Julie Nashawaty from Boston shared a TikTok clip of her husband, Steve Granelli, cradling their 18-year-old cat as she cried out in confusion.
The video has since amassed over 1.3 million views, drawing widespread admiration for Granelli’s patience and tenderness.
Luna's struggles
Luna was diagnosed with feline cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), commonly known as cat dementia, after displaying symptoms such as disorientation, excessive vocalisation, and disrupted sleep patterns.
Nashawaty, who has worked with South Bay Veterinary Group for six years, described how the condition affects Luna’s daily life, requiring constant reassurance.
“Luna fits the description completely, she is up most of the night, meowing when she feels lost or forgets she’s eaten,” Nashawaty explained.
Raising awareness of feline dementia
Nashawaty shared the video to raise awareness of feline dementia and highlight her husband’s kindness. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers expressing empathy and sharing their own experiences with ageing pets.
Experts estimate that CDS affects up to 50% of cats over 15 years old. While incurable, consistent comfort and love, as demonstrated by Granelli, can significantly improve their quality of life.
