How Man Soothes 18-Year-Old Cat With Dementia Who Cries When She’s ‘Lost’

A heartwarming video of how one man soothes his 18-year-old cat Luna as she experienced dementia-related distress has melted hearts online.

In a TikTok video with over 1.3 million views, Julie Nashawaty from Boston shared the moment her husband Steve Granelli cradled Luna in his arms to calm her down during one of her frequent episodes of confusion and crying.

Luna was diagnosed with feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), commonly referred to as cat dementia, after showing classic symptoms, including disorientation, excessive vocalization, and altered sleep patterns.

Nashawaty, who has worked closely with South Bay Veterinary Group in Boston for the past six years, explained the toll the condition has taken on Luna’s daily life.

“In discussing Luna’s cognitive behavior over the last year, the subject of dementia was brought up as it is common in cats and dogs,” Nashawaty told Newsweek. “Luna fit the description completely—she is up most of the night, meowing when she feels lost or when she’s forgotten she’s eaten, staring at walls, just needing a little extra reassurance.”

Luna requires comfort throughout the day and night, with Nashawaty noted that the episodes happened at “around 10 a.m., 3 p.m., 9 p.m., 2 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3 a.m., 4:15 a.m., and 7 a.m. I’m not kidding.”

Nashawaty decided to share the video on TikTok, not only to highlight her husband’s compassion, but also to raise awareness about feline dementia.

“I was so grateful to have found a man and a husband who has such a pure, kind, and loving heart,” she said. “Also, to show what cat dementia looks like and that love is always the best cure.”

The overwhelming response to the video has been one of admiration and empathy. Viewers expressed their appreciation for Granelli’s tenderness and shared their own experiences with aging pets.

“She may not remember much, but she damn sure remembers him,” one commenter wrote. Another user, KittyCatSmalls said: “I was completely unaware that cats could get dementia! I’ve had cats all my life too.”

Feline CDS is a common condition affecting aging cats, with studies suggesting that approximately 36 percent of cats between 11 and 21 years old, and up to 50 percent of cats over 15, exhibit signs of cognitive decline. Much like Alzheimer’s disease in humans, CDS in cats leads to memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes.

While there is no cure, pet owners can help their cats manage the condition through environmental enrichment, routine reassurance, and, as Granelli has demonstrated, unwavering love and patience.