Dementia going to the cats and dogs
It’s not just older Australian pet owners but also their cats and dogs that are now apparently suffering from dementia and non-recognition in their own households.
As cats and dogs are living longer, 28% of cats aged 11 to 14 years are developing at least one geriatric-onset behavioural problem, according to a study published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice.
The executive officer of the Australian Small Animal Veterinary Association, Matthew Miles, said that “what we call cognitive dysfunction is remarkably similar to what happens in people”.
For cats over 15 the study found that the older behavioural problems extended to 50% of the cats checked. The signs included cats and dogs forgetting their owners, having restless nights, inappropriate urination, and dogs barking at odd times.
