Developing and Validating a Diagnostic Tool for Feline Cognitive Dysfunction

SUMMARY: Researchers will develop a cat owner questionnaire to help veterinarians detect feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome, also known as cat dementia. 

THE PROBLEM: As we improve veterinary care, the cats we share our lives with live longer. With this increase in age comes an increase in certain diseases, including feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome, commonly known as cat dementia. FCDS results in a gradual loss of nerve cells within the brain. This causes several behavioral changes, memory loss and an inability to process information and make decisions. Cat dementia can be challenging to detect as other diseases common in older cats can cause similar signs, such as kidney disease and arthritis. The lack of a simple, validated diagnostic tool for general veterinary practice challenges this condition's rapid diagnosis and monitoring. 

THE PROJECT: Researchers will first design the SeniCat questionnaire to address this issue. The team will then recruit owners of senior cats to participate in a two-phased owner-associated project. The first phase will ask owners to complete the SeniCat to evaluate their cat's likelihood of suffering from FCDS. Researchers will then compare the SeniCat scores to those gained when the owners perform simple spatial memory tests with their cats in their homes. These practical tests have been used before in pet cats to examine memory and the ability to process information. This will help ensure that the SeniCat questionnaire provides accurate cat health information. The project also will look at changes in SeniCat scores and memory/ability to process information over time. The study will exclude cats with other diseases that could result in signs similar to cat dementia. 

POTENTIAL IMPACT: The development and testing of the SeniCat diagnostic tool will help veterinarians to detect cat dementia earlier. Early detection and intervention help manage cat dementia, thereby improving cat welfare. This will enhance the quality of life for the cats with FCDS and their caretaker owners.