There are many reasons why a cat might be blind. It could be a defect it was born with, or she might become blind gradually through injury or various diseases such as microphthalmia or glaucoma. Thankfully, a blind cat can still live a happy and fulfilling life with a bit of help from her owners. Read some useful tips below on how to care for your blind cat and improve cat health.
When did your cat go blind?
A blind cat’s behaviour might be very different if she has been blind from birth compared to gradually losing her sight. If your cat has never been able to see, she might act more confidently and do more “normal” things than a cat whose sight has gradually deteriorated. The most important thing is that you know your cat, her history and what is “normal” behaviour for her so that you can help her improve cat health and become more confident where necessary.
Familiar environment
Keeping the blind cat’s environment as constant as possible will help general cat health. Limit the movement of furniture, and keep litter trays and food in the same place wherever possible. This will help your blind cat feel safe and allow her to move confidently in her environment. Blind cats are very sensitive to changes and it might cause distress if things aren’t in their normal places. In addition, be careful about where you put temporary items like shoes and bags as your cat might get very confused if she bumps into them.
Safety
By keeping your blind cat indoors you can limit her distress and protect and maintain good cat health. It is a good idea to only let your cat be outside in an enclosed garden or yard, or on a harness, as it would be very difficult for a blind cat to find her way home if lost. Some blind cats jump up and down on furniture as if they could see, but if your cat is unfamiliar or less confident with heights, don’t leave her unsupervised on chairs and sofas, or even upstairs, as she could take a tumble.
Obesity risk
Another key factor in maintaining good cat health is carefully observing your cat’s weight. It is quite normal that as a cat loses her sight, she will become less active and risk becoming overweight, or worse, obese. This can lead to other serious illnesses such as diabetes so weigh your cat regularly. Never put your cat on a diet before you have received veterinary advice.
Play
Blind cats still need to exercise and play and this is a great way of improving cat health in general. Try noisy toys and hide dry food around the house that she can search for to stimulate her stronger senses. Blind cats might also respond to unusual toys or objects around the house that you never though about, like cd wallets sliding on the floor or the sound of knitting needles.
Denise Walsh is a cat lover who has kept them as pets for many years. She recommends Pet Health Info as a free online resource, offering information on a range of pet health issues, including cat health.
