| Sometimes cats go blind as they age. This can be a | | | | It's also helpful to keep litter boxes and food dishes |
| different sort of disorientation to the cat who is born | | | | in the same area. Blind cats will find their way to |
| blind. Older cats who find their eyesight decreasing | | | | these places by smell. However, all cats hate changes. |
| will slowly adapt and use their other senses. If the | | | | The stress of changing certain habits is even harder |
| blindness comes on more suddenly, you may find | | | | on a blind cat. |
| some fearfulness as the cat adapts to its new | | | | Avoid lifting your blind cat as much as possible. Lifting |
| limitations. | | | | can create a sense of disorientation. If you do have |
| While all cats should be kept indoors for their safety, | | | | to lift the cat, place it back down in a familiar area. |
| this is particularly true for a blind cat. If something | | | | As they get older and go blind, it may be harder for |
| chases the cat, they may not know where to run to | | | | a cat to leap up on a favorite sleeping area, like a |
| find safety. Even if they do escape, the sudden | | | | bed. A set of stairs can be helpful. Watch as your |
| movement may disorient them to a point that they | | | | cat learns to negotiate these things. Such props keep |
| are unable to find their way home. Blind cats should | | | | the cat safer. As long as they are doing the |
| always be supervised if they wander outside to sit in | | | | movement, they will feel more oriented in their |
| the sun. A harness is a great way to keep the cat | | | | space. They will also feel a greater sense of mastery |
| close but still allow it to smell the outside air and | | | | over their handicap. |
| enjoy the sounds of birds. | | | | An older blind cat still needs play time for stimulation. |
| Keep the household stable. Don't move the furniture. | | | | Noisy or smelly catnip toys are a great way to keep |
| Blind cats will rely on their memory and their whiskers. | | | | them active. |
| However, keeping furniture in the same general | | | | Cats rely on other senses to a great degree. |
| places will help keep them from bumping into things | | | | Although blindness is a handicap, with a minimal |
| unexpectedly. This helps them feel more secure in | | | | amount of effort your blind cat can continue to live |
| their environment. | | | | out his life safely and happily. |