Feline Dementia?

[solinvictus]

My cat has been having some behavioral problems for the past few months. He's a rescue that was feral as a kitten and honestly, he never lost his wild nature. Lately, though, he's been acting more erratic. Otto's 12 years old and it seems that he's become mentally unstable. He hops on the counters even after he's been fed, he runs from me when I walk into the room, and yesterday, he hissed at me when I reached to pet him. I've given him a recent checkup and nothing was wrong, he was fine. Can cats simply lose their mental faculties as they age?

[Bertha Venation]

1. it exists

This article has a few suggestions for caring for your aging cat -- things to keep his brain active. Best of luck and :hug: for Otto.

http://www.practical-pet-care.com/the_daily_cat_article.php?355

[nuxvomica]

2. Did something happen to him before the behavior change?

Like a vaccination or trauma or a change in the environment that he doesn't like? He sounds like he is wary of you which could mean he's either in some physical discomfort or was traumatized.

[solinvictus]

5. No, he checked out fine

The vet saw him and his check up was normal. I'm afraid it may be age. Like I said, he never really recovered from his feral nature. He won't come to me except at night when I go to bed. He won't play either and sleeps all day. It's bothering me to death because he'll hop onto the counter and break dishes, won't cover his leavings in the litter box (yeah, I know, at least he's using it), and at times is acting like he's not with it anymore. I love my guy, but I can't have him wrecking my kitchen.

[nuxvomica]

6. A few things to observe

Check his eyes to see if they respond differently to light and movement, and watch his gait for any asymmetry or weakness. It sounds like his vitals are ok if he got a clean vet check so he's probably not in serious trouble but it does sound to me like something may be bothering him. You may be right about old age but you needn't assume that.

[reprehensor]

3. Our cat...

...got to be pretty strange in her old age. It seemed like she lost the ability or desire to use her Kitty-box, and started pooing and peeing in inappropriate places.

She was around 14.

[FlaGranny]

4. He could be in pain from something.

Has he had x-rays to check for arthritis or kidney stones? He obviously wants to be left alone and either he doesn't feel well or he is losing it mentally.