1. Open the application and start a chat with a certified vet.
2. Talk to the vet regarding the concern that is faced by your little one or have a regular chat about your pet’s health. 
3. You would be presented with a personalized plan for your pet as soon as the expert asess’s your furry friend’s condition.

• Reduced stress: Pets often experience higher levels of stress and anxiety when visiting a traditional veterinary clinic due to the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. CuddlyTails is an online platform that allows them to receive care from the comfort of their home environment, minimizing stress and potential complications.
• Video and photo consultation: CuddlyTails allows owners to share videos or photos of their pets, enabling the veterinarian to observe the pet’s behavior, mobility, and any potential issues in their familiar surroundings. This can provide valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.
• Accessibility to specialists: CuddlyTails provides access to a network of specialists, who can offer expert guidance on caring for pets and addressing any unique challenges they may face.
• Personalized advice: Through consultations and detailed discussions with the owner, CuddlyTails can offer personalized advice on creating a safe and enriching environment for pets, including tips on litter box placement, feeding routines, and navigating the home.

As cats reach their senior years, some develop a condition similar to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in humans, called feline cognitive dysfunction. While not every aged cat experiences this, it’s estimated that over 50% of cats aged fifteen years and older show at least some signs of age-related cognitive decline.

What is Feline Cognitive Dysfunction?
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction refers to a progressive decline in brain function that becomes more pronounced as cats get older. It is caused by degenerative changes in the brain, including a buildup of protein deposits and a decrease in the number and function of brain cells. This disrupts biological processes involved in memory, cognition, and awareness.

Signs of Feline Cognitive Dysfunction in Cats
Cognitive dysfunction in senior cats can be visible in various ways, including:

• Disorientation and confusion are among the most common signs of cognitive decline in senior cats. They may get trapped in corners or behind furniture, unable to navigate out. They fail to recognize familiar rooms, people, or even their own reflections at times. This confusion can be unsettling for cats.
• Changes in sleep-wake cycles are also prevalent, with increased vocalization, wandering, and overall restlessness during the night when they would normally be sleeping. Their day-night cycle becomes disrupted.
• Litter box issues like eliminating outside the box frequently occur with Feline Cognitive Dysfunction cats. They may forget the location of the litter box or be unable to recognize it as the place to eliminate.
• Social interactions change as well. Some cats become more clingy and needy, while others start avoiding interactions like being petted or held that they once enjoyed. A lack of self-grooming and unkempt coat is another red flag.
• Activity levels can also shift dramatically
  In some Feline Cognitive Dysfunction cats become listless and passive, while others may seem restless, wandering aimlessly around the house.

Causes and Risk Factors
The exact physiological causes behind Feline Cognitive Dysfunction likely involve a combination of factors affecting brain aging. Decreased blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain plays a role. So does oxidative damage from free radicals accumulating over time.

There also appears to be a genetic component, as some cat breeds seem more predisposed to cognitive decline than others as they age. Siamese and other oriental breeds may be at higher risk.

Existing medical conditions that impair blood flow or oxygen supply to the brain can exacerbate Feline Cognitive Dysfunction. This includes conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, and obesity.

Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in antioxidants, may impact cognitive health as well by failing to counteract oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain over time.

While Feline Cognitive Dysfunction is not a preventable condition entirely, maintaining a healthy weight, treating concurrent medical issues, and providing an enriched, stimulating environment can all help delay onset or minimize symptoms in predisposed senior cats.

Diagnosis of Feline Cognitive Dysfunction
There is no single definitive test for Feline Cognitive Dysfunction. Veterinarians will attempt to rule out other potential causes like brain tumors through screening tests. A cat’s medical history and any observable cognitive/behavioral changes factor into the diagnosis.

Managing Feline Dementia
While there is no cure for Feline Cognitive Dysfunction, there are several ways to help manage the symptoms and progression of cognitive decline in affected senior cats:

• Medications
  Certain medications prescribed by a vet may temporarily improve brain function in cats. Selegiline, used for Cushing’s disease, seems to enhance dopamine levels and can help with confusion, disorientation and sleep issues. Other drugs like propentofylline may have neuroprotective effects by improving oxygen utilization in the brain.
• Environmental Enrichment
  Providing stimulating physical and mental exercise through interactive playtime, food puzzles, new toys and scratchers can help keep aging cat brains active.
• Stress Reduction
  Since stress and anxiety tend to exacerbate confusion in Feline Cognitive Dysfunction cats, maintaining a predictable routine and avoiding environmental changes is key. Minimizing household stressors like loud noises and introductions of new people/pets is also recommended.
• Litter Box Management
  Having multiple litter boxes in familiar locations can help avoid accidents for Feline Cognitive Dysfunction cats who may forget or get disoriented finding their original box. Keeping boxes scrupulously clean and avoiding litter scents can also help with recognition.

With early vet intervention, adjustments to a cat’s living situation, and some additional management strategies, many Feline Cognitive Dysfunction cats can still maintain a good quality of life for quite some time despite their cognitive impairments. Patience and attentive care from owners is vital.