Cats get Alzheimer’s Disease too
Just when I thought the negative aspects of getting old were the cosmetic changes like raggedy fur and gnarled claws (not to mention the give-away grey hairs) I now discover that cats get Alzheimer’s Disease too!
There is one fear that I have about growing old – the threat of dementia. To tell you the truth I don’t like to think about it. I have seen humans taken this way, in the prime of their perspicacity and, frankly, it’s not pretty. It’s a sad and sorry thing for all the relatives and friends concerned.
We are all living longer, cats, dogs and people too. So all those age-related illnesses are wreaking havoc…. including the frightening Alzheimer’s Disease.
I confess …
Some mornings I’m not at my best. But can any of us say that we always wake up vital, vigourous, looking a million dollars and in full possession of our faculties?
Many is the morning when I need a little more time to wake up fully. The woman who feeds me is trained to bring me gently-warmed little bags from the microwave and to place them softly on my blanket.
Some mornings, I can wake up and wonder where I am. It takes me a good five minutes to remember. I have been known to forget the woman too, and I may take a a little while to recollect her. On these occasions, she speaks in a quiet voice to me until my little grey cells chug back into full working order.
Do you have an aged grandparent? If you have dealings with older humans then you know about making allowances for them. If you have an older cat in your household, then you do the same. Just a little bit of respect please.
Sadly, senility can come to us all. It’s caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain due to a slowdown in lung and heart function.
Do you have “Senior Moments“? It’s no big deal, they hit me sometimes so don’t be embarrassed if you experience a little lapse every now and then.
I’m definitely less tolerant than ever – and you better believe I wasn’t known for being overly friendly in the first place! I get really jumpy when the very small humans want to stroke me and, as for strangers coming to the house, they are always warned to stay well clear of me altogether.
Being a bit bad tempered and cranky is part of getting older, but it’s not dementia.
How to Protect Yourself against Feline Dementia
For a start – you have to get your human to understand that cats get dementia too.
Next you have to let them know that a good diet, mental stimulation and companionship will reduce the risk of dementia in both cats and people.
If cats and their humans live in a poor environment with little company and stimulation, they are both at higher risk of dementia. So it’s up to us to keep our people in good health!
Regardless of how your person feels, instigate some playtime. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, a bit of feather on a string will keep you both entranced for a half hour or more. Make sure you both have a good diet enriched with antioxidants. Share some healthy meals and both of you can stay in good nick for a long long time.