With advances in nutrition and veterinary medicine, many cats are living their best—and longest—lives. But they’re also at higher risk of disorders associated with old age, such as cognitive dysfunction, a syndrome like senile dementia in people.

Signs don’t usually appear until a cat is at least 10 years old. Some cats become disoriented. They may wander away from home, stare into space or yowl unprovoked at night. They may also take to soiling outside the litter box.

A veterinarian needs to rule out other potential causes of these signs before diagnosing feline senility. We can help our senior cats by maintaining simple routines. This often includes improving ready access to food and water, litter boxes and quiet areas at home.

By keeping our senior cats comfortable, we can make their older years golden ones.