Older cat demencia ?

[joang71]

I was cat talking yesterday  to my sister who lives in  So. Carolina. She has an indoor cat named Whiskers who is 17 years old. The cat  is now demonstrating behavior unlike her "normal" self, such as crying out while she is sound asleep, running and jumping on tables and counters.

The crying while sleeping really puzzles the family. She otherwise is fine regarding appetite and litter box. What could be going on?

 

[Ms. Freya]

At 17 it certainly is possible that she's seen a few cognitive changes. It's not uncommon for older cats to vocalize more - particularly at night - if their hearing and vision is starting to go a bit.

At her age, though, if you've noticed several changes, it might not be a bad idea to get her a check up at the vet, just to make sure it is just age and not something going on medically to cause the crying...