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Overview:
Blindness is a
condition which may be with a cat from birth, or may be the
result of disease or accident.
Cats are
extremely adaptable & can live a perfectly happy & content
life without vision. As your cat's carer, there are things
you can do to make your cat's life as easy as possible. They
can do almost as much as a cat with vision can do, but you
will have to make some changes in order to accommodate a
blind cat.
If you are new
to being the carer of a blind cat, don't worry for your cat.
If the blindness has come on suddenly, it may take your cat
a little while to adapt but it will do so given time &
patience.
Safety:
A blind cat
should not be permitted outside unless in the safety of a
cat enclosure or on a harness & leash. There are just too many dangers for cats, but
blind cats are especially vulnerable.
Make sure your
cat has permanent identification. If your blind cat does
accidentally end up outside, it will be harder for him to
find his way home. Identification will therefore increase
his chances of being reunited with you. Provide your cat
with a collar & ID tag which states that your cat is blind.
Block off
access to windows & balconies which have a long drop to the
ground.
Keep things
familiar:
It is very
important to your cat to have consistency in it's life. This
means keeping it's environment as familiar as possible. Some
tips include;
-
Don't move
around furniture
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Litter trays
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Food bowls
etc.
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Feed your
cat at the same time every day.
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If you do
move something, move it back immediately.
-
Keep the
house clutter free
-
Avoid
startling your cat with sudden noises. If there is a
sudden noise, such as a pot being dropped, gently assure
your cat.
Stimulating
the Other senses:
Your cat's
other senses will be heightened & it is advised to encourage
your cat to use them. Provide toys which make a noise or
catnip toys which your cat can smell.
Whiskers are
used by cats to help them feel around in narrow
spaces, especially on a night time. Therefore a cat's
whiskers should never be trimmed, this is especially true in
the blind cat.
Care:
As your cat
has lost it's vision it's hearing & sense are especially
important. You should take your cat to the vet for routine
veterinary checks regularly & if you notice anything
unusual, seek veterinary advice immediately.
When you
approach your cat, do so while talking soothingly to him. Be
careful not to startle him suddenly.
Please note:
The medical
articles on this site have not been written by a
veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a
veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for
informative purposes only.
Always seek
immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or
behavioral) in your pets.
While great
care has been made in the creation of these articles, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages.
If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical
advice. |
