Cat with dementia has frequent episodes that make her cry — her owner's sweet comfort is winning hearts

There are many studies and research explaining dementia and cognitive decline in human beings. However, However, not only humans but also animals, especially cats and dogs, suffer a decline as they age and can get dementia. Similar to humans, they also require love and support as they battle the chronic condition. A woman named Julie Nashawty (@julienashawtay) revealed that her 18-year-old cat, Luna, has dementia and suffers frequent episodes, per Newsweek. It causes Luna to get chaotic and insecure, becoming vulnerable to her surroundings and crying in pain. However, each time, Nashawtay’s husband, Steve Granelli, has the gentlest and sweetest solution to calm down their pet. 

Over a quarter of felines begin to experience cognitive dysfunction, resulting in dementia between the ages of 11 and 14, per Pet MD. As they grow older, the likelihood and impact of the condition increase. Much like Alzheimer’s in humans, dementia in felines affects their memory, thinking and even their behavior. It affects their sleep cycle, causes them to become more needy and vulnerable and can even result in strange behavior like forgetting to eat, littering outside the litterbox, vocalizing at night, unusual interactions with pet owners and so on. Nashawtay had worked with the South Bay Veterinary Group for a few years and knew a little bit about these signs.

Luna had been diagnosed with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), commonly known as cat dementia and was experiencing similar symptoms. "In discussing Luna's cognitive behavior over the last year, the subject of dementia was brought up as it is common in cats and dogs. Luna fit the description completely—she is up most of the night, meowing when she feels lost or forgotten that she's eaten, staring at walls, just needing a little extra reassurance,” she recounted. One of the prominent signs is Luna having around 8-10 episodes per day, where she is uncomfortable, insecure and begins frantically meowing and crying. 

Luna believes she is “lost” and cries loudly. In Nashawty’s video, she captured Granelli responding to Luna’s discomfort. “Our 18-year-old cat has dementia and scream-cries when she gets ‘lost.’ This is how my husband reacts to that,” she wrote in the text overlay. Granelli is seen calmly holding Luna and comforting her gently. As the feline sits in his arms, she begins to feel secure once again. He holds her without saying a word and runs his fingers through her fur until she calms down. "I was so grateful to have found a man and a husband who has such a pure, kind and loving heart," Nashawty said.

She added that such conditions need gentle and assuring love that is patient each time. "Also, to show what cat dementia looks like and that love is always the best cure,” she noted. Many people took note of the condition and how a patient's act of love can help. @lefae89 said, “My boy Sebastian has it too. All he wants are extra cuddles.” @leslie_oshea added, “Thank you for treating her with so much love.” @bernadette678 noted, “They count on us to take care of them for the rest of their lives.” 

You can follow Julie Nashawtay (@julienashawtay) on TikTok for more content on cats and animals.