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

Question

I have an elderly cat that continuously yowls, rubs against things, jumps on the counters, and tries to escape. This is brand new behavior that just started about a year ago. Her entire life she was a quiet, easy going cat. I took her to the vet who did a full work up and found nothing. He prescribed trazadone which works ok. I feel awful that I essentially have to drug her to keep her tolerable but every over-the-counter stuff I've tried does not work. I'm at my witts end. She's spayed. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

Dr. Paula Simons · Accepted Answer

It sounds as though Bella may have some signs of developing dementia. Just like humans, elderly pets can develop dementia. The treatment for this is a behavioral modifying drug, like trazadone. Selegiline is another option that is commonly used to treat age related behavioral changes in cats. You can also try using a Feliway diffuser if you do not want to medicate Bella. This works by releasing pheromones that help calm anxious cats.

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

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