Blindness in cats

Overview

Permanent loss of vision can be caused by a number of disorders. Cats with diabetes mellitus, for example, will rarely develop cataracts, which can lead to blindness.  Vision problems can show up after injury or illness, such as a stroke or hypertension that is left untreated.  Cats suffering from advanced glaucoma may need to have one or both eyes removed.  Cats may also develop blindness as a result of old age.  Blindness can also be caused by a deficiency in the amino acid taurine or by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections of the eye. 

Symptoms

Gradual loss of vision is often difficult to detect in pets, but if you notice that your cat

• is misjudging heights
• bumps into walls or other objects, especially if you have moved furniture
• seems confused in strange surroundings
• is reluctant to move from one spot
• has a change in the color or clearness of the eyes

your cat may have a problem with his vision. See your veterinarian immediately if you think your cat is suffering from a loss of vision.

Treatment

If your cat is diagnosed with gradual, permanent loss of vision, you will need to create a safe environment for him. This means keeping your home stable and obstacle-free. Try not to rearrange furniture, and do not leave boxes, toys, or other objects on the floor.

Alert your cat to your presence by greeting your cat verbally when entering a room. Always speak to a blind cat before petting or touching him. You may need to block access to stairs. And most important of all, you will need to give your cat lots of extra attention and tender loving care. This is especially true for elderly animals who may also be suffering from hearing loss and are having a more difficult time adjusting.

One of the most remarkable things about companion animals is their ability to adapt. There are three-legged cats who can even outrun their four-legged counterparts. And by relying more on their senses of smell and hearing, many cats cope very well with gradual blindness.