Self-Help And The Paw Prints To Recovery

My cat, Bubbles, has dementia. It is heartbreaking to watch. He was a frightened little tabby kitten when we first met; I was a 7-year-old child, overjoyed to have another cat for Lolly (my 1 year old black cat) and I to play with. Over the last 13 years we've developed the kind of bond only pets and their mummies (or owners as they're often wrongly called) can have. Until about 3 years ago, when I came back from holiday to find Bubbles was a bit different. He was becoming withdrawn and spending much more time away from home. We later discovered he'd befriended an elderly neighbour who had lost her husband, and his visits had been a great comfort to her. I'd never been more proud of him. 

Now he's losing his memory, we have to try a little harder to remind him that he is Bubbles and we are his family and this is his home, but it's ok. We're friendly with the neighbours and discuss Bubbles regularly so we know he's safe, healthy and being fed. Sometimes when he comes home, I watch him while he tries to settle down to sleep - he never quite manages to achieve that contented look of a peaceful, sleeping cat. I'm never quite sure how happy he is. He cries for us at bedtime - little feline moans of confusion and sadness - and I cry for him because it's all just so unfair. I know that because he's just like me. Bubbles can't tell anyone how he feels because he knows one word and that is "meow"; I can't do it because I'm not brave enough. He can't cry for his own suffering, someone ought to.

Now I've researched his condition, I know what kind of food may help him and what to do when he gets confused and scared. I'll get up in the night when he starts calling for us, to reassure him that his family haven't left him. I don't mind spending some time with him every time he comes home to let him gradually try to remember who I am, and then maybe he'll let me play with him. Then I realised something: if I am so willing to do everything I can to help my cat cope with the mental health problems he's facing, why do I assume other people won't be willing to do it for me? It is ok to admit when I'm struggling and ask for the help I need; I'm learning to do this more regularly and with confidence. I look after Bubbles, and in his own way he looks after me, and between us we cope one day at a time.

(this was taken shortly after the symptoms began. It was the first time he'd allowed me to approach him in weeks.)