My old cat is yowling and restless after vet check. Is it dementia?

Your kitty is likely senile. She will howl because all of a sudden she thinks she is all alone, or forgets where she is. This is why she stops when you talk to her,...she realizes you are there and she was not left somewhere. You may want to consult with your vet about prescribing Selegiline (Anipryl) for her, which is a medicine for senile cats (and people also) and works very well.

Hi Alix, You can try using Rescue Remedy (for pets, not people) and also some Feliway diffusers around your house. If they don't help, you need to talk to your vet about getting some anti-anxiety medication that may work better. ( https://www.chewy.com/rescue-remedy-stress-relief-pet/dp/135502 ) ( https://www.chewy.com/feliway-30-day-starter-kit-plug-in/dp/121785 )

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.

Hello. What you're describing is not uncommon among older cats. It could indicate the type of cognitive dysfunction, vision issues, or even other neurological issues. The dose for alprazolam and other sedatives can range very greatly as well as depend on underlying conditions your cat may have. Generally speaking animals have a higher metabolic rate the smaller they are so smaller animals often require higher dosages of certain medications the bigger animals such as us. Unfortunately we are not legally allowed to approve dosages for any medications we did not prescribe as your veterinarian. However if you contact your veterinarian they may be able to give you verbal authorization for a dose.

Poor Bella. It is very hard watching our loved ones get older. I would recommend not making changes in the house. This way Bella can go off memory of where things are like furniture. If you notice she just started having vision issues most animals will adapt to their surroundings with in a few weeks. I think taking her to an opthomologist would be great. Sometimes us general practice doctors don't have the best equipment to look at the eyes. It is possible an eye doctor will have better insit into her vision issues after an exam.

That’s a tough one! I don’t think the vet would think you are wasting their time as it’s always beneficial to have a physical exam and I think in Stinky Pete’s case, it would be beneficial. Hyperthyroidism can cause increased activity and increased vocalizing and is common in older cats. Older cats can also get dementia which presents the same way. Lastly, older pets can be more prone to anxiety, just like older humans. The vet may test the thyroid and go from there based upon the results. Many of these cats will get sedatives at night if anxiety is suspected. You could also try a pheromone diffuser called Feliway. There is also a prescription diet called Calm which some cats respond well to. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Miss Sassy may be suffering from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, or in other words, be a bit senile. This causes her to all of a sudden not knowing where she is , feeling all alone or left behind. You can leave on a radio over night or a light or both and this may help. If not , there are medications that can be given such as selegiline (Anipryl, off license for cats) which will help . Here is some good information: https://www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/cognitive-dysfunction You may want to discuss this with your vet.