Caring for your Blind Cat

Blindness and poor eyesight are common but debilitating problems in cats. For cats, blindness can have dozens of potential causes, from malnutrition-related retinopathy to chronic conjunctivitis and congenital defects. Poor eyesight is most common in blue-eyed cats, including white cats and temperature-sensitive albinos (like colorpoint shorthairs and Siamese cats). My cat Toshi, a slightly cross-eyed colorpoint shorthair mix, suffers from nearsightedness. While this doesn't affect his ability to live a happy and fulfilling life, I understand the need to take precautions to keep him happy and healthy.

Why Blind Cats Need an Indoor Lifestyle

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) recommends that all pet guardians keep their cats indoors. This guideline is particularly important for cats with poor eyesight. A cat who suffers from blindness or nearsightedness may be less capable of avoiding predators and rival males. Additionally, cats with poor eyesight may become lost more easily than cats with normal sensory abilities. If you know or suspect that your cat can not see properly, protect his safety by keeping him inside at all times. If your cat insists on spending time outdoors, keep him secure in a leash or harness.

Nutrition for Cats with Poor Eyesight

As cats age, they become more prone to blindness from nutritional deficiencies. For good eyesight, cats need a constant intake of vitamin A. Unlike dogs and humans, cats are unable to convert beta carotene (a plant-based precursor to vitamin A) into a bioavailable form of the nutrient; for this reason, cats fed an exclusively vegetarian diet are likely to become blind without nutritional supplements. The guardians of older cats with poor eyesight should be particularly cautious about ensuring an adequate intake of this essential nutrient. A cat multivitamin or condition-specific cat food can guarantee that your cat's vision does not degrade further because of poor nutrition.

Special Health Considerations

Blind cats may be less active than cats with ordinary vision because they can not see toys or prey. To prevent obesity in your blind cat, try providing him with exercise opportunities on a daily basis and monitor his food intake carefully. Additionally, bear in mind that a cat with poor eyesight may also have conditions related to the underlying cause of blindness. For example, white cats and cats with point-coloration are prone not only to poor eyesight, but also to deafness and skin disease. Cats with birth defects or a history of malnutrition also require special attention. Talk to your cat's veterinarian about the special needs of your cat with poor eyesight. Proper considerations can help your furry companion live life to its fullest.