Considering Adopting a Blind Cat? Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive about adopting a blind cat, but caring for one of these special needs kitties is easier than you might think. While some simple adjustments are needed, the care required for a visually impaired cat is quite similar to that of a sighted cat. 

These extraordinary felines adapt remarkably well to their surroundings, using their whiskers and other senses to navigate their environment like champs. Most blind cats get around almost as well as sighted cats, even performing feats like catching bugs, stalking “prey,” and jumping with incredible accuracy.

So, what does caring for a blind cat entail? Read on to learn how to make your home a safe and comfortable haven for these incredible animals. 

What to know about cat blindness

First, let’s start with some cat-blindness basics, including the signs, causes, and treatment.

Signs of blindness in cats

Detecting blindness in cats is important so they can promptly receive the care and accommodations they need. Shelter and rescue staff may notice signs of blindness in the cats in their care. Additionally, a cat that was sighted at the time of adoption may later develop blindness. Early signs of blindness can be subtle, making it essential for shelter staff and pet parents to remain vigilant. The following signs suggest a cat may be losing their sight:

• Bumping into furniture, walls, or other objects

• Hesitation or reluctance to jump or climb

• Appearing disoriented

• Being easily startled by sounds or touch

• Difficulty finding their food bowl or litter box

• Walking slowly or cautiously

• Changes in their eyes, such as cloudiness, redness, or pupils that remain dilated and unresponsive to light

• Frequent squinting

• Changes in vocalization

Causes of blindness in cats

Some kittens are born without eyes or with eyes that don’t function properly. However, it’s more common for cats to lose their sight due to various health issues or injuries later in life. Here are five common causes of blindness in cats. 

• Trauma to the eyes: Trauma to the eyeball is one of the most common causes of blindness in cats, says Dr. Grant Little, DVM, veterinarian expert with JustAnswer. Cats who go outside often get into fights with other cats, or they may run into objects. This can damage their eyes, he says. If the trauma is severe, the eyes might have to be removed or surgically altered.

• High blood pressure: “Cats get high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, secondary to internal disease,” says Dr. Little. Hypertension can occur from diseases such as hyperthyroidism, chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, adrenal gland diseases, or heart disease. “When a cat has hypertension, it damages the blood vessels in the back of the eye and can lead to severe issues, often blindness, if left untreated.”

• Infections: “Cats are susceptible to a number of infections, such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), feline leukemia virus, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and toxoplasmosis,” says Dr. Little. These infections can cause hypertension, eye damage, or damage around the eye that eventually leads to blindness.

• Cataracts: Cataracts in cats cause a cloud in the eye lens and can occur in one or both eyes. Old age is a frequent cause of cataracts, but they can occur in younger cats due to diabetes, inflammation, medication side effects, or infections.

• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is an eye disease in cats that causes high pressure in the eye. This pressure can affect the retina and the optic nerve, leading to bulging of the eye and eventual blindness. This condition can be caused by an anatomical abnormality in the eye or by another eye disease or injury.  

Treatment for blindness in cats

Treatment for blindness in cats depends on the underlying cause. For some conditions, such as cataracts, surgical intervention may restore partial or full vision. Glaucoma and high blood pressure require medication to manage the underlying disease and prevent further damage to the eyes. In cases of trauma, surgical options might be available, but their success often depends on the severity of the problem.

For irreversible situations, like congenital blindness, advanced retinal diseases, or severe trauma, treatment focuses on helping the cat adapt to their condition.

Tips for caring for a blind cat

Most blind cats get around surprisingly well. Due to the loss of sight, their other senses (particularly hearing, smell, and touch) become extra heightened, which helps them navigate their surroundings. That said, there are a few adjustments you can make to ensure they feel as safe, secure, and happy in their environment as possible.

1. Keep your cat indoors

Dr. Little says that blind cats should be kept indoors permanently. Outdoor environments pose numerous risks — such as traffic, predators, and unfamiliar territory — which can be especially hazardous for a blind cat. If your cat enjoys being outside, consider creating a secure outdoor enclosure (aka a catio) or using a leash and harness for supervised outings.

2. Create a safe home environment 

Cat-proofing your home is important for all cats, but it’s especially crucial if you have a blind cat. Making your living space safe and secure will help prevent accidents and allow your blind cat to navigate with confidence. Effective cat-proofing includes:

• Eliminating any sharp objects, fragile items, and small objects that could be swallowed

• Securing loose wires and cords that your cat might trip over or chew on 

• Installing sturdy screens on windows and safety nets on balconies to prevent your cat from falling 

• Keeping windows closed or only partially open to ensure your cat’s safety

• Blocking off areas that might be dangerous, using baby gates or pet barriers 

• Covering sharp corners of furniture with padding to protect your cat from injury 

• Placing your cat’s food, water, litter box, and bed in easily accessible locations 

• Establishing clear and unobstructed pathways for your cat to move around 

3. Use tactile markers

Use textured mats or rugs to mark important areas, such as their feeding station or litter box. This can help your cat find these vital areas more easily.

4. Don’t move things around too much 

Blind cats rely on memory and other senses to navigate. As such, avoid frequently rearranging furniture or moving their essentials, as this can disorient them, cause stress, and potentially cause injuries. That’s not to say you shouldn’t ever move your furniture, but if you do, it’s best to do so gradually so your kitty can adjust better. 

5. Provide appropriate toys and activities

Like any cat, blind cats need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Here are some good toys for blind cats to keep them entertained and active.

• Noisy toys: Toys that produce sounds, such as bells, crinkly materials, or squeakers, can attract your cat’s attention and encourage play.

• Textured toys: Toys with different textures can be intriguing for your cat to explore with their paws and mouth. Consider toys made of various cat-safe materials, such as rubber, fabric, and plastic.

• Catnip toys: Toys infused with catnip can provide additional sensory stimulation and encourage play.

• Interactive toys: Automated toys that move or make noise can provide entertainment and encourage exercise. 

• Puzzle feeders: Introduce puzzle feeders that require your cat to use their senses of smell and touch to access treats or kibble.

• Vertical exploration: Provide cat trees or shelves that your cat can safely climb. Ensure these structures are stable and have textured surfaces to aid your cat’s grip. Most blind cats can accurately jump up and down from these structures. 

Adopting a blind cat 

Adopting a blind cat can be an incredibly gratifying experience, because you’re providing a home to a kitty who might otherwise be overlooked in shelters. Anecdotally, many blind cats are very loving with their humans — perhaps their way of expressing gratitude for the safe and caring environment you provide. 

Before bringing a blind cat home, it’s important to make some preparations to facilitate a smooth transition for your new cat. In addition to cat-proofing your living space, here’s what else you can do. 

Prepare your family 

Before bringing a blind cat into your home, make sure everyone in your household understands the special needs of a blind cat. Discuss the importance of keeping the environment consistent and being gentle and patient. Encourage them to use soft voices and gentle touch to help the cat feel safe and secure.

Introduce a blind cat to other pets slowly 

Introducing a blind cat to resident cats or dogs follows the same basic principles as introducing a sighted cat to them. Initially, keep your blind cat in a separate room from the other pets. From there, you can follow a step-by-step process of feeding the animals on either side of the closed door, allowing them to see each other through a baby gate or cracked door, exchanging items that are saturated with the other’s scent, and finally, supervising short face-to-face meetings.

By following this step-by-step process, you can help your pets adjust to each other and build a harmonious relationship. (For more detailed information, refer to our guides on introducing a new cat to a resident dog and introducing a new cat to a resident cat.)

Establish a routine

Blind cats thrive on routine, as this provides them with a sense of security and predictability. Try to feed and play with your blind cat at the same times each day (more or less). This helps them anticipate and adjust to daily activities.

Don’t catch them by surprise 

Because blind cats can startle more easily, try not to catch them off guard. Call out their name before you approach them so they’re aware of your presence. 

Go slow and build trust

Allow your cat to set the pace for interaction. If they retreat or show signs of discomfort, give them space and try again later. Reward your cat with a treat, pets, and/or verbal praise (whichever they seem to respond to best) when they engage in positive interactions, such as approaching you for pets. Simply sitting close by your cat can also help them get comfortable with your presence.

Ready to adopt a cat? Use Adopt a Pet’s search feature to find cats from rescues, shelters, and individuals in your area. You can even filter for cats with special needs, should you feel compelled to provide a loving home for kitties requiring a little extra care. 

References 

Blind Cats 

Blindness and Loss of Vision in Cats

Glaucoma in Cats