How to Care for a Blind Cat

Aging, illness, or injury are common causes of blindness in cats. While this can be a difficult experience for both you and your cat, it doesn't mean that a fulfilling and happy life is over. In fact, your cat will adapt to its new condition, and you can make efforts to ensure they still have a joyful life. Caring for a blind cat involves regular vet visits, organizing your home, and finding new ways to play with them. Below is a guide on how to care for a blind cat, which you can use to help your feline friend.

Schedule an appointment with a veterinarian. If you suspect your cat may be blind, it's important to take them to the vet right away. Some forms of blindness can be treated if addressed promptly. For instance, if the blindness is caused by high blood pressure, medication can restore vision and prevent other health issues from arising.

• Your cat should have regular vet check-ups, even if they seem healthy. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent blindness.

Observe signs that indicate your cat may be going blind. Sometimes, blindness in cats can develop within a few days, weeks, or even months. Once your cat is nearly or completely blind, you'll notice some unusual behaviors. Watch for these signs to determine if your cat is blind. Common behaviors seen in blind cats include:

• confusion about their surroundings
• colliding with furniture or objects around the house
• missing jumps or landings they were once skilled at
• hesitance to move around or explore outdoors
• rubbing or squinting their eyes

Check for symptoms of blindness in your cat's eyes. If you suspect your cat is showing signs of blindness, you should examine their eyes for any unusual changes. Even if there are no obvious signs of blindness, you should regularly check their eyes for early detection. Some symptoms of blindness in cats include:

• eyes that don't respond to light, with dilated pupils
• cloudy, infected, or discolored eyes
• watery or excessively tearing eyes

Minimize obstacles in the house. Since your cat will have difficulty navigating their environment at first, it's important to make it as easy as possible for them by removing any obstacles. Keep the floors clear so your cat can move around the house without bumping into objects. Some ways to reduce obstacles in the home include:

• keeping furniture in the same place
• tidying up the house and storing items neatly
• teaching children to put away toys after playing

Maintain a calm and quiet environment. Because your cat can no longer discern potential threats around them, they may become more fearful of loud noises than before they lost their sight. Help your cat feel safe and relaxed by avoiding loud sounds and encouraging family members to do the same. If a loud noise is made by accident, comfort your cat by gently petting them and speaking softly. Some ways to maintain a peaceful environment include:

• standing up slowly from a chair instead of jumping abruptly
• talking to someone upstairs instead of shouting from below
• avoiding slamming cupboard or door doors

Talk to your cat. Since your cat can no longer see you when you enter the room, it's important to develop a habit of softly speaking or murmuring to let them know where you are. This will help them feel more secure and calm when you're near them. It will also prevent them from being startled when you try to pet them. By announcing your presence with gentle chatter, your cat will be less surprised when your hand touches their back.

Consider the increased need for outdoor safety. If your cat used to spend time outdoors before losing its sight, you should stay close to them as they explore the outdoors. Being present during their exploration allows you to intervene quickly if an accident happens, while still letting them enjoy their time outside.

• Keep your cat within a securely fenced yard to minimize the risk of injury or getting lost.
• Consider using a leash to prevent your cat from wandering too far and getting into dangerous situations.
• If you are unable to supervise your cat while they play outdoors, it is best not to let them outside at all.

Follow the veterinarian's care instructions. If your cat is diagnosed with a condition that requires treatment, special medication, or other interventions, you must follow the vet's instructions. If the blindness is related to a specific illness, recovery won't happen until the underlying condition is treated. Contact your vet immediately if your cat's condition worsens or doesn't improve despite treatment.

• Understand that some forms of blindness cannot be cured, even with medical intervention. Cats may remain blind for life, but they can still live a happy life.

Play with your cat. They are still perfectly normal. Even if they're blind, cats still want to do things that all cats enjoy, such as climbing and playing. When buying toys, you should look for ones specifically designed for blind cats. Additionally, you can switch from visually-based play to auditory-based play, such as "follow the sound." Anything that crinkles, squeaks, rattles, or makes noise can serve as a fun new form of entertainment.

• Look for toys that make noises like mice or birds. Your cat will love following the sound of these toys.

Care for your cat just like you always have. Groom your cat regularly, provide them with nutrient-rich food, offer treats now and then, and take them for routine check-ups. Pay special attention to their nose and ears, as these senses will now play a significant role in helping them navigate their world.

• Place food and water in the same spots as before.
• Consider adding an extra litter box to make it easier for your cat to find it. They may need more time to locate it due to their blindness.