How To Tell If Your Cat Is Blind Or Deaf
With the right care and attention, cats often adapt well to sensory issues. Read more about how you can tell if your cat may be deaf or blind and how to care for them.
Cats can develop sensory issues for several reasons, including old age, illness and injury. The most common issues include the loss of sight or hearing.
With the right care, cats who are deaf or blind can still maintain a great quality of life. Cats have an incredible ability to rely on their other senses, allowing them to go about their daily lives without too much difficulty.
Hypertension / Blood Pressure
A very common cause of blindness is a result of damage to the small blood vessels in the back of your cats eye that can cause bleeding or fluid leakage from the vessels which can lead to the retina become detached and thus causing blindness. In some cats, the damage is clear with blood seen in their eye.
Blindness From Untreated Eye Infections
Eye infections are a treatable condition in cats however, severe eye infections and eye infections which are left untreated can cause permanent blindness in cats. As well as the risk of blindness, eye infections cause extreme discomfort and pain. It is therefore extremely important that cats with eye infections are given veterinary attention.
Conjunctivitis is the most commonly diagnosed eye infection in cats. This is where the infection leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva the pink membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the outer surface of the eyeball . Left untreated, conjunctivitis can lead to eye damage, vision loss and blindness.
Eye infections can be caused by injuries to the eye, or foreign objects in the eye . Newborn kittens may develop eye infections due to vaginal infections of the mother at the time of birth, as well as being born into an unsanitary environment.
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What Do You Do With A Dead Cat At Home
If you believe that once a pet has passed away the body is just a shell, you can call your local animal control. They usually have low cost services to dispose of deceased pets. You can also call your veterinarian. You will need to bring your pet to the clinic but then they can arrange for disposal.
Of Course Not All Cats Go Blind And If They Do They Can Still Lead A Wonderful Fun
Your cat has a wonderful life with all the love and attention you give them, whether they spend their time prowling the great outdoors or prefer to snuggle up on your lap in the house. Despite your care, however, there are some things you cant control as an owner, including the possibility of blindness in your cat.
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Can You Leave A Blind Cat Alone
Yes, but try to limit it to short periods. Blind kittens cant see danger and run from it as necessary. Also, blind cats can fall or topple objects that may hurt them.
If you need to leave your blind cat, keep it indoors, preferably secured on a harness and a leash. You should also choose an enclosed room with its toys, food, litterbox, and other stuff in it. Learn here how much should a 10 week old kitten eat
If youll be gone for days, I suggest boarding your blind cat. This will ensure that the feline is well-cared and will be monitored 24/7.
Why Cats Go Blind
One of the most common causes of sudden blindness in an elderly cat is due to high blood pressure . The increased pressure pushes the light sensitive layer away from the back of the eye and this can happen literally overnight.
The affected cat will have very widely dilated pupils even in bright sunlight and there might be some blood visible when looking into the eyes. They will appear to be disorientated, bump into things and might vocalise excessively.
The usual cause of raised blood pressure in cats is an excess of thyroid hormone but it can also be due to kidney disease or diabetes. This is why its important for the vet to take blood tests to decide which condition to treat.
We monitor cats blood pressure in a similar way to human doctors by inflating a cuff just above the paw on a front leg but we listen for blood flow with an ultrasonic probe rather than a stethoscope. Some cats are calmer if the cuff is placed around the tail base. A few readings are usually taken to make sure that the blood pressure has not been raised through stress.
Drugs are very successful in bringing a cats blood pressure down to normal but the blindness is usually permanent. Cats are extremely adaptable when it comes to finding their way around the house and finding their food but they are not safe to allow outside due to all the dangers out there.
There are a number of other causes of blindness but these generally come on more slowly:
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Looking After A Deaf Cat
Deaf cats are often exposed to increased dangers, especially when outdoors they may not hear an oncoming car or an aggressive animal that might pose a threat.
Many cats love to , so adjusting to hearing loss can be very difficult. If you have a garden, transform it into a safe, cat-proof haven so they can maintain their outdoor life while staying protected from dangers – tall fencing and overhead netting both work well. If providing a safe outdoor space isnt possible, your cat should be kept indoors at all times. Catios are being popular amongst cat owners that are keen to keep their cat safe, but allowing it to get fresh air and some space to roam.
Whether inside or outside, dont forget to provide lots of interesting places or objects for them to explore and display their natural behaviours.
Aside from keeping them safe, youll also need to adjust the way you communicate with your cat as they lose their hearing. For example, replace voice commands with hand signals or use catnip-scented toys.
Deaf cats can be easily startled, so always approach your cat in their line of sight.
How To Look After Blind Cats
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How Do You Treat A Blind Cat
How to look after blind cats Keep your blind cat indoors, ensuring they have access to a safely-fenced garden or run if necessary. Encourage your cat to walk around on their own and avoid carrying them. When you approach your cat, talk to them as you approach them to avoid startling them. Avoid moving furniture, toys and litter trays.
What Causes A Cat To Go Blind Overnight
The most common reason among cats to go blind overnight is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of sudden blindness in an aged cat .
The increasing pressure pulls the light-sensitive layer known as the retina away from the rear of the eye, which can happen in a matter of seconds.
Even in bright sunshine, the affected cats pupils will be significantly dilated, and blood may be visible when gazing into the eyes.
They will appear disoriented, will bump into things, and may over-communicate.
An overabundance of thyroid hormone is the most common cause of high blood pressure in cats, but it can also be caused by kidney illness or diabetes.
This is why blood tests are necessary for the veterinarian to determine which condition to treat.
When the cuff is wrapped around the base of the tail, some cats become calmer. Several readings usually are made to ensure that the blood pressure has not been elevated due to stress.
Although drugs are effective in lowering a cats blood pressure, the blindness is usually permanent.
Cats are incredibly flexible when it comes to navigating the house and locating food, but they are not safe to let outside due to the numerous risks that exist.
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Noisy Toys Are Best For Blind Cats
Even though blind cats cant see, they love to play and hunt just as much as any other cat. There are lots of toys available to stimulate a cats hearing and sense of smell. Blind cats love crinkly toys and catnip-stuffed kickers. Interactive toys can be moved and manipulated to make noise, allowing a blind cat to track his prey with his ears.
Caring For A Blind Cat
While their sight is still important to them, cats often rely more on their hearing and sense of smell, so many cats adapt well to blindness.
Try and keep your home environment as consistent as possible, e.g. not moving furniture, litter trays, or food and water bowls. You should also try and keep your cat indoors as much as possible or build a cat-friendly outdoor enclosure to help keep them safe outside.
Blocking off stairways, balconies and decking can help keep blind cats safe, and always keep the toilet lid closed to avoid accidents. Blind cats tend to respond well to noisy or scented objects, so investing in toys with bells, rattles, and catnip helps stimulate their senses while maintaining a great bond.
Constantly talking to your cat will help them locate you about the house and maintains a sense of security. If you have other pets, you may want to add a bell to their collar for the same reason.
If you are worried about your cats vision or hearing please speak to your local Medivet practice for advice
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Can A Cat Suddenly Go Blind
Sudden blindness in cats can happen, though its a rare condition. Strong medication and injuries can cause this. Elderly cats are also more likely to suffer from sudden blindness. Overall, sudden blindness is a rarity among kittens, unless the kitty has a genetic predisposition or is exposed to infections.
Differences In Your Cats Eyes
You may notice changes to your cats eyes with or without apparent changes in their vision. A milky or cloudy appearance to the eyes can be caused by cataracts. Cloudy eyes can also be caused by glaucoma, a raised pressure inside the eye, or uveitis, which is inflammation inside the eye.
Eyes can turn red due to high blood pressure, which causes bleeding inside the eye.
Some conditions affect the retina at the back of the eye. If this is damaged, the glow from the back of the eye appears more intense. Retinal detachment may also be caused by high blood pressure.
In a blind cat, the pupils are usually very large and do not contract into normal slits when a bright light is shone on them.
If you have noticed a recent color change in one or both of your cats eyes, you should take your cat to the vet to have an eye examination. Your vet will be able to tell you what is wrong and advise you on the best treatment. If the condition is more complicated, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist.
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Signs A Dog Is Going Blind
There are more noticeable signs you can look out for. Some common signs of a dog going blind may include:
- Cloudy eyes
- White spots on the eyes
- Bumping into things
- Hesitation when navigating obstacles such as stairs or when in new places
- Anxiety when in new environments
- Avoidance of stairs
- No longer jumping on/off furniture
- Redness and swelling on or around the eyes
- Squinting or pawing at the face
- Easily startled when petted or approached
- Less interested in playing
- Pupils dont dilate when in dark room or constrict when exposed to bright light
- Not making eye contact with you as much as he used to
“You might see your dog running into furniture, but especially new things in the house,” Lisa Radosta DVM, DACVM at Florida Veterinary Behavior Service and co-founder of Dog Nerds tells us. “Dogs that go blind slowly have the lay of the land committed to memory. When something new is added to the environment, they may stumble over it or into it.”
You might also notice that they don’t see well at night or when there’s an abundance of shadows, Radosta explains. “This might manifest as fear of going outside or snapping at lights or shadows,” she adds. “Some dogs may also start to hesitate at transitions where there is a step such as a threshold.”
At What Age Are Cats Considered Old
In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.
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Links To Websites About Feline Dementia
- Senior Dementia in Cats: Common Signs of Feline SenilityDo cats get Alzheimers? Is it normal behavior for a senior cat, or is there a problem?
- Feline Dementia VetInfoFeline dementia is suspected to affect 28 percent of cats ages 11 to 14 and almost 50 percent of cats older than that, but it is very hard to detect because symptoms are often attributed simply to old age.
- Feline dementia | The Conscious CatCan cats get Alzheimers or dementia? What can you do to prevent mental decline in your senior cats?
This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Recovery Of Blind Quiet Eye In Cats
Blind quiet eye is a condition that diminishes a cat’s vision it isn’t fatal. With proper treatment, most felines enjoy a normal life despite this ailment.
Recuperation periods following the diagnosis and treatment of blind quiet eye vary. No standard exists because recovery depends on the origins of the ailment. Also, some animals never get better. Your cat’s rendering provider will set timelines for recovery as well as aftercare. Below are a few considerations:
- Follow-up visits. If your feline has cataract surgery, he must have frequent follow-up visits with the vet for a while. Risk factors for this procedure include retinal detachment and lens capsule scarring. Both may damage the eye and cause permanent vision loss.
- Taurine additives. Recovery from taurine deficiencies start at 30 days. Healing begins at the increase of this amino acid in your cat’s diet. Watch for side effects such as an upset stomach.
- Household adjustments. For cats suffering from SAARD, no effective treatment exists. Pet owners must work around the illness. This includes keeping the floor areas clear of small objects to prevent falls and putting their feline on restrictive diets. Regular check ups aid too in overall health maintenance.
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Blind Quiet Eye Average Cost
From 568 quotes ranging from $200 – $2,000
Average Cost
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How To Tell If Your Cat Is Going Blind
Cats have excellent eyesight, and they rely on their super sharp vision to prosper in the environment they live in, whether thats outdoors or inside. But in some cases, felines can develop blindness, especially as they get older.
There are a few signs you can look for to help you find out if your cats vision is deteriorating. Of course, if you suspect your cat might be going blind, you must consult your veterinarian right away. Regular vet checkups can also help detect and treat eye problems early.
Heres how to stay on top of finding out if your cat might be going blind or experiencing eye issues.
What Causes Blindness In Cats
Like any health problem, blindness in cats can be due to a lot of reasons. The following are commonly observed on blind kittens:
- Cataract and glaucoma. These two eye conditions are the most common reasons for feline blindness. A cataract causes damage to the lens while glaucoma results in pressure buildup behind the eye, which damages the optic nerve. If not treated early, these two conditions can cause either partial or total blindness among cats.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus . This condition leaves a kitty vulnerable to various infections, some of which can damage its eyes. It can range from bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and more.
- Old age. Healthy yet old cats are also at risk of developing blindness. It usually occurs on purebred kitties primarily due to progressive retinal atrophy.
- Genetic predispositions. Lastly, kittens can be born blind and its often difficult or mostly impossible to reverse. Blind cats must be fixed so they will not pass the defect to their litter.
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