Caring for a Blind Cat

There are a few things to consider when caring for a blind cat to make life safer and to keep them active. Cats are able to adapt very well by using their other senses as their sense of smell and hearing is better than ours. At first there can be a change in their character, for example by not leaving their bed, but after time you can help build their confidence to live a full and healthy life.

Adapting to care for a blind cat

Keep your cat’s routine the same which will help them adjust to being blind. You can start by keeping them confined to one room as they start to become more confident. You can use pheromones such as Pet Remedy or Feliway to help with any anxiety. A few sprays of this around their bedding or favourite sleeping area can really help to balance emotions. Encourage your cat to walk around and avoid picking them up so they can manage by themselves. Cats have scent glands on their paws which they can follow to navigate areas, so allowing them to move themselves helps with this. They also use their whiskers to guide them through areas. Using textures will help them get used to which rooms are carpeted and which have hard flooring. You’ll be surprised at how much a cat takes in just from walking over an area. They already likely know the feel of the floor around their sleeping or feeding areas.

Call the cat’s name when you approach them to make them aware that you are there. Approach them slow and gentle, and ensure that you don’t startle or scare them. If you have other pets in the house, adding a bell to their collars can help your blind cat be aware of where they are and when they are approaching.

Keep everything in the same place such as litter trays, food and water bowls and scratching posts so that your cat can find them easily and try to keep the area obstacle free and reduce clutter. Block off any hazardous areas like stairs or anywhere that they may fall. Your blind cat may be reluctant to jump up/down off furniture and you may notice that they begin to climb instead of jump, or put their paws out further in front of them. This is normal and is a sign of them adapting.

Stimulation and play

Avoid letting your blind cat outside alone as it can be dangerous for them. Think about getting a catio or fence off an area which may be safer. Make sure they are microchipped in case they lose their bearings and get lost.

Using toys will bells on, or puzzles with catnip in them will help to stimulate their brains and provide enrichment. Hearing your voice can be soothing for them, so talk to them often to make them aware you are them. Having the radio on and/or leaving it on when you go out can help to reduce anxiety and provide them with human comfort.

Summary

Don’t move items or furniture around the house.

Talk to your cat and leave the radio on

Avoid picking them up so they can find their own bearings

Block off any unsafe areas

Use toys with bells or cat nip

Keep them indoors and microchipped