Is my dear old boy going senile?

[Whistle73]

My lovely old boy is 15 nearly 16 now and still going strong, so affectionate and loving. Still goes outside (but definitely stays in the garden).

Just lately he has got so playful! Chasing paper, up and down the Christmas tree, prancing about like a kitten.

It's nice to see but it's so unusual I do worry it's the onset of dementia. Has anyone else experienced this?

[Whistle73]

Here he is, so sprightly for nearly 16!

[LittleTopic]

Not necessarily! My Dad’s cat never, ever played as a kitten or young cat and started going nuts over toys at about 14. She only lived to 16 (cancer) but got a second wind

[LittleTopic]

What a gorgeous boy!

[Tanfastic]

I'm not sure I'd be too worried about that op, bless him. I have a 13.5 year old and he's going a bit strange. He barks more if we leave him on his own and exhibits a little bit of other strange behaviour but nothing I'd particularly be too worried about. I think if they start soiling in the house and stuff then that can be a sign things are declining quickly.

[Tanfastic]

Oops. Sorry thought he was a dog! Ignore my post.

[Booboostwo]

I don’t know about cats with dementia but I had a dog with dementia and the signs were very disturbing and difficult to miss. He started barking all night long for no reason, he kept trying to walk through small gaps where he couldn’t possibly fit and he had unreasonable and extreme fits of anger towards the cat and another dog, both of whom he had live with his entire life.

You could always pop him to the vets for a check up but I would imagine more extreme signs of dementia, e.g. confusion, personality changes, etc. Maybe he’s just feeling really good?

[Whistle73]

It does feel as if he is regressing! He can be a bit vicious though, he just scragged my arm and bit me because I gently moved him off my lap!

[Whistle73]

@Tanfastic I expect dogs are very similar! He did go through a phase of pooing inside but only when shut in accidentally or it was raining heavily, but I am thinking that could be a sign.

[Fluffycloudland77]

It’s a sign he wants a tray! He’s about 80 in human years. Get him a tray & some naice scented litter.

[Whistle73]

Really @Fluffycloudland77? He is very much still an outdoor boy who loves to sit in the garden on his rock and watch the world go by. I'm not averse to a tray but he hasn't used one since 6 months old. While he goes out I'll encourage that, his accidents have only been twice - once whinge was shut in by accident.

[igotdemons]

Has his weight dropped or eating habits increased? I ask because his age, aggression and sudden hyperactivity could mean he’s becoming hyperthyroid...

[Whistle73]

@igotdemons - that makes sense. I think a vet trip might be in order!

[Boristhecats]

Let us know how you get on