly high renal values mean renal disease.
Can you post the bloodwork?

I am very familiar with renal disease. My 21 year old cat lived an extra 2 years with me giving her sub q fluids at home 3x a week.
My vet said the readings are not abnormal for her age.

 

[debf]

Just wanted to give an update. Had 2 rough nights with Luna a week and a half ago and my vet suggested gabapentin but it didn't seem to help and made her wobbly the next morning. I started her on Senilife supplements along with her probiotics and we had a great week! A little pacing and crying, but I can handle that.
However yesterday around 4 pm she started pacing and howling. I gave her some calming chews and she took a 15 min nap but was then back up. This continued most of the night, so again I am working on about 3 hours of sleep. I got up at 5:30 and gave her some tuna which she gobbled down. Then got back up at 7 because I could still hear her. I then gave her a can of her favorite and she ate alot.
I am not sure how much longer I can do this as I never know what kind of night I will have and my anxiety disorder is peaking.
I am thinking about trying some CBD oil from a pet Cafe near me. I used it for my cat who.had cancer but it was prescribed by a holistic vet and I really don't want to have to wait for an appt as she is very booked up.
Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[FeebysOwner]

There are still things to consider that could be Luna's issue besides dementia. The belly gas, possibly extending into her intestines, and whether or not it is still present. Some aspect of her FARS, from some 'newer' sounds in the area that began around the time of her behavior change which you can't even hear, or take for granted. Going to an internal med vet/neurologist doesn't mean you have to agree to a battery of tests should that be what they suggest. Sharing with the records your current vet has on file for Luna could be a starting point, and they might have some ideas as to what is behind this - maybe they will say it is dementia. At least you would get another opinion.

Have you considered trying the Reglan again? Maybe the vet would prescribe it again, without much fanfare, since they have done so for Luna in the past?

Perhaps, CBD oil can help. I hope it does. You might want to book an appt. with the holistic vet as a 'follow up' to you trying the CBD oil

 

[Krienze]

CBD oil really helped my dog, Jack, when we were going through his health crisis (he had cancer, and as he got further up there we do believe he had dementia, but never got a diagnosis.) I hope it helps you!!

 

[debf]

There are still things to consider that could be Luna's issue besides dementia. The belly gas, possibly extending into her intestines, and whether or not it is still present. Some aspect of her FARS, from some 'newer' sounds in the area that began around the time of her behavior change which you can't even hear, or take for granted. Going to an internal med vet/neurologist doesn't mean you have to agree to a battery of tests should that be what they suggest. Sharing with the records your current vet has on file for Luna could be a starting point, and they might have some ideas as to what is behind this - maybe they will say it is dementia. At least you would get another opinion.

Have you considered trying the Reglan again? Maybe the vet would prescribe it again, without much fanfare, since they have done so for Luna in the past?

Perhaps, CBD oil can help. I hope it does. You might want to book an appt. with the holistic vet as a 'follow up' to you trying the CBD oil

Thank you for the advice. I believe the Reglan is an injection thar the vet gives.
I did give her CBD oil yesterday and she finally calmed down and took a nice nap! She paced and howled a little before bedtime buy was good the rest of the night until she looked for breakfast at 5 AM.

 

[debf]

CBD oil really helped my dog, Jack, when we were going through his health crisis (he had cancer, and as he got further up there we do believe he had dementia, but never got a diagnosis.) I hope it helps you!!

Thanks for your reply. I know the CBD oil definitely gave us more time with our Oliver after his leg was amputated due to cancer.
Luna calmed down after I gave her the CBD yesterday and was good all night. However, this morning I mixed it in her food and as soon as she tasted it, she was done! Going to have to get stinky food to cover it up!

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Thank you for the advice. I believe the Reglan is an injection thar the vet gives.
I did give her CBD oil yesterday and she finally calmed down and took a nice nap! She paced and howled a little before bedtime buy was good the rest of the night until she looked for breakfast at 5 AM.

We used to give one of our old cats Reglan in pill form. So glad the CBD calmed her down.

 

[debf]

Just wanted to give an update. Luna has been on CBD for over a week now and so far we only had one restless night. That night, I didn't get as much into her as she must have tasted it in the food and wouldn't eat it.
I give her 4 drops in the morning and 5 in the evening- it's CBD made for animals. Still tweaking the schedule and the amount- she is tiny, just a little over 5 lbs. I tried rubbing it on her gum like the lady in the store told me, but as you can imagine, that didn't go well!
Anyone have any feedback?

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Does she eat any treats? I used to give mine CBD (for pets) by dropping or two drops onto treats and let it soak in before giving them. They never rejected a treat given that way. I use freeze dried chicken as my treats and it seems to soak up the CBD pretty well.

I'm so glad it seems to be working well for your little old lady