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Aging Cat's Caterwauls Could Be a Sign of Dementia


I receive many letters like yours about old cats that become restless yowlers, making sleep difficult for the whole family.

This condition, also seen in old dogs, is called cognitive dysfunction syndrome and is a form of dementia. In most cases, dogs respond quite well to the drug Selegiline, and cats to anxiety-relieving drugs such as Valium or Xanax, administered an hour or so before their bedtime.

A thorough veterinary checkup is called for, however, because there are other reasons why old cats might become restless at night. The pain from chronic arthritis is a common cause. In such cases, a pain reliever and a cozy sleeping area with a heat lamp or warm pad are good ideas.

Dear Dr. Fox:

My 10-year-old female pug has a mast cell tumor behind her right front leg. She has mobility problems and is incontinent at times. I don't want to have surgery performed. What are my options? Alternative medicine? Vitamins?

A.S.

Bridgeport, Conn.