Have you ever considered adopting cats with special needs, like blind cats? For those who have a quiet home who want to adopt one cat, a blind cat might be a great match. Cats are extremely resilient, and blind cats can live long, happy lives with lots of play and affection. They are so adaptable; we recently shared a story of two blind kitten brothers who can navigate their home with such relative ease it seems they echolocate like bats!
Like black cats and FIV+ cats like Marmalade, blind cats have a harder time finding homes but make wonderful companions.
Unfortunately, it’s not difficult to find cats for adoption who have become blind. One reason is that cats born on the streets are often malnourished. As such, they are prone to common illnesses like a feline herpes infection. Although healthy cats’ immune systems can overcome the virus, a weak kitten may not fight it. Sometimes, this means they can lose one of both eyes. Some rescuers specialize in helping blind kittens, like Galileo, the cutie from the D.C. metro area. These kitties are full of activity and love being with other cats and kittens.
We’ve also been amazed at how cats sometimes voluntarily act as seeing-eye cats for blind dogs and other cats.
Rescuers Take in Multiple Blind Adult Cats
Rescuers in East London have seen an unusual number of older blind cats arriving, taken from the streets. When this happens, it’s a rare occurrence. Someone must have been caring for them, only to abandon them for some reason. They don’t know why. But fortunately, they found their way to the wonderful Celia Hammond Animal Trust.
Images via Facebook/Celia Hammond Animal Trust
In a few days, the rescue took in two blind cats and one partially blind cat.
“Sadly, blind cats are often overlooked because of their disability,” they shared. “However, blind cats can live a full life and still make excellent pets and companions for their owners.”
Then, the rescue shared some important information for anyone considering adopting a blind cat. They need a little extra TLC and consideration to help them live long, happy lives. However, nothing here would be difficult to accommodate for people in a quiet home.
Tips for Adopting a Blind Cat or Kitten
Here are the tips shared by the Celia Hammond Animal Trust on Facebook. Keep in mind cats will often far surpass expectations and could adapt much faster than you think. However, they generally need a little extra time, patience, and planning. The payoff for helping a special needs kitty can be great and even life-changing, as many people shared in the comments.
Keep blind cats safe indoors.
Fortunately, these blind cats managed to survive long enough for rescuers to find them.
“Create a safe environment by keeping them indoors: blind cats can get disorientated easily, so the outside world can be hazardous for them. To provide a secure environment that’s easy for them to navigate, it’s advisable to keep them indoors and give them all the resources they need to encourage them to stay active and healthy,” they shared.
It’s a good idea to keep pet cats indoors or in a catio, whether they are blind or not. On the other hand, more and more people are accompanying their cats on amazing adventures on a harness or in a safe backpack.
Don’t move things around too much.
If you get the itch to redecorate, it might be better to do it gradually so blind cats can adjust.
– Avoid rearranging items: Try to keep furniture and other possessions in the same place to minimize confusion and help your cat feel more comfortable.
Help stimulate their other senses.
As they say, if you lose one sense, the others become stronger. So, help blind cats take advantage of their strong sense of touch and hearing.
– Use other senses: Blind cats rely heavily on their other senses, especially hearing and touch. Provide plenty of tactile toys and scratching posts, and make sure to use your voice to guide and encourage them to get around the house on their own instead of picking them up and carrying them. The glands on their feet will help them create a trail they can follow.
Help blind cats navigate with thoughtful planning.
Thing about how your cat experiences their world, and plan accordingly.
– Make initial adaptations: Thoughtful modifications to your home can make a big difference for a blind cat. Consider using textured mats to help them navigate slippery floors, and make sure to keep their food, water, and litter box in consistent locations.
Don’t catch them by surprise.
Nobody likes being caught off guard, so help a blind cat know when you are approaching.
– Stable and quiet environment: Blind cats can be easily startled by sudden noises or movements. Be sure to always call their name when approaching your blind cat. Also, a home without children or other pets may likely be the best fit.
Give them extra time to adjust.
Given a little patience, you will probably be amazed by how your blind cat adjusts to their new home.
– Be patient: Blind cats may take a little longer to adjust to their new home, but generally, they are very adaptable. With a little patience and love, they can get around just like any other cat.
Those in East London can learn more about adopting a blind cat at the Celia Hammond Animal Trust. Elsewhere, contact a shelter or rescue near you.
