Dementia can cause a person to experience confusion, memory loss, and sometimes delusions. Your mother’s belief that the cat is stealing her things is likely a result of her dementia symptoms rather than any actual misbehavior by the cat.
People with dementia often misplace items and forget where they put them. When they can’t find something, they may come up with explanations that seem logical to them but aren’t based in reality. Blaming the cat for taking things provides a simple explanation that makes sense to your mother’s confused mind.
This type of delusion is actually quite common in dementia patients. They may accuse family members, caregivers, or even pets of stealing from them. It’s not that they’re being malicious – their brain is simply trying to make sense of why they can’t find their belongings.
The cat is an easy target because it moves around the house freely and can’t defend itself against the accusation. Your mother may notice the cat near her things sometimes, reinforcing her belief that it’s the culprit when items go missing.
It’s important not to argue with your mother or try to convince her she’s wrong. This will likely just upset and frustrate her more. Instead, help her look for missing items, offer reassurance, and gently redirect her attention to other activities when she becomes fixated on the cat stealing things.
You may want to keep important items in a safe place and give your mother a few personal belongings to keep with her. This can help reduce incidents of misplaced items that fuel the delusion.
Remember that this behavior isn’t your mother’s fault, nor is it the cat’s. It’s simply part of how dementia affects the brain. With patience and understanding, you can help your mother feel more secure even when she experiences these confusing thoughts.
