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Why is my old cat constantly wandering confusedly, bloodwork normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 13 years old | 7 lbs

Is there an illness to explain my 13yo cat's endless wandering around the apt. Recent bloodwork results were perfect. My Vet is baffled.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2018

Your kitty, since she is old, may be suffering from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. Here is some very good information about this: https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/cognitive-dysfunction

It is not mentioned in the article, but should your vet be able to diagnose dementia (cognitive dysfunction syndrome)in your kitty, a medication called Selegiline (Anipryl) works well in cats. It is also used in dementia in people.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 25th, 2018
Hello, yes older pets can get a form of dementia. This however is a diagnosis of exclusion and we typically recommend making sure that pets do not also suffer form things such as kidney disease, high blood pressure and high thyroid levels. Other causes such as diseases associated with the brain should also be considered.

Have your veterinarian evaluate Mister and determine if bloodwork and checking blood pressure needed at that visit. Hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 9th, 2017
They do get a similar condition that such as dementia where they seem lost and confused and vocalize a lot. There is not much to help except environmental enrichment to keep their brain active. It is worth getting lab work done because hyperthyroid and high blood pressure can contribute to some of these signs
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 24th, 2017
With advancing age comes many complications and disorders. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is one such condition that is directly related to the aging of a cat's brain; it ultimately leads to changes in awareness, deficits in learning and memory, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli. Although the initial symptoms of the disorder are mild, they gradually worsen over time, also known as “cognitive decline.” the symptoms you are describing definitely seem to fit dementia.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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