Blind Cat Please help!!

hexiesfriend

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I have a 19 year old cat who I can tell has cataracts. A few weeks ago she was at the vet and all blood tests and urine test were great no health issues. The vet said her blood tests were better than hers were when she was last at her doctor. I took her to the vet because she was peeing outside the litter box. I’m having to use pads for her. I don’t think the vet really checked her eyes. Yesterday I noticed that her eyes were dilated at night and I was watching her behavior and noticed she was needing to navigate objects and corners. It looks like she is now blind. I’m trying to get into the vet but they are booked for awhile. She is old and I expected her eye sight to go but I’m so worried about her and need advice. She is eating and drinking just fine. The navigating things and not quite finding the litter box is the only behavior change. Also She has a heart murmur so putting her through surgery is not an option to correct her eyes.
 

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Hi. I haven't any direct experience with this, but have read numerous threads on this site that your cat will adapt quite nicely to being blind, even if it might take awhile. If she seems to be staying in one area more than other areas, you might want to consider adding another litter box in that area - and, put some pee/poop in it from her other box to help with her being able to smell it. Just don't move any furniture around to reduce confusion for her. Also, start announcing yourself around her so that she can hear you coming/going.

This site seems to be having some issues, so when I can get a link to share with you of some of those threads, I will post again with it in case you might like to read them while you wait for members with first hand experience to come along and give you tips/advice. And, when you get a chance, let us know her name (and a pic, if your avatar isn't her)!!!

Edit: Got it - here is the link: Search Results for Query: blind

Also, can you call the vet back and ask if you can be squeezed in for an appointment, just to make sure nothing else is going on? Tell the vet what you have told us.
 
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Pjg8r

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I have a blind kitten. Yours may not want to step over the edge of the litter box if she can’t see the ground on the other side. Perhaps try one with very shallow sides and try that? She will know her way around the house by smell and landmarks. Avoid picking her up and carrying her anywhere as that can be very disorienting to a blind cat. A recheck at the vet is a good idea.
 
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hexiesfriend

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Hi. I haven't any direct experience with this, but have read numerous threads on this site that your cat will adapt quite nicely to being blind, even if it might take awhile. If she seems to be staying in one area more than other areas, you might want to consider adding another litter box in that area - and, put some pee/poop in it from her other box to help with her being able to smell it. Just don't move any furniture around to reduce confusion for her. Also, start announcing yourself around her so that she can hear you coming/going.

This site seems to be having some issues, so when I can get a link to share with you of some of those threads, I will post again with it in case you might like to read them while you wait for members with first hand experience to come along and give you tips/advice. And, when you get a chance, let us know her name (and a pic, if your avatar isn't her)!!!

Edit: Got it - here is the link: Search Results for Query: blind

Also, can you call the vet back and ask if you can be squeezed in for an appointment, just to make sure nothing else is going on? Tell the vet what you have told us.
BD0B374C-04D0-4925-9F33-14D7E5A114E3.jpeg
 

fionasmom

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She looks so sweet! I have had blind animals and agree with the suggestions which have been made; some like not picking up the cat and carrying her elsewhere may sound odd, but it can be very important not to let them lose their bearings. All I can add is that I have a diabetic cat who has mild neuropathy and cannot use a litter box, or simply is not comfortable using even one with very low sides, and I do have her more or less trained to use the pads. If you put the pads near the litter box and your cat finds the box, but cannot use it, she may begin to very consistently use the pads. Stella and I are to the point where she has three pad stations in one room with a non carpeted floor and if she uses one station she simply moves to a dry one until I change the soiled one.
 
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hexiesfriend

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She looks so sweet! I have had blind animals and agree with the suggestions which have been made; some like not picking up the cat and carrying her elsewhere may sound odd, but it can be very important not to let them lose their bearings. All I can add is that I have a diabetic cat who has mild neuropathy and cannot use a litter box, or simply is not comfortable using even one with very low sides, and I do have her more or less trained to use the pads. If you put the pads near the litter box and your cat finds the box, but cannot use it, she may begin to very consistently use the pads. Stella and I are to the point where she has three pad stations in one room with a non carpeted floor and if she uses one station she simply moves to a dry one until I change the soiled one.
 
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hexiesfriend

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I was able to get an appointment for Monday instead of 2 weeks from now. Since she already had all the blood tests I anticipate just being told it’s her 19 years of age. I am secretly hoping it’s some vitamin deficiency that came on suddenly that can be cured by a vitamin injection, but I know that’s not probably the case. She’s acting normal in every other way. I did cut out the front of her litter box so she doesn’t have to step in and she used it!!! So thanks to you all for the litter box suggestions!! It worked! I was worried because it hurts to see her trying to navigate. You all made me feel better thank you!!
 

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I know she is old but if she is still playful, or seems like she wants to be, traditional toys based on visual movements won't be very useful anymore. So just in case, start finding ways to enrich her environment using scent. Scented toys (like catnip kicker toys) might be a way to get her to be playful. Use really smelly treats to get her excited about things and for rewards. Perhaps a treat dispensing toy she can bat around would be nice for her.
You mention that she drinks well, but perhaps using a water fountain will encourage her to continue to stay hydrated. The noise will help her find the water even better, and some cats like playing with them. So it's just another way to keep some stimulus around her. The sounds of the water fountain can also help navigate her as well as she will be able to use the sounds to "keep her bearings" as she moves about the house.
These are just some of things I implemented with my very senior kitty when he went blind. He did very well and adjusted quickly.
 
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hexiesfriend

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She still loves catnip. Since she She knows where the water bowl is and has always been afraid of the fountains. Maybe now she can’t see she won’t!!
 
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hexiesfriend

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So we went to the Vet today Pippi is totally blind with little to no pupil response to light. She does not have glaucoma and no bad cataracts. Without a CT scan there is nothing more the vet could tell me other than there is neurological damage to the optic nerve. This one is baffling because she shows no signs of brain injury. If anyone has had a similar case with their cat I’d appreciate any input as to what’s to come....
 
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hexiesfriend

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Pipi is going Great!! I decided to not take her to any specialists to find out the reason for her blindness (she’s 19) and enjoy what ever time of have with her now. She has figured out the whole house walking by the walls. The little box was tricky, I have a large litter box I had to move to my office surrounded by a sea of wee wee pads. The pee and poop end up in or on one!!
 
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