Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Watch for behavioral changes
• Method 2 of 3: Noticing changes in the eyes
• Method 3 of 3: Grooming your blind cat

Cats have extraordinary eyes that allow them to see well at different times of the day, both indoors and out. However, eye injuries and many illnesses can significantly impair your cat's vision and even cause blindness. If you recognize incipient blindness early, your cat can receive treatment that can save all or part of its vision. If your cat does go blind, you want to be able to help him. Look for changes in behavior or physical changes that could indicate that your cat is losing sight or is blind so that you can give it the best possible care.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Watch for behavioral changes

1. Watch for clumsiness. Watch your cat walk around furniture and whether it makes mistakes when it jumps on furniture. Also notice if your cat bumps into walls or furniture that it previously walked around without problems. Clumsy behavior where he spends a lot of time can be a sign of deteriorating vision or blindness.
   • Another sign to watch for is if your cat trips up stairs or slips when jumping on its favorite high spot.
   • Notice if your cat has trouble with other familiar objects, such as finding his food and water bowls.
2. Watch your cat walk. Watch your cat walk. Notice if he walks lower to the ground. He may feel his route with his nose and whiskers. Other signs to look for include walking with the head down and moving the head up and down to better estimate distances.
   • Another thing to look out for is if your cat is wandering aimlessly.
3. Listen to your cat. Can you hear your cat vocalize more? When cats have difficulty seeing or are blind, they usually make more noise to vocalize their distress. You may also notice that your cat is generally nervous, anxious, or upset as he adjusts to the lack of vision.
   • You may also notice that your cat is more easily startled.
4. Notice if your cat is clingy. Watch for signs that your cat is less confident than usual. For example, notice if your cat is more affectionate than usual or spends more time around you. Also pay attention to whether your cat is sleeping more or generally moving less than usual.

Method 2 of 3: Noticing changes in the eyes

1. Watch your cat's pupils. If you suspect that your cat is or is becoming blind, check out his pupils. Notice if the pupils stay the same in bright and dim light. Also check if the pupils are of different sizes. Both are signs of blindness or early blindness.
   • Also notice if your cat is squinting or not responding to changes in lighting.
2. Check the color of your cat's eyes. One of the changes you may see is a change in the color of the eyes. In addition, look out for more redness in your cat's eyes. You may also notice that your cat's eyes look cloudy or whiter.
   • Watch for excessive redness in the tissue around the eyes. Do not worry if this is light pink, it is normal.
   • If your cat's lenses are opaque, it could be a sign of cataracts.
3. Test your cat's threatening reflex. Move a fingertip quickly towards your cat's eye, without touching the cornea. A cat with sight will then startle or blink when the finger approaches them, but a blind cat will not notice your finger. Don't get too close to your cat's whiskers or create an air flow on his whiskers, which could cause him to notice you approaching his face with your finger.
4. Try dropping a ball of wool for your cat. Notice whether he is watching or following the falling sphere. Most sighted cats will watch the sphere fall. A blind cat will not notice the sphere falling in front of him. Avoid getting too close to your cat's whiskers so that he can't feel the bulb.
5. Pay attention to the size of the eyes to check for glaucoma. If one eye looks bigger than the other, take your cat to the vet. This could be a sign of glaucoma. While this doesn't necessarily mean your cat is blind, glaucoma can cause blindness if left untreated.
   • In addition, one or both eyes may appear cloudy.

Method 3 of 3: Grooming your blind cat

1. Take your cat to the vet. Take your cat to the vet if you suspect it is or is becoming blind. Share your concerns with the vet, including a list of symptoms you have noticed. Take your cat to the vet as soon as possible, as early treatment can be essential in preventing complete blindness or treating a dangerous illness that may have resulted in the symptoms you have noticed.
   • Blindness can be a symptom of other serious illnesses, such as high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause strokes and seizures, so it's important to treat it early.
2. Keep things consistent at home. Make as few changes as possible to your cat's environment. This will help him get used to the lack of vision. Avoid moving the food and water bowls and the litter box so that your cat can find them easily.
   • You can lower the furniture further, or provide ramps for easier access for your cat.
   • Keep the floors organized to help your cat move around more easily.
3. Keep an eye on your cat outside. Guide your cat when you let him out and make sure he stays in an enclosed area. If not, keep the cat indoors to protect it. Keep windows and doors closed to keep it in. Also close any cat flaps.
4. Give your cat identification. Microchip your cat in case it leaves the house. Also make sure he has a collar with a tag. Include a badge stating your cat is blind or visually impaired.
5. Avoid scaring your cat. Try not to make loud noises or startle your cat. Do your best to stay calm around him and help him stay calm. Warn family members, especially children, and visitors not to make loud noises or do other things that may frighten your cat.