Can a vet tell if a cat is going blind?
In particular, one of your cat’s pupils might appear bigger or smaller than the other, which can signal the onset of blindness. Squinting can also be a sign to watch out for. Redness around the eyes or the eyes looking cloudy can be warning signs that should be brought up with your vet, too.
What would cause a cat to go blind suddenly?
A wide variety of conditions can precipitate sudden blindness in a cat, including a burst of bleeding into the eye’s interior or a traumatic blow to the head. In rare cases, a cat’s ingestion of an antibacterial medication called enrofloxacin has also been shown to damage the feline retina and cause sudden blindness.
Can blindness in cats be reversed?
If caught early enough, the loss of vision can be stopped or even reversed. Most cats adapt very well to blindness and go on to enjoy a good quality of life.
How can I help my partially blind cat?
How to look after blind cats
- Keep your blind cat indoors, ensuring they have access to a safely-fenced garden or run if necessary.
- Encourage your cat to walk around on their own and avoid carrying them.
- When you approach your cat, talk to them as you approach them to avoid startling them.
How long does it take for a cat to adjust to being blind?
For cats afflicted with a sudden onset of blindness, it may take several weeks to adjust to their vision loss. Cats that have been losing their vision over time cope much better, as they have had time to adapt gradually as their vision decreased.
How can you tell if a cat is losing sight?
Signs often include:
- Cloudy eyes.
- Uneven or very wide pupils.
- Disorientation and bumping into things, especially in low light.
- Walking slowly/cautiously with their legs wider apart than usual.
- Reluctance to jump.
- Hiding away and becoming nervous.
- Reluctance to go out at night.
- Changes in their behaviour.
