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No drugs are licensed to treat FCD, however [[Selegiline|selegiline]]<ref>Landsberg G. Therapeutic options for cognitive decline in senior pets. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2006; 42:407–13.</ref> and propentofylline are sometimes used unlicensed. Although these drugs have not managed to gain approval for treatment of cognitive disorders in humans studies have found selegiline improves symptoms related to canine cognitive function<ref>Ruehl WW, Bruyette WW, DePaoli DS, et al. Canine cognitive dysfunction as a model for human age-related cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease: clinical presentation, cognitive testing, pathology and response to l-deprenyltherapy. Prog Brain Res 1995; 106:217–25.</ref><ref>Campbell S, Trettien A, Kozan B. A noncomparative open-label study evaluating the effect of selegiline hydrochloride in a clinical setting. Vet There 2001; 2:24–39.</ref>. Anti-anxiety medications are also sometimes prescribed.
No drugs are licensed to treat FCD, however [[Selegiline|selegiline]]<ref>Landsberg G. Therapeutic options for cognitive decline in senior pets. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2006; 42:407–13.</ref> and propentofylline are sometimes used unlicensed. Although these drugs have not managed to gain approval for treatment of cognitive disorders in humans studies have found selegiline improves symptoms related to canine cognitive function<ref>Ruehl WW, Bruyette WW, DePaoli DS, et al. Canine cognitive dysfunction as a model for human age-related cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease: clinical presentation, cognitive testing, pathology and response to l-deprenyltherapy. Prog Brain Res 1995; 106:217–25.</ref><ref>Campbell S, Trettien A, Kozan B. A noncomparative open-label study evaluating the effect of selegiline hydrochloride in a clinical setting. Vet There 2001; 2:24–39.</ref>. Anti-anxiety medications are also sometimes prescribed.
There is a shortage of clinical evidence backing the efficacy of dietary and supplement use, however diets high in antioxidants, arginine, B vitamins and fish oils are thought to improve learning and recollection of learned habits in older cats. Other neutraceutical supplements specifically aimed at maintaining and improving cognitive function are also available and these are contain antioxidants, vitamins, carnitine, phosphatidylserine and fatty acids.
There is a shortage of clinical evidence backing the efficacy of dietary and supplement use, however diets high in antioxidants, arginine, B vitamins and fish oils are thought to improve learning and recollection of learned habits in older cats. Other neutraceutical supplements specifically aimed at maintaining and improving cognitive function are also available and these are contain antioxidants, vitamins, carnitine, phosphatidylserine and fatty acids.
====Treatment and management approaches to specific behavioural aspects of FCD====
*'''Inappropriate elimination''': This particular sign has various potential medical causes, so these must be ruled out. Increasing the number of litter trays available, either on different floors or in different rooms which are obvious to the cat and easily accessible (without high edges or high up) may help avoid house soiling problems.
*'''Disorientation''': Ensure that locations of food, water, litter trays are constant and that the cat's daily routine is maintained the same as much as possible. If a cat is extremely disorientated or confused it can help to reduce the area accessible to the cat, so it can find its way around more easily.
*'''Unusual sleeping patterns''': Loss of eyesight and hearing may affect the cat's depth of sleep. Encourage activity during the day and evening through play so the cat is more likely to sleep at night. Anxiety associated with the dark or separation from owners at night may be improved with anti-anxiety medications.
*'''Exaggerated Vocalisation''': Vocalisation is usually linked to some form of anxiety, so it is important to try and establish the cause of this anxiety and then address it, by either adjusting the environment, using [[Pheromonotherapy - Cat|pheromones]] to try and help calm and reassure the cat and encouraging activity during the day to the cat is more likely to be tired and sleep at night. In addition, if anxiety is severe, anti-anxiety medications can be used.
*'''Reduced activity''': The use of a specialised diet for elderly felines may help<ref>Cupp, C.J., Jean-Philippe, C., Kerr, W.W., Patil, A.R. & Perez-Camargo, G., 2006. Effect of nutritional interventions on longevity of senior cats. International Journal of Applied Research in Medicine 4, 34-50.</ref>
*'''Social behaviour''': If there are other animals in the household, provide various sleeping areas so the older cat is able to find a safe place to rest if it does not want to interact.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==