The heartbreaking moment a 20-year-old cat suffering from dementia wanted cuddles has gained viral attention.
In heartwarming footage posted by @drharriet on TikTok, the elderly cat gently asks for attention from her owner’s mom. The text overlay read: “Our 20-year-old cat has dementia and doesn’t know where she is but loves my Mum more than anything in the world…”
The video quickly went viral, receiving over 560,000 views and drawing an outpouring of emotional responses from viewers. Many commenters expressed surprise and empathy in reaction to the cat’s condition, shedding some light on the lesser-known feline health condition.
Cats can develop cognitive problems as they age, much like humans. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome, also known as feline dementia, shares similarities with Alzheimer’s disease and is marked by behavioral and cognitive changes.
Symptoms of dementia in cats include a lack of interest in playing, disorientation, wandering away from home, confusion, changes in appetite and alterations in sleep patterns.
The condition often becomes more prevalent in senior cats, with approximately a quarter of cats aged 11 to 14 displaying at least one sign of dementia. The likelihood increases in cats over 15.
While there isn’t a cure for cat dementia, there are ways to manage the condition and improve the pet’s quality of life. Ways to help cats adapt to living with dementia include offering easier access to basic needs, maintaining a consistent environment, using night-lights to regulate sleep cycles and ensuring mental stimulation.
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In hundreds of comments on TikTok, viewers shared their reactions to the clip’s moment. Many shared their own experiences with senior cats, while others acknowledged the challenges of dealing with dementia in pets while also highlighting the joy and love they bring.
One commenter said: “So sad that animals get it, poor angels don’t understand,” which sums up the empathy that viewers feel for aging pets.
Another viewer was surprised by the revelation that cats can suffer from dementia: “I didn’t know cats could get dementia…so at first tears then happy tears. All cats need their person. I need to go find my cat now for cuddles.”
This isn’t the first time an elderly cat with dementia has broken hearts online. There was the cat who thought slippers were the kittens she had in 2006 and the senior cat suffering from nightmares and asking for comfort.
Thankfully, in the video caption the cat’s owner confirmed: “Her request was fulfilled, she got a big cuddle just after this video was taken.”
Newsweek reached out to @drharriet via TikTok for comment.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.