Blind and Patially Sighted Cats

Here at Cats Protection Bridgend AC, we have cared for many cats with a variety of special requirements, including cats that are either partially or fully blind. There are many different causes for cat blindness, and while some cats can be born blind, others may lose their sight gradually over a long period of time.



Handsome Popeye was fully blind but was able to get around amazingly using his whiskers.



What signs or symptoms of blindness should cat owners look out for?

-Cats who are losing their sight may be prone to bumping into items of furniture, especially more so at night or when lighting is poor. You may also notice he has trouble judging the height of objects when jumping.

The eye(s) may also change in appearance, and could become enlarged or cloudy looking. You may also notice that the pupils do not dilate with changing light levels.

 

How can I help a blind cat?

Cats are generally a very adaptive species, and are still able to enjoy a good quality of life by compensating with their other senses.  

Try to make the furniture in the home nice and safe, and avoid moving it around too often as the cat will become accustomed to where everything is located, and will have a mental map of the room and furniture. Try to avoid leaving unexpected obstacles on the floor, especially small items that the cat will not be able to detect with his whiskers. 

Scent is incredibly important to all cats, but especially to blind cats. Allow your cat to walk around and get used to his surroundings, and try to avoid picking him up so he can use his scent glands in his paws to lay a scent trail to come back to.

Let your cat know you’re there- use your voice to gently notify him of your presence before picking him up or petting him. Try not to be too loud or make sudden loud noises that might startle him.

If your cat is blind in one eye, try to approach him from his ‘good eye’ side where possible.

Blind cats still love to play, so using squeaky, rattley or crinkly toys will help engage him. You can also engage other senses such as smell or taste with treat toys and catnip.

Avoid letting your blind or partially sighted cat outside unsupervised, as there are too many risks and dangers that he may not be able to navigate.

Cats Protection also recommends that blind cats should be the only pet in the home, to minimise stress.

Most of all, be patient.  Sudden or gradual blindness is a lot to get used to, even for our adaptable feline friends. Your cat may seem a little grumpy or fearful as he gets accustomed to using his new senses. Be kind, quiet and gentle as he adjusts.

Some blind cats will use their paws to swipe in front of them to ascertain what is there. As an owner of a blind cat, you may find yourself receiving the occasional paw to the leg as you walk around! Try to be patient if this happens as the cat is simply trying to find his way about

 

 



Bubba had to have one eye removed as it was damaged when he suffered with cat flu in the home. After healing from his surgery, he found a loving home.

 

Beautiful Bear was found to be fully blind when he came into our care, but it didn’t stop him from being a playful little lovebug who found his forever home as an indoor only cat.

 

Beautiful Serena is only 5 months old but due to severe cat flu as a kitten is now partially sighted. Lucky for her she has found a loving home which she is headed to this week :)

Think you could offer a home to a cat with special requirements? We always have lots of lovely cats for adoption here at our Bridgend Adoption Centre. Pop in and see us at Pant Hirwaun, Bryncethin, Bridgend CF32 9UJ.