Petlife logo

Welcoming Home Your Blind Cat

Blind cats need a little extra, but they give it, too.

By MichPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
Like

Welcoming home any new pet is exciting but can also be a little stressful. Are they going to love you? Will you love them? Will they cause problems with any resident pets? So many questions and so much love all coming out at the same time.

One of the hardest and most rewarding type of animals to welcome into your home is a special needs animal. This article is going to look at one type of special needs animal in particular: blind cats.

Just so you, the reader, know that I know what I'm talking about, I have three rescued cats, one of which is blind (along with other issues), and I have also fostered cats.

So, onward… You have either found your new family member who is blind or your cat has had an accident or disease leading to its blindness and now it’s time to bring it home. This is a hard time for those of you who have to bring home your cat who is now blind. Some quick things to help all of you:

  1. A blind cat can get around just as well as a non-blind cat
  2. They don't feel sorry for themselves, you don't need to either (even though you will).
  3. They can live just as happily or even happier than non-blind cats. I think these are important things to remember during some of the harder times.

Just Adopted

This portion is going to be for the cat moms and dads who are bringing home their just adopted blind cat. It is important to remember that they don’t know you yet, and unlike a normal cat, they cannot see you. This sounds like something that is really obvious to say, but I sometimes even forget my cat can't see me. You’re just used to doing things like putting your hands down for them or walking silently in the morning so you don't wake your partner or kids. Well, that could be terrifying for a blind cat that is in a TOTALLY new environment and has no idea where they are or who they are with. My advice to you is take it slow. They will learn their way around and they will know you.

When you get home, show them where the litter box is, and by show them I mean literally pick them up and place them in the litter box. This is more important than you may realize. They need to know where the bathroom is so they can smell it later. Then just let them walk out of it and walk around alone. They need to figure out where it is in the house and how to get there, and there is only one way to do that. One thing that I would recommend is if you have a larger house, place more litter boxes around so if they get lost, there is always one close by. I live in a two bedroom apartment and have three litter boxes—mind you I have three cats, but it still gives my blind cat more options.

The next important thing to do is show them their food and water. For the same reasons as the litter, it is important to bring the cat to the food and water and then let them walk away and explore. From this point on they are like any other new cat. They have to find their way around the house, rub on things, and figure out who everyone is. Just give them space and let them explore.

A tip for keeping them happy and having less bathroom issues with your blind cat is to not move their things. Keep the litter box(s) in the same spot and do the same with their food.

Newly Blind Resident Cat

First I would like to say that I am sorry your cat is now blind, for whatever has happened. But it is not the end of the world and your cat will be happy and learn its new life. I promise it will still be the same cat you always knew.

Firstly, allow it time to heal and be sad. It wont last long, but it just had a traumatic event happen and it is trying to understand what has gone on. It is important at this time to leave the cat's things where they were when it left. Leave the litter box and food so it has familiarity. To add to this and keep it even more comfortable, do not move any furniture for a while after it is brought home. It already knows where it all is and it will be a lot easier for your cat to navigate this new world in a place that it already knows.

Now, if you want to set up a space for your cat while it heals, that is completely fine to do. Sometimes it is easier to keep it all close when it is all doped up. However, after it is feeling better there is a chance that when you move that litter box from that space it will continue to use that space as a bathroom for a few days after, just because it came to know it. So if you're alright with taking that chance, then I would actually recommend it.

What is important to remember for each situation;

  1. Every cat is different and will react differently to new situations
  2. All blind cats do better when things are not moved around; however, they adjust well. I have a young son and there are constantly toys being moved around and my cat does amazingly.
  3. Blind cats are NOT outdoor cats.
  4. They can still play and have fun. Just get loud toys.
  5. They can still navigate the house like a regular cat, so chances are that plant on top of your dresser is still not safe.
  6. They might bump into things. It's okay.
cat
Like

About the Creator

Mich

Hello all! I am a stay at home mom with an autistic toddler. I love plants, animals and being a momma. On top of writing about my experiences!

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.