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A blind cat can have a wonderful, happy life. It is not at all uncommon for pets, particularly older ones, to suffer vision loss.
Just as people over the age of 40 tend to need reading glasses, the same vision changes start to develop in almost all cats over the age of six. This normal change, called nuclear sclerosis, results in less flexibility of the lens, a hazy appearance, and less ability to focus on close objects. Pets still see pretty well despite the bluish tint to their eyes.
Eye disorders can affect the vision of pets at any age but are more common in older animals. Cataracts turn the clear lens of the eye cloudy and opaque and ultimately result in blindness. Pets also can suffer glaucoma—an increased pressure within the eyeball that can be very painful and lead to blindness.
There are treatments available for cataracts and glaucoma. Pain control in glaucoma is particularly important. It is important to find out why your cat has developed glaucoma as the treatment options for long term management differ depending on the underlying cause. For cataracts, surgery can reverse the blindness but is pretty expensive and is limited to specialty veterinary ophthalmology practices.
It is not cruel to allow your pet to function as a blind pet. In fact, blind pets are not nearly as concerned about their deficit as most owners. When your pet becomes blind, the cat will just rely on its sense of smell and hearing. In many cases, vision loss is gradual, and pets adjust and make accommodations so successfully that owners are surprised to discover that their aging cat has become blind.
Blind cats typically are still very happy. They continue to enjoy and remain engaged in life and the world around them—including their humans. Kitties do not need to see you to love you.
Your blind pet’s comfort level, safety, and emotional health are important. Follow these tips to keep the cat happy and comfortable.
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