Judy Taylor
It is a difficult situation for the owner when the beloved furry friend suddenly goes blind. But the kitty can keep her joy in life even if she loses her sight. The following tips ensure the correct handling of the blind cat. At the same time, they beautify the kitty’s life.
Blind Cat: What to Do?
It is important to leave all furniture in its original place. A blind cat remembers its surroundings well. It saves them in memory like a card. This even makes it possible for her to jump on a windowsill or climb on furniture. However, it is not a problem for the fur nose to perceive larger objects over time and bypass them. With the help of its whiskers, the house tiger perceives the obstacle and stops in front of it. Smaller things – such as cardboard boxes or toys – shouldn’t be lying around carelessly in the presence of a blind cat.
Bedrooms are especially important
Socializing a blind cat is not easy. Because usually, blind kitties are rather shy. Strangers tend to “eye” the animals from a distance. That is why it is important to create a separate retreat for blind cats.
Are Blind Cats More Sensitive?
Adopting and raising a blind cat takes a lot of patience and care. There are a few things you need to be aware of that you haven’t thought about before. Blind cats find it difficult to get used to seeing conspecifics. It reacts to loud noises more sensitively and more frighteningly.
At the same time, the kitty is very affectionate. Blind kittens tend to stand next to their owner or to follow them wherever they go. So it is important for the owner and visitor to speak to the kitty when entering and leaving the rooms. It is equally important to speak to the blind cat before petting it. This way, she knows that her loved ones are nearby and does not bite out of fright or fear.
Make the toys for blind cats more interesting
A blind cat from the animal shelter also likes to play. It makes sense to buy large toys for a blind kitty. It is even better to buy toys that make noise. The blind four-legged friend still enjoys the toys and can perceive them.
Set up climbing opportunities for blind cats safely
Blind cats also love to climb around the room and explore the area. They like to cuddle up to a scratching post just as much as their peers do. If the scratching post is higher up, the paths between the trunks must be palpable. Because a blind cat feels a staircase or other path with its paw. The distances between the trunks should therefore be chosen as small as possible. This reduces the risk of the kitty falling down.
Clearance is not impossible for blind cats
There is no cure for loss of sight. For outdoor enthusiasts, this means a particularly painful change. From now on it is no longer possible for them to wander around outside. Nevertheless, a blind cat does not have to do without its beloved outdoor space entirely. A good compromise is a safe passage. For example, if the kitty strays in the garden, it should be well fenced. All sources of danger such as rain barrels or deep ponds must be well covered. Basically, it is advisable to accompany the beloved furry friend on their safe excursion. So you can intervene in an emergency if the kitty gets lost.
Be Patient and Offer Support and Security
The loss of sight always means a big change for the kitty. Often the disease is to blame for the fact that the cat goes blind. Going to the vet is imperative with a blind or slowly blind cat. He examines the kitty at regular intervals to rule out secondary diseases. If an old cat gradually loses its eyesight (due to cataracts, for example), you should proceed as follows in the beginning:
- Pick up and set down the cat in places where it can orientate itself. The blind cat does not run in circles but can find its way through familiar objects.
- Be patient, even if you haven’t been looking for a blind cat. At first, the kitty can live more withdrawn than before or even appear aggressive. Then it is important to show understanding and talk to the animal a lot. This signals to the kitten that her owner is still there for her.
- Remodel the home. If the blind cat climbs stairs, it makes sense to set up a cat protection net.
- In the future, windows and balcony doors should not be left open or secured with fly screens.
- In the early days, it is advisable to label items with a special smell. The kitty will find it easier to recognize them at first.
