Making A Blind Kitten Comfortable

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Pjg8r

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The last few days Helen seems less confident. She loves being petted on the couch but hasn’t wanted to venture down the hallway. One of my big guys, Alex, will go over and swat her on the head even if she’s minding her own business. I know that’s how cats communicate but I think in this case it is discouraging Helen from playing. I can get her to eagerly chase a Mylar ball or the Cat Dancer if she’s just with her brother.

They are all eating, using the litter box. I still keep them separate at night and when I’m out of the house since Helen will panic if she gets disoriented or any of them jump on her to play. She will initiate play with Jack but only if she is in one of her safe rooms. She and Jack have been here for six weeks now.
 

Furballsmom

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I know that’s how cats communicate but I think in this case it is discouraging Helen from playing.
Is there any way possible that you can keep Alex from doing this? Unfortunately any method that involves noise won't work since that will disturb Helen, but if you see him approaching her, keep an eye out for bratty behavior.
 
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Pjg8r

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I’m learning that patience is definitely the key with Helen. The last few days she has been more outgoing again. It’s hard to see in the picture on the steps, but Indie is under the steps so 4 of the 5 of them are in this picture and doing well. As for Jack, he will sleep with anybody.....
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stephanietx

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I will admit that I've not read the whole thread, but using a calming agent such as Feliway diffusers in your home might help with stress and confidence. I'm glad things are going well and Helen is settling in.
 
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Pjg8r

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Today is eight weeks ( !) since Helen and Jack came home. There are still interactions with hissing and batting of paws. Helen still isn’t sure how to play with all the others. She loves to pounce on Alex and Tyler’s fluffy tails and they tolerate it most of the time. She doesn’t like it when they return the favor, though. But sometimes we have extended times like the picture of all five lying down in close proximity ignoring each other. And today was a huge break through when Helen decided to take a nap in a chair with Jack and Alex.
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JamesCalifornia

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Hats off! It is very compassionate and sweet of you to take in special needs cats. You are their hero. Bless your heart
Thank for taking these beautiful cats in. I shed a lot of tears over cats but the one rolling down my face now is one of sheer and utter happiness, so thank you for that!
🎈
:yeah: :wave2: :clap2:
 

CatLover49

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i added two kittens to the family today. One has vision in one eye the other is completely blind (their eyes were enucleated in August for untreated infections). They are almost 4 months old. I currently have them in a large dog crate until I take them to the vet on Monday. When I begin to let them explore, I plan on adding a room at a time. My question is will that confuse the totally blind one- one day there’s a door someplace and the next day there isn’t? Are there any special considerations when I introduce them to my existing cats? I want to make this as low stress for them as possible. I haven’t named them yet....
Pretty babies
 

CatLover49

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One of my cats is blind in one eye. He had such a bad eye infection when I first found him that we thought he would be totally blind, but we managed to save the sight in one eye.

It doesn't bother him at all except when he is jumping. He bobs his head up and down a lot trying to judge the distance, but he's never missed.

Cats can get around in almost pitch darkness. They use their sense of smell, hearing and whiskers to find out what is around them.

Maybe a few hints on how to make your home easier to navigate here.


Or on introducing a blind kitten to other cats here.

Bless their little hearts...Precious babies
 
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Pjg8r

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I could use some ideas about this situation. My (adult) son was here for a few days over the holidays and that really stressed Helen. I’m sure it was a combination of a different voice, walking, doors opening and shutting, She still ate, used the litter box, but she was clearly nervous moving through the house. The really good news is she completely relaxed again after just a day once he was gone.
My question is should I try to get more people to come over to make her less nervous (don’t know if that would work or not) or not worry about it? I do travel three or four times a year and have a regular sitter who comes over. The sitter is a female so I’m hoping that may help some. My other cats are also very comfortable with her so that may also help. My next trip is the end of January.
 

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A long as Helen is familiar with the sitter and you have advised the sitter how to handle herself around Helen, that seems good enough. The big thing is with anyone coming into the house to let them know what works best for Helen as they move about the house. She may not see, but she can smell and smell is just as important - so, in that regard she is probably like any other cat that might be skittish around 'new comers'. I think considering she ate and used the litter box normally, that is pretty darn good!!!
 

Furballsmom

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I'd also not worry about it as long as the sitter is introduced to her...
you could try some MusicForCats . com for her during stressful times maybe?
 
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