As a holistic veterinarian, I’m often asked whether cats have their own version of Alzheimer's. The short answer: yes—and the science is catching up in remarkable ways. A new cross-species analysis using advanced MRI shows that cats and humans share strikingly similar brain-aging trajectories, including brain volume loss and ventricular enlargement with age. This work aligned feline and human ages across development to late life, reinforcing that senior cats can model human brain aging into our equivalent 80s(1).
Even more compelling, a peer-reviewed study of senior cats with cognitive dysfunction found amyloid-β lodged within synapses—and support cells (microglia and astrocytes) actively engulfing those synapses near plaques. In humans with Alzheimer’s disease, synapse loss predicts thinking and memory decline. Seeing the same synaptic pathology in cats tells us we’re looking at shared disease biology, not just similar behavior.
One Health: Why Human and Feline Brain Health Inform Each Other
One Health recognizes that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment. When we learn about brain aging in cats—and support our cats with better nutrition and enrichment—we also deepen our understanding of human brain health, and vice versa.
How Dementia Differs from Normal Aging in Cats
Distinguishing between cat dementia and the natural process of aging can be challenging. It's normal for a senior cat to slow down, become less active, or sleep for more hours during the day. However, dementia involves specific behavioral and cognitive shifts that go beyond typical age-related changes and impact brain function more severely.
While a cat might become less playful with age, a cat with dementia might seem to forget how to play or lose interest in favorite toys altogether. The key difference lies in the changes; normal aging involves a gradual physical slowdown, whereas dementia consists of a decline in cognitive abilities that leads to confusion and distress.
Distinguishing Dementia Symptoms Vs Aging
Changes in the way your cat acts may be a sign of feline dementia, but it can also mean other health problems that come with aging. Your veterinarian will rule out other health conditions before saying your cat has feline dementia. Many of these problems can be treated, especially if you find out about them early on.
Your vet will do a full physical exam and may also run diagnostic tests like blood work and a urinalysis. This is to be sure the signs of feline dementia aren't actually from another health condition. For instance, arthritis pain can make a cat skip grooming and stop using the litter box. Hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure can lead to vocalizing at night.
Health conditions: dementia in cats signs that are similar
- Hyperthyroidism, which is an overactive thyroid gland
- High blood pressure
- Chronic kidney disease
- Arthritis, which is also called degenerative joint disease
- Vision or hearing loss
Symptoms of Dementia in Cats
Many families notice changes in their older cats and chalk it up to “getting old.” But certain behavioral shifts deserve attention. Veterinarians often use the DISHA framework:
- Disorientation (getting lost, staring, confusion)
- Altered Interactions (clinginess or irritability)
- Sleep–wake disruptions (night waking, yowling)
- House-soiling (forgetting litter habits)
- Activity changes (pacing, wandering, or withdrawal)
Prevalence estimates suggest ~28% of cats 11–14 show at least one change consistent with cognitive decline, rising to >50% at ≥15 years. Always rule out medical causes (pain, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, vision/hearing loss) with your veterinarian.
Contributing Factors
The main reason behind feline dementia is that, as a cat gets older, the brain cells start to accumulate beta-amyloid protein. This harms the brain's ability to receive and process information, leading to memory issues and changes in behavior. Many cats with cognitive dysfunction show less interest in food or do not want to be around people as much.
Factors that can play a part in signs of cognitive dysfunction:
- Ultraprocessed foods
- Poor blood flow in the brain
- Having high blood pressure
- Problems like chronic kidney disease
- Not getting the right nutrients from a poor diet
- Lack of enrichment
- Being overweight
Caring for a Cat With Dementia
Ultra-Processed Foods vs. Real Food
In human studies, higher ultra-processed food (UPF) intake is associated with faster cognitive decline and higher dementia risk, while swapping UPFs for minimally processed foods relates to lower risk. These are associations, not proof—but they strengthen a shared “food matters” message for people and pets. Cats are obligate carnivores with different needs than humans, but processing intensity and nutrient quality affect biology across species.
DHA (Omega-3) and MCTs
- DHA (from marine oils): In a 12-month randomized trial, middle-aged and older cats fed a multi-nutrient blend containing fish oil (DHA source), B-vitamins, antioxidants, and arginine performed better on learning and memory tests. This supports DHA-inclusive nutrition for feline brain health, though the benefit was shown as part of a combination(4).
- MCTs (from coconut oil): In dogs, MCT-enriched diets improve cognitive performance and provide ketones as an alternative brain fuel. Holistic Vet Blend's feline recipes incorporate
- My One-Health take: Just as we encourage older adults to emphasize minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods to protect brain function, I encourage cat families to reduce ultra-processed diets and prioritize fresh, balanced, species-appropriate meals—with targeted nutrients that support the brain.
What We Offer (Holistic Vet Blend)
- Not ultra-processed: Holistic Vet Blend premixes are designed to balance fresh, home-prepared meals, giving you control over ingredients without 12 separate supplements and guesswork.
- Thoughtful fats: Our feline formulations incorporate coconut oil with MCTs alongside a balanced fat profile. While feline-specific MCT cognition trials are limited, evidence in dogs and humans supports MCTs’ role as brain fuel; we use them sensibly.
- Targeted omega-3s: Green Omega-3 (rich in DHA) complements homemade recipes. DHA is a structural building block of neuronal membranes in older cats.
- Holistic Vet Blend Senior Feline Blend has added B vitamins, which seniors are less efficient at absorbing, quality human-grade protein that is rich in amino acids like arginine, and fiber for feeding a healthy microbiome. The meat is lightly cooked in coconut oil, which is rich in MCT, which are beneficial as energy for the brain.
Daily Enrichment to Protect “Brain Function” and Good Quality of Life
Nutrition and enrichment work together. Easy, high-yield ideas:
- Foraging & puzzles: Scatter treats in snuffle mats or use puzzle feeders to engage seeking circuits.
- Short, frequent play: 2–3 mini sessions/day with wand toys; finish with a small protein snack to complete the “hunt.”
- Predictable routine & safe routes: Night lights, extra litter boxes (one per cat +1), steps/ramps to favorite perches, warmed bedding.
- Sensory variety: Rotating novel scents (catnip, silvervine), textures, and perches; window views with bird feeders outside.
- Gentle social time: Brushing, massage, or quiet lap time reduces stress and improves sleep-wake rhythms.
Home Adjustments and Environmental Enrichment
Making some basic changes around the house can help a lot for a cat with dementia. Cats with dementia often feel lost, so it is important to help your cat feel safe in places she knows well. You want the area to be simple and easy to move around in. This can help your cat feel less confused and less stressed.
Keeping your cat engaged with household activities is helpful for her brain function. Engaging in gentle games and simple activities with your cat may help slow down cognitive decline. Things like puzzle feeders and treat balls give her something to try and make her think. These activities for cats are a lot like crossword puzzles for older people. They can help keep your cat’s mind working and strong.
Here are a few easy adjustments to make:
- Give your cat litter boxes with low sides for easy access.
- Place extra food and water bowls all around the house.
- Place nightlights in areas where your cat can see better in the dark.
- Leave the furniture and other things in familiar places.
- Make a smaller "safe space" that has everything she needs, especially at night.
Supporting Daily Routines and Reducing Stress
Cats with cognitive dysfunction tend to do well when their daily routine remains consistent. The best way to help your senior cat feel calm is to keep a regular schedule. This includes feeding, playtime, and sleep. If there is a big change in their daily routine, the cat might feel lost or worried. Sticking to the same plan can lower cats’ stress and help them feel good and safe.
Here are ways to reduce stress:
- Maintain a consistent daily routine.
- Avoid major environmental changes, like moving furniture or adopting a new pet.
- Use calming pheromone diffusers to create a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Provide cozy, quiet resting spots away from household noise.
Practical “Starter Plan” (3 steps)
- See your vet: Screen for pain, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, kidney disease, vision/hearing loss.
- Upgrade the bowl: Transition from ultra-processed only to fresh, balanced meals (use a premix to ensure completeness). Add Green Omega-3 (DHA); consider Holistic Vet Blend Senior Feline formula.
- Enrich the day: Daily play, puzzles, predictable routines, and environmental tweaks.
Bottom line
Diet is not optional for brain health—it's foundational. In people, higher ultra-processed food intake tracks with worse brain outcomes. In cats, we now see shared aging patterns and overlapping disease mechanisms with human dementia at the synapse level. Feed fresh, balanced, minimally processed food; layer on DHA-rich omega-3s and sensible MCTs; and build daily enrichment into your cat’s routine. You’ll be supporting cognitive function and quality of life—the same way we protect our own brains.
Ready to start?
Try a Holistic Vet Blend feline premix with Green Omega-3 and our enrichment checklist. Let’s nourish your cat like family—because they are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there treatments or medications that help cats with dementia?
There is no cure for cat dementia. But veterinary medicine does have some treatment options to help manage the symptoms, especially anxiety at night. These can make your cat’s quality of life better. Some options include using nutritional supplements and feeding a fresh diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Can I give melatonin to my cat?
In theory, melatonin can help regulate sleep cycles. A starting dose is 1 mg before bedtime, but check with your veterinarian to confirm what is best for your cat.
References
(1)Januel C, Morrow E, Gibson R, et al. Cat brains age like humans: Translating Time shows pet cats live to be natural models for human aging (preprint). bioRxiv/PMC. (MRI-based age alignment across cats & humans; atrophy patterns and cross-species mapping). PubMed
(2)McGeachan RI, et al. Amyloid-β pathology increases synaptic engulfment by glia in feline CDS. Eur J Neurosci. 2025. (Peer-reviewed; synaptic Aβ and glial engulfment mirroring human AD). PMC
(3)CDC One Health overview; WHO One Health definition. CDCWorld Health Organization
(4)Gunn-Moore DA, et al. Cognitive dysfunction and the neurobiology of ageing in cats. J Small Anim Pract. 2007. (Prevalence and clinical overview). PubMed
(5)Pan Y, et al. Cognitive enhancement in middle-aged and old cats with a nutrient blend including fish oil (DHA). Br J Nutr. 2013. (Randomized, controlled; combination formula improved cognition). Cambridge University Press & Assessment
