Experts warn one in ten cats has dementia

One in ten cats is now suffering from dementia as Britain's feline population gets older, experts have warned.

Conditions like Alzheimer's are becoming increasingly common and now affect one million felines.

Vets have reported seeing an increase of cases but fear that many owners do not pick up on the symptoms because they do not associate the condition with their pets.



As in humans, dementia leaves the animals confused and distressed. The progressive condition, caused by degeneration of the brain, can cause them to get lost more often or become reclusive.

Researchers from the University of Edinburgh now believe half of all cats over the age of 15 and a quarter aged 11 to 14, are suffering from "geriatric onset behavioural problems".

Dr Danielle Gunn-Moore, professor of feline medicine at the university, said: "When we look at cats of all ages, we believe about 10 per cent will be affected, which represents about one million cats in Britain."