“Sings that your cat is going blind and what to do if it happens?” is the most common question asked by new cat enthusiasts. But do cat normal vision matter? If yes then how do you test your kitty vision?
Let us discuss all that in detail
Is your feline friend displaying unusual behavior or having difficulty navigating their surroundings? Your cat may be experiencing vision loss. As a responsible pet owner, it’s essential to recognize the signs of blindness in cats and take appropriate action. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the main indicators that your cat is going blind and offer practical steps to support your furry companion during this challenging time.
Have you ever thought the pretty-looking and odd eyes of your beautiful and eye-catching cat could be blind? Your natural reflex as a pet parent might be How is this possible? Well, this is highly possible and alarming. There are so many reasons for it, and this article will help you cope with the situation.
General Signs of Cat Blindness
1. Nighttime Disorientation: Your cat may exhibit confusion or disorientation, especially in low-light conditions or at night. They may appear hesitant to move or become easily startled.
2. Bumping into Objects: Cats with vision loss may start bumping into furniture or walls. They might misjudge distances, leading to clumsy movements.
3. Dilated Pupils: While cats’ pupils can naturally change size based on light conditions, consistently dilated pupils could indicate vision problems.
4. Increased Vocalization: Blind cats may meow more frequently, expressing their uncertainty or seeking reassurance.
5. Reluctance to Jump: Cats that are losing their vision may become hesitant to jump onto surfaces they previously had no trouble accessing.
6. Changes in Play Behavior: A once-playful cat might become less interested in playing as they find it challenging to track toys.
Types of signs that your cat has gone blind
There could be two possibilities:
- Suddenly/acute
- Gradually/chronic
Signs in acute cases are more noticeable due to a sudden change.
Acute
In Acute cases, it is primarily due to trauma and injury in the head or eye region leading to retinal detachment and optic nerve damage. Catfights are the most common cause of these injuries.
Bleeding due to penetrating and traumatic injuries like stroke, outgrowth, tumor, and an eye infection could lead to temporary to permanent blindness. Few hereditary and health problems lead to blindness, like diabetes, which is the common cause of cataracts. High blood pressure leads to glaucoma, uveitis, and bleeding inside the eye.
Chronic
Still, in chronic cases, cats adapt to their surroundings, making it more difficult for the owner to understand the difference. Signs are as below:
- Bumping into objects (if it is unilateral, a cat will not be able to see one side, but in case of bilateral, both sides will be impaired)
- Reluctance to go to unknown places
- Cloudiness in one or both eyes (Cataract)
- Behavioral disturbances in low-light or at night
- Change in the size of the pupil
Table (Sings That Your Cat Is Going Blind and What to Do if It Happens?)
| Signs of Blindness in Cats | Causes | Preventive Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Nighttime Disorientation | Age-related vision decline | Regular veterinary check-ups |
| Bumping into Objects | Retinal degeneration | Keep the environment clutter-free |
| Dilated Pupils | Hypertension, ocular disease | Monitor blood pressure and eye health |
| Increased Vocalization | Cognitive dysfunction, anxiety | Provide comfort and reassurance |
| Reluctance to Jump | Joint pain, muscle weakness | Consult veterinarian for pain management |
| Changes in Play Behavior | Visual impairment, cognitive decline | Engage in interactive play with your cat |
What to Do if Your Cat Is Going Blind
1. Consult a Veterinarian: If you suspect your cat is experiencing vision loss, schedule a visit to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. They can determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
2. Create a Safe Environment: Rearrange furniture and remove obstacles to create a safe, predictable space for your blind cat to navigate. Avoid sudden changes that might startle them.
3. Use Auditory Cues: Cats rely heavily on their other senses, particularly hearing and smell. Use auditory cues, such as calling their name, to help your cat orient themselves.
4. Avoid Picking Them Up Suddenly: Startle your cat inadvertently if they can’t see you coming. Announce your presence before touching them to avoid any fear or anxiety.
5. Keep Their Litter Box Unchanged: Cats depend on familiar scents to find their litter box. Avoid changing its location, as this might confuse your blind cat.
6. Use Scent Markers: Place scent markers, like catnip or familiar scents, on objects or pathways to guide your cat around the house.
How does the cat manage it?
Cats have a very adaptive mechanism to cope with their disabilities. Regardless of the behavioral change, they will use the rest of the senses to minimize sight problems. They will use their sense of smell, whiskers, the ability to hear, and remembering a few details around the place they live. They can live an everyday and healthy life by adopting.
FAQs About Sings That Your Cat Is Going Blind and What to Do if It Happens?
Can blindness in cats be reversed?
The reversal of blindness depends on the underlying cause. Some conditions might be treatable, while others may lead to permanent vision loss. Early detection and intervention offer the best chances of improvement.
Can blind cats lead a fulfilling life?
Absolutely! With the right support and adjustments to their environment, blind cats can adapt and continue to enjoy a fulfilling life.
Should I get another cat as a companion for my blind cat?
Introducing a companion cat can provide emotional support and help your blind cat feel more secure. However, the compatibility of the cats should be carefully assessed before making this decision.
How can I test my cat’s vision?
Well, it must be tricky because you cannot enter your cat into an ophthalmologist clinic and get them to check for any problem. This might be tricky, but it is essential to get your cat checked for it once in a while. There are some tricks to know about the eyes health of your cat at home. The first and foremost thing to do is to look up the abovementioned signs.
If you notice anything, do these tricks. Put your hand close to the suspected eye as close as possible. The perfect eye will blink by the natural reflex. Use a light suddenly into the eye to check pupil movement, and the cat will try to avoid it. Use any playing object like a laser light and see your cat’s reaction. Normal one cannot resist looking and playing.
What should I do as a pet parent?
Once you know, it is your moral obligation to seek professional help as there are a lot of issues that can be resolved by medication and surgery. But few can still be persistent. If it is permanent blindness, things need to be managed like any sharp objects around the house. It will help to make your home as comfortable for them as you can.
There are lots of DIY crafts that could be used for interactive playing. Many wands and interactive toys like Cat Dancer and Neko flies on Amazon to help your cat enjoy everyday life.
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