Bandit's Going Blind

CatNipped wrote:
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that
unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise,
so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be
bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the
eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her
unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very
startled by another cat in her path.

Frank gradually became very near-sighted during his last years. I also
think he went deaf during his last autumn, because he didn't react to
loud noises any more. It didn't seem to bother him much, but it may
explain why he spent most of his last years sleeping on the bed.


--
Marina, Miranda and Caliban. In loving memory of Frank and Nikki.
marina (dot) kurten (at) iki (dot) fi
Stories and pics at http://koti.welho.com/mkurten/
Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/
and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki

"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that
unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise,
so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be
bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in
the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to
her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get
very startled by another cat in her path.

I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any
advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much
appreciated.

Mostly just keep things as stable as possible. Also if she can hear, talk
to her a lot. That will help her keep oriented and relieve some of the
stress of not seeing. Use sounds and scents. Tap on things, stuff like
that.

Our little dogs were deaf and blind by the end of their lives. I'd pick
them up and hold them and talk to them with my face up against them so they
could feel me talk when they got stressed to calm them.

Jo

CatNipped wrote:
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all
that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health
otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She
doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that
she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my
general direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her.
Also, she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in
her path.

I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat.
Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much
appreciated.

I once visited a house where a 23 year-old blind cat lived, I was told the
hoomins never moved the furniture so the cat knew where everything was. I
was sitting on the floor when the cat came in, he bumped into me, thought
for a few seconds, then climbed into my lap and purred up a storm.
--
Adrian (Owned by Snoopy and Bagheera)
Cats leave pawprints on your heart.
http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk

"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
news:4n1Vf.356$C85.239@dukeread10...

"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that
unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health
otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't
seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't
look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when
I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking
along and get very startled by another cat in her path.

I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any
advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much
appreciated.

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/



Lori, I adopted a blind cat (Duffy) two years ago, so you may be thinking
of me. Before I discuss caring for a blind cat, though, I want to
emphasize to you that it is *very important* to have Bandit checked
*immediately* - that is, tomorrow. I realize that you said Bandit had been
seen by a vet recently. However, cats usually do not go blind simply
because of age. There would be a cause behind it, and it is very probable
that the cause is hypertension (high blood pressure). So, you need to get
an immediate evaluation, and make sure that the vet you use has a blood
pressure monitor. Vets do not routinely check blood pressure, and many do
not even have the equipment to do so. The reason I am being so emphatic is
that high blood pressure is known as "the silent killer." In addition,
hypertension can very quickly lead to detached retinas (and blindness).
However, if it is caught *fast enough* and the cat is placed on medication
(Norvasc), the retina will usually reattach and the cat will regain its
vision. Again, this will only happen if *immediate* action is taken - so
please do not delay.

If you do learn that Bandit has already lost vision, then please contact
me, either through this newsgroup or through email. I will be very happy
to share what I have learned about feline blindness and try to help you
with some suggestions in living with and caring for a blind cat. A blind
cat can function perfectly well and be just as happy as a sighted cat.

MaryL

She was at the vet two weeks ago. My vet is a "just cats" clinic and they
have all the latest equipment (which is, I guess, why they're so expensive).
They do check blood pressure, which was normal at the time - she also shone
that light thingie into her eyes and didn't see anything wrong with the
retinas (Bandit's eyes still dilate in reaction to light). She also had a
geriatric blood panel, as well as a regular blood work-up and everything was
normal (even creatinin and BUN were back into normal range since I'd
switched to canned food a year ago on this vet's advice).

Still, I have a call in to my vet and I'm waiting to hear back from her, so
she'll may want to see her later today.

But basically, I think she's just getting very, very near-sighted with age
(I know I am - my glasses prescription just changed again - I can't see
anything without my glasses even though I had 20/10 vision when I was
young).

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/

"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
news:4n1Vf.356$C85.239@dukeread10...

"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that
unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health
otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She
doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she
doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general
direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll
be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her path.

I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat.
Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much
appreciated.

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/



Lori, I adopted a blind cat (Duffy) two years ago, so you may be thinking
of me. Before I discuss caring for a blind cat, though, I want to
emphasize to you that it is *very important* to have Bandit checked
*immediately* - that is, tomorrow. I realize that you said Bandit had
been seen by a vet recently. However, cats usually do not go blind simply
because of age. There would be a cause behind it, and it is very probable
that the cause is hypertension (high blood pressure). So, you need to get
an immediate evaluation, and make sure that the vet you use has a blood
pressure monitor. Vets do not routinely check blood pressure, and many do
not even have the equipment to do so. The reason I am being so emphatic
is that high blood pressure is known as "the silent killer." In addition,
hypertension can very quickly lead to detached retinas (and blindness).
However, if it is caught *fast enough* and the cat is placed on
medication (Norvasc), the retina will usually reattach and the cat will
regain its vision. Again, this will only happen if *immediate* action is
taken - so please do not delay.

If you do learn that Bandit has already lost vision, then please contact
me, either through this newsgroup or through email. I will be very happy
to share what I have learned about feline blindness and try to help you
with some suggestions in living with and caring for a blind cat. A blind
cat can function perfectly well and be just as happy as a sighted cat.

MaryL

She was at the vet two weeks ago. My vet is a "just cats" clinic and they
have all the latest equipment (which is, I guess, why they're so
expensive). They do check blood pressure, which was normal at the time -
she also shone that light thingie into her eyes and didn't see anything
wrong with the retinas (Bandit's eyes still dilate in reaction to light).
She also had a geriatric blood panel, as well as a regular blood work-up
and everything was normal (even creatinin and BUN were back into normal
range since I'd switched to canned food a year ago on this vet's advice).

Still, I have a call in to my vet and I'm waiting to hear back from her,
so she'll may want to see her later today.

But basically, I think she's just getting very, very near-sighted with age
(I know I am - my glasses prescription just changed again - I can't see
anything without my glasses even though I had 20/10 vision when I was
young).

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/




Thanks for the update. I was really hoping Bandit's failing vision would be
something that could be treated, but I can see that she has had a much more
thorough checkup than the "routine" that most vets provide. I do think it is
important, though, to follow up on the question of hypertension and to have
full medical exams in instances like this in case there is some action that
could be taken to either save a cat's eyesight or at least slow down the
deterioration. Duffy has been blind since birth. However, he was an adult
cat when I adopted him (estimated to be 3-5 years of age at the time), and
he adjusted so remarkably well that I took him to a feline ophthalmologist
at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. There, I learned
that he is completely blind, but I have never regretted getting the
evaluation. I would have felt dreadful if I had later learned that I could
have done something to save some residual sight and had failed to do it.

You asked for information about caring for a blind cat, and I hope I can
provide some help. Duffy has lived with me for 2 years now, and he is an
absolute delight. However, I am not sure if I will be able to give you very
much useful information because Bandit is a senior cat who seems to be
gradually going blind, while Duffy was blind from birth (and I suspect that
helped him to adjust - he could never see, so he is not aware of missing
anything). At the same time, I may be able to give you a few pointers. Most
of all, though, I want to encourage you to recognize that if Bandit is
blind, that does *not* have to mean that he is frightened or unhappy. Blind
cats really can do the most remarkable things, and Duffy is a totally happy
kitty. I think you can make that possible for Bandit, too, especially since
he already knows that he is loved (something that Duffy was denied until I
adopted him).

If you do not have a sturdy cat tree, I suggest that you buy one or ask DH
to build one for you. A blind cat cannot run through the house like a
sighted cat can, but that is one of the few limitations. He does often run
toward me, though, when he hears the sound of my voice or even my footsteps.
Since Duffy can't dash through the house, I think of the cat tree as his
"vertical space." He loves to climb, and he is like a little gymnast on it.
Make sure that all of the poles are covered with carpeting because Bandit
will need to use the carpet as he climbs (and descends). He will not be able
to see beds on the cat tree to jump from one to another, so he will need to
be able to "feel" his position. Also, make sure that the beds have a raised
lip. That way, he won't become disoriented (possibly after falling asleep)
and fall off the bed. I realize that Duffy is much younger and more active,
so you will have to monitor Bandit for awhile to ensure that he does not
become disoriented and fall. Even if you find that he is intimidated and
will only use the other levels, your other cats will make use of the full
height of the cat tree.

Have a variety of toys, and be sure to get some that make noise or are
scented with catnip. That way, Bandit will be able to detect where they are.
The turbo scratcher is one of Duffy's favorite playthings. The ball is in a
fixed track and makes a rumbling sound when it rolls, so he always knows
exactly where it is
http://www.thecatconnection.com/cat-supplies/cat-products/Turbo-Scratcher.html.
He absolutely adores a catnip-filled pad called a Boogie Mat
http://tinyurl.com/anpt3, and he likes the little foil balls that make a
"crinkling" sound when he bats them around.

Try not to move furniture around, not even a small amount, until Bandit
adjusts. I sometimes think Duffy has built-in radar because he will
instantly know where I have placed anything, but I took great care when I
first adopted him to provide an area where he would always be able to locate
everything. Likewise, when you pick Bandit up, remember to set him down
immediately in front of something that he can use to orient himself (for
example, in front of - and possibly touching - a chair that he could use as
the basis for finding his way around the room). Provide a small, cozy space
where Bandit can "hole up" and feel a sense of privacy. A nice bed with
sides or a beehive or teepee works wonders. Food, water, and litter boxes
should always be available in *exactly* the same spot and not be moved from
day today. Also, always speak before you touch Bandit. A blind cat can be
taken unawares and startled even by ordinary actions such as reaching out to
stroke her as you pass by. I even do that with Holly because cats do not
like to be taken by surprise.

When the grandchildren visit, I think it would be a good idea to place
Bandit in a separate room, at least until they become adjusted. The sound of
little feet running can be frightening to a blind cat, and children probably
are not accustomed to watching out for a cat that cannot easily get out of
the way.

A word of warning: Be *especially* cautious if you have a La-Z-Boy type of
reclining chair. It is important to make sure that *any* pet is clear of the
mechanism before lowering the leg rest, but that is especially true for a
blind (or nearly blind) cat.

I hope some of this will help. Just as with sighted cats, some cats will
adjust more easily than others, but you need to take special precautions
with an older cat. Please be sure to ask if you have any specific questions
that I haven't answered.

MaryL

CatNipped wrote:

Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that
unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise,
so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be
bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the
eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her
unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very
startled by another cat in her path.

I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any
advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much
appreciated.


Lots and lots of purrs and best wishes for Bandit to adapt really well
and for her sight to not deteriorate any further,
Polonca and Soncek

CatNipped wrote:
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that
unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise,
so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be
bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the
eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her
unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very
startled by another cat in her path.

I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any
advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much
appreciated.

Neither of ours is vision-impaired that we can tell, but purrs for you both.

--
Sam, closely supervised by Mistletoe

"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
news:RhfVf.739$C85.703@dukeread10...

"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
news:4n1Vf.356$C85.239@dukeread10...

"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all
that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health
otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She
doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that
she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general
direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also,
she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her
path.

I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat.
Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much
appreciated.

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/



Lori, I adopted a blind cat (Duffy) two years ago, so you may be
thinking of me. Before I discuss caring for a blind cat, though, I want
to emphasize to you that it is *very important* to have Bandit checked
*immediately* - that is, tomorrow. I realize that you said Bandit had
been seen by a vet recently. However, cats usually do not go blind
simply because of age. There would be a cause behind it, and it is very
probable that the cause is hypertension (high blood pressure). So, you
need to get an immediate evaluation, and make sure that the vet you use
has a blood pressure monitor. Vets do not routinely check blood
pressure, and many do not even have the equipment to do so. The reason I
am being so emphatic is that high blood pressure is known as "the silent
killer." In addition, hypertension can very quickly lead to detached
retinas (and blindness). However, if it is caught *fast enough* and the
cat is placed on medication (Norvasc), the retina will usually reattach
and the cat will regain its vision. Again, this will only happen if
*immediate* action is taken - so please do not delay.

If you do learn that Bandit has already lost vision, then please contact
me, either through this newsgroup or through email. I will be very happy
to share what I have learned about feline blindness and try to help you
with some suggestions in living with and caring for a blind cat. A blind
cat can function perfectly well and be just as happy as a sighted cat.

MaryL

She was at the vet two weeks ago. My vet is a "just cats" clinic and
they have all the latest equipment (which is, I guess, why they're so
expensive). They do check blood pressure, which was normal at the time -
she also shone that light thingie into her eyes and didn't see anything
wrong with the retinas (Bandit's eyes still dilate in reaction to light).
She also had a geriatric blood panel, as well as a regular blood work-up
and everything was normal (even creatinin and BUN were back into normal
range since I'd switched to canned food a year ago on this vet's advice).

Still, I have a call in to my vet and I'm waiting to hear back from her,
so she'll may want to see her later today.

But basically, I think she's just getting very, very near-sighted with
age (I know I am - my glasses prescription just changed again - I can't
see anything without my glasses even though I had 20/10 vision when I was
young).

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/




Thanks for the update. I was really hoping Bandit's failing vision would
be something that could be treated, but I can see that she has had a much
more thorough checkup than the "routine" that most vets provide. I do
think it is important, though, to follow up on the question of
hypertension and to have full medical exams in instances like this in case
there is some action that could be taken to either save a cat's eyesight
or at least slow down the deterioration. Duffy has been blind since birth.
However, he was an adult cat when I adopted him (estimated to be 3-5 years
of age at the time), and he adjusted so remarkably well that I took him to
a feline ophthalmologist at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary
Medicine. There, I learned that he is completely blind, but I have never
regretted getting the evaluation. I would have felt dreadful if I had
later learned that I could have done something to save some residual sight
and had failed to do it.

I understand - I always check with my vet whenever I'm in the slightest
doubt about something being wrong with one of my fur-babies. I did hear
back from her and she said she didn't think Bandit was totally blind and
it's her age that's causing her gradual loss of sight (and hearing, I
suspect). Other than that, she's in *excellent* health even for a cat one
third her age - as I said, even her BUN and creatinin levels have gone back
into the normal range since my switching them all to canned food a year ago.
She said all cats should hope to be in such good shape at 16.


You asked for information about caring for a blind cat, and I hope I can
provide some help. Duffy has lived with me for 2 years now, and he is an
absolute delight. However, I am not sure if I will be able to give you
very much useful information because Bandit is a senior cat who seems to
be gradually going blind, while Duffy was blind from birth (and I suspect
that helped him to adjust - he could never see, so he is not aware of
missing anything).

It amazes me that she is so comfortable about walking around, jumping to and
from my bed (using a stepping box - a round cat house about half the height
of my bed - although I'm thinking of getting one of those ramps for cats
since her arthritis is probably getting worse as she ages).

The only reason I noticed her loss of sight was when she was confidently,
briskly walking across my bedroom floor and happened to stumble across Sammy
lying in the middle of the floor. Now Jessie, maybe, but Sammy, no way -
Sammy is *VERY* hard to miss. Bandit stopped suddenly and flinched and then
hissed at Sammy until Sammy got up and moved out of her way. Then Bandit
continued her trip to her food bowls.

After that I started testing her sight using "spider hands" (which she
always hated and swatted at). Now though, unless my hand occludes a light
source, she doesn't track it. But she can see my hand when it gets closer
to her face.

At the same time, I may be able to give you a few pointers. Most of all,
though, I want to encourage you to recognize that if Bandit is blind, that
does *not* have to mean that he is frightened or unhappy. Blind

No, she's not at all frightened, she's as mean as ever (she didn't get the
nickname "B*tch Cat From H*ll for nothing ;) - and supremely confident in
her supremacy. As long as she's healthy and not in pain, I'm not worried
about her losing her sight - as I said, I'm half blind without my glasses
now-a-days! ; It amazes me when she jumps down from my bed onto the cat
step (she does lean way over to touch it to make sure it's there first - but
then she just jumps down and jumps down to the floor right away). She makes
her way from my bedroom, through my sitting room, through the cat flap into
the garage and to her litter boxes with no problem at all. Since my office
is off the garage, she'll often stop in after using the litter boxes for me
to pick her up onto my lap and give her a scritch session.

cats really can do the most remarkable things, and Duffy is a totally
happy kitty. I think you can make that possible for Bandit, too,
especially since he already knows that he is loved (something that Duffy
was denied until I adopted him).

If you do not have a sturdy cat tree, I suggest that you buy one or ask DH
to build one for you. A blind cat cannot run through the house like a
sighted cat can, but that is one of the few limitations. He does often run
toward me, though, when he hears the sound of my voice or even my
footsteps. Since Duffy can't dash through the house, I think of the cat
tree as his "vertical space." He loves to climb, and he is like a little
gymnast on it. Make sure that all of the poles are covered with carpeting
because Bandit will need to use the carpet as he climbs (and descends). He
will not be able to see beds on the cat tree to jump from one to another,
so he will need to be able to "feel" his position. Also, make sure that
the beds have a raised lip. That way, he won't become disoriented
(possibly after falling asleep) and fall off the bed. I realize that Duffy
is much younger and more active, so you will have to monitor Bandit for
awhile to ensure that he does not become disoriented and fall. Even if you
find that he is intimidated and will only use the other levels, your other
cats will make use of the full height of the cat tree.

Yeah, Bandit doesn't do much more than jump on and off my bed (again, using
her cat step). She's happing to lie on top of my pillows all day long
(http://www.possibleplaces.com/CatNip...9/DCP_1651.jpg - Bandit is on
the right, Sammy on the left - and
http://www.possibleplaces.com/CatNip...9/DCP_1577.jpg).


Have a variety of toys, and be sure to get some that make noise or are
scented with catnip. That way, Bandit will be able to detect where they
are. The turbo scratcher is one of Duffy's favorite playthings. The ball
is in a fixed track and makes a rumbling sound when it rolls, so he always
knows exactly where it is
http://www.thecatconnection.com/cat-supplies/cat-products/Turbo-Scratcher.html.
He absolutely adores a catnip-filled pad called a Boogie Mat
http://tinyurl.com/anpt3, and he likes the little foil balls that make a
"crinkling" sound when he bats them around.

Try not to move furniture around, not even a small amount, until Bandit
adjusts. I sometimes think Duffy has built-in radar because he will
instantly know where I have placed anything, but I took great care when I
first adopted him to provide an area where he would always be able to
locate everything. Likewise, when you pick Bandit up, remember to set him
down immediately in front of something that he can use to orient himself
(for example, in front of - and possibly touching - a chair that he could
use as the basis for finding his way around the room). Provide a small,
cozy space where Bandit can "hole up" and feel a sense of privacy. A nice
bed with sides or a beehive or teepee works wonders. Food, water, and
litter boxes should always be available in *exactly* the same spot and not
be moved from day today. Also, always speak before you touch Bandit. A
blind cat can be taken unawares and startled even by ordinary actions such
as reaching out to stroke her as you pass by. I even do that with Holly
because cats do not like to be taken by surprise.

LOL - that won't be hard for me, I'm so obsessive-compulsive that I have to
keep things in their *EXACT* right spot down to the millimeter!


When the grandchildren visit, I think it would be a good idea to place
Bandit in a separate room, at least until they become adjusted. The sound
of little feet running can be frightening to a blind cat, and children
probably are not accustomed to watching out for a cat that cannot easily
get out of the way.

All the children know better than to go near B*itch Cat From H*ll - we've
had Bandit since before the grandchildren were born, so they grew up knowing
about her, um, disposition! ; Again, Bandit pretty much stays in my
bedroom (I keep their food and water fountain in there to make it easier on
her.


A word of warning: Be *especially* cautious if you have a La-Z-Boy type of
reclining chair. It is important to make sure that *any* pet is clear of
the mechanism before lowering the leg rest, but that is especially true
for a blind (or nearly blind) cat.

No reclining chairs.


I hope some of this will help. Just as with sighted cats, some cats will
adjust more easily than others, but you need to take special precautions
with an older cat. Please be sure to ask if you have any specific
questions that I haven't answered.

Thank you, Mary, you've been extremely helpful and I really appreciate the
time and effort you took to post all this helpful information.

Hugs,

CatNipped


MaryL

CatNipped wrote:
I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat.
Any
advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much
appreciated.

Ted (RB), our calico dominatrix, was mostly blind** towards the end of
her life. She coped *just fine*. In fact, she coped not only with
normal life, but also with moving house when we moved cities. Her
whiskers were her eyes, and a fine job they did too. We adjusted
things a little bit - avoided shifting furniture, made sure we were
aware of her so that we walked around her rather than expecting her to
shift out of the way and, if she was outdoors, we kept a close eye on
her so that she didn't get lost.

We noticed that she made a lot more use of walls as navigation aides
after she lost her sight, but apart from that there was very little
discernible difference from when she was sighted. She could jump up
and down from beds, sofas, chairs, etc up until the very end.

I think you'll find that Bandit will be OK - her whiskers and ears
will compensate for the loss of her sight.

**Ted could see contrasts - dark shadow against bright light and she
could see some movement, but that was about it.

Tish

"Tish Silberbauer" wrote in message
...
CatNipped wrote:
I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat.
Any
advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much
appreciated.

Ted (RB), our calico dominatrix, was mostly blind** towards the end of
her life. She coped *just fine*. In fact, she coped not only with
normal life, but also with moving house when we moved cities. Her
whiskers were her eyes, and a fine job they did too. We adjusted
things a little bit - avoided shifting furniture, made sure we were
aware of her so that we walked around her rather than expecting her to
shift out of the way and, if she was outdoors, we kept a close eye on
her so that she didn't get lost.

We noticed that she made a lot more use of walls as navigation aides
after she lost her sight, but apart from that there was very little
discernible difference from when she was sighted. She could jump up
and down from beds, sofas, chairs, etc up until the very end.

I think you'll find that Bandit will be OK - her whiskers and ears
will compensate for the loss of her sight.

**Ted could see contrasts - dark shadow against bright light and she
could see some movement, but that was about it.

I think that's how Bandit is seeing right now. She can see my hand when it
occludes a light source, but not otherwise unless it's very close to her
face. She's coping *MUCH* better than a human could - I didn't even notice
it until she was walking across the room and ran into Sammy!!!! Now Sammy
is a bit big to miss!!!!!!! ;

--

Hugs,

CatNipped

See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/




Tish