How to tell if a cat is blind

Cats are among nature's most agile predators. But even these powerful animals can go blind. Owners wonder how to tell if their pet is losing their sight. Their behavior will tell you.

Signs of blindness

A cat's blind eye is often clouded over, or the pupil remains dilated even in bright light.

An animal can't tell if it's seeing poorly. However, humans can recognize certain signs that a cat has lost its sight:

• the animal stops moving a lot and spends more time in a state of doze;
• walks only on the floor, jumps less or not at all;
• walks around the house carefully;
• A blind cat's whiskers are broken off. This is because whiskers are a blind cat's primary sensory organ. They allow it to sense the world around it and detect vibrations in the air.
• the eyes do not glow in the dark;
• while moving, it crashes into objects that are not in their usual places.

A cat that is blind in one eye may strike in self-defense if you make sudden movements on its blind side.

In what cases can vision be restored?

Eye diseases can occur in cats at any age, but are more common in older animals.

A cat can go blind for several reasons. This may be a congenital disorder, a result of illness or old age. Treatment depends on the cause of the cat's blindness.

The main causes of blindness are:

• Glaucoma is a term used to describe a condition that causes increased intracranial pressure in animals. The condition is usually treatable, depending on the underlying cause.
• Cataracts. Cataracts most often affect older cats. Vision loss in these cases occurs gradually. If you notice changes in your pet's behavior, cataracts can be treated or their progression slowed.
• Uveitis is an inflammation of the vascular system of the eye. This condition can lead to glaucoma. The inflammation is treatable if the condition is not in an advanced stage. The tumors press on the blood vessels and nerve endings in the animal's brain. If left untreated, the animal may die.
• Retinal atrophy. Most often a hereditary disease that progresses asymptomatically, it leads to complete and irreversible vision loss.
• Hypertension. Thyroid dysfunction leading to retinal detachment. It can be cured with proper diagnosis. Otherwise, retinal atrophy will develop.

How to care for a blind cat

Some cats are born without eyes or with very small eyes that cannot function.

Even a blind cat can live a full life, but its owners must help it:

• Do not move furniture from place to place, as the animal navigates in space, relying on its memory.
• Don't leave sharp objects on the floor. If possible, wrap sharp corners of furniture with soft material.
• If you open your window often, be sure to install an anti-cat net.
• Before you pick up your pet, talk to it.
• Buy jingling toys.
• Walking blind animals is not recommended. If the cat is trained to walk, it is permissible to take it for a walk on a leash in a quiet area.

Blindness is not a death sentence. A blind cat is no different from its sighted counterparts. If the condition cannot be cured, owners must provide the animal with the most comfortable living conditions possible.