Our beloved cats, like other living beings, can experience a reduction in their physical abilities over time. One of the most difficult problems to identify is vision loss, which can cause partial or total blindness. It can be difficult for owners to realize that their pet is losing its vision. cat is losing his sight until it is already very evident, so it is very important to know the early signs in order to act as soon as possible.
How do I know if my cat is blind?
Blindness can be caused by multiple factors, including age, eye diseases such as Cataracts and glaucoma, injury or even a genetic defect. Although cats are very skilled animals that tend to compensate for vision loss with other senses such as smell and hearing, blindness significantly impacts their quality of life. It is crucial that we recognize the first symptoms of blindness to be able to go to the vet on time.
- Disorientation: If your cat starts tripping over objects around the house or appears unsure when moving around, it could be a sign of vision problems.
- Falls or trips: Lack of vision affects the ability to correctly judge distances, which can lead to frequent falls.
- Use of smell and hearing: When a cat begins to lose its sight, it often begins to rely much more on its other senses.
Visible signs of blindness in cats
In addition to behavioral changes, it's also important to pay attention to specific physical signs that can give you more clues as to whether your cat is losing its sight.
- Dilated pupils:If your cat's pupils are constantly enlarged, especially in normal or bright lighting conditions, it could be a sign that he is losing his vision.
- Opacities in the eyesCataracts, for example, usually manifest as an opacity in the eyes that may be visible to the naked eye.
- Lack of response to light: A healthy cat should respond to light stimuli, such as a flashlight. If the cat does not blink or react, this may be a clear indication of blindness.
Common causes of blindness in cats
The causes of blindness in cats can be diverse. Some of them are:
Cataract
The Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness in cats, especially as they age. This condition causes the lens of the eye to lose its transparency, which interferes with the ability to process light and see clearly. Cataracts They can be hereditary or develop due to trauma or diseases such as diabetes, which causes an increase in the feline's blood sugar levels.
Glaucoma
El glaucoma Glaucoma is another common cause of blindness in cats. This condition occurs when the pressure inside the eye increases because the fluid inside does not drain properly. In its advanced stages, glaucoma can be very painful and lead to irreversible vision loss. Treatment may include drops to reduce eye pressure or, in severe cases, surgery.
Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment occurs when this essential part of the eye separates from the innermost layers. This condition is often associated with hypertension, especially in cats with kidney or heart problems. Once the retina has detached, visual stimuli no longer reach the brain, leading to blindness.
Eye inflammations or infections
An untreated chronic eye infection or inflammation such as uveitis can cause serious and permanent damage to a cat's vision. These problems are more common in older cats and can be devastating if not diagnosed early.
How to care for a blind cat
If you find that your cat is losing its sight or has already gone blind, it is essential to make some changes to its environment to ensure that it feels safe and confident inside the house. Fortunately, cats can adapt very well to blindness if they have a stable environment and a patient owner who cares for them properly.
- Avoid moving furnitureBlind cats rely heavily on their memory and senses like touch and smell to get around. Don't rearrange furniture too much, as doing so can disorient cats and make them feel insecure.
- Put up safety barriers: If your home has stairs, balconies or other dangerous areas, it is recommended that you use barriers to protect your blind cat from possible accidents.
- Speak to him softly: A blind cat can easily become frightened if it doesn't know you're approaching. Speaking softly and quietly to it will help alert it to your presence and prevent it from being startled.
- Provide safe shelters: Provide your cat with comfortable and safe places where he can rest and feel protected. It is important to always place his food, water and litter box in the same place so he can find them easily.
Medical and veterinary care
In addition to adjustments at home, It is essential that the veterinarian evaluate your cat If you suspect your cat is losing its vision, specialists can perform different tests to determine the cause of the blindness and, in some cases, recommend treatments such as medication or surgery to slow the progression of the disease or improve the quality of life of the cat.
In cases such as cataracts, surgical treatments can restore some vision. For glaucoma, drops and other medications can reduce eye pressure, preventing further damage. However, in some conditions such as retinal detachment, once it has occurred, blindness is irreversible.
Finally, don't underestimate the importance of regular veterinary check-ups, especially if your cat is older, as many eye diseases can be detected before they cause blindness.
Although vision loss can be a stressful situation for both cat and owner, with the right adjustments and necessary medical care, your feline can still lead a happy and fulfilling life. Never hesitate to continue loving your cat, as now more than ever, they need to feel safe and loved.