Is my cat still traumatised?

[Silvercatowner]

My cat is 16 and behaving oddly. He struggles to settle, demands attention and miaows a lot. We have Feliway all round the house but it doesn't seem to help. He is a rescue cat - he came to us aged 9 months. When he was around 3 we lost him - he was gone for 2 weeks. It turned out he was shut in a neighbours house for the 2 weeks - they had gone on holiday and had locked their cat flap outwards but not inwards (so their own cat could be caught easily, I presume). When he returned to us he was a mess and the vet said he would not have lasted much longer. I just wondered whether that experience could be responsible for the odd, clingy, needy behaviour we see now - or whether he is just a bit batty.
Thanks

[Tinfoiled]

Cats can develop a sort of feline dementia which can be displayed in the ways you are describing, it sounds more like that to me. But I would be inclined to get him checked out at the vets anyway.

[cozietoesie]

That was 13 years ago, Silver - 13 years. I think it's far more likely to be some condition. I'd have him thoroughly checked at the vets including teeth and eyesight.

Let us know how it goes anyway.

[Silvercatowner]

Thanks cozietosie - yes, I am aware it was 13 years ago, there is no need for the capitalisation.
Thanks Tinfoiled.

[DulcetMoans]

Is this a change in his behaviour or has he always been clingy? Feline dementia can cause a change in behaviour as you have indicated (becoming needy) but if he has been like that for the 13 years then I would imagine that isn't this and it is just the way he is.

Are there any other changes? Appetite? Vocalisations? That can help identify a possible link to feline dementia.