Blind Cat

QUESTION:

I have a 3 year old cat who just went blind. He is one of three cats. The other two now act like they don't know him. One started urinated in the house because I am giving the blind cat too much attention. I am keeping the blind cat in the garage because he is also not using the box at all. It has been about a month and things are no better. I try to give the blind cat attention, he seems fairly content, but still not using the litter box. He always used it before and was a very clean cat. I have them all over the garage. He spent nights in the garage before so it is not a strange place for him. I have put a mist dispenser in the garage which is suppose to calm him. I don't know what to do to help him. He is very affectionate now.
Advise please!!!


Hello,

I am so sorry to hear about your kitty. Certainly, it is understandable that he is feeling insecure and wanting more affection and that he is having accidents. This is a traumatic, stressful change for him.

It sounds like he needs to be in a very small, confined space for awhile with his own food, water, and litter and that preferably that space has you in it. Do you have a small bedroom where he can stay and have all his things and be able to sleep with you at night? That would be best.

He needs lots of attention and love and special treats and reassurance right now. And, most importantly, don't rearrange any furniture! Keep everything, absolutely everything exactly in the same place all the time. He can learn to get around fine.

I'm not sure which soothing mist you are referring to, but if you haven't tried Comfort Zone With Feliway For Cats & Kittens Plug In With 48ml Bottle please try it. Use it not just around the kitty that has lost his eyesight, but also around the other cats. It can help everyone relax a bit.

When he has to be alone in his isolated area, a bit of soft music can be helpful. Without his vision, he relies much more on his other senses for "survival" and having something to listen to, something soft and fuzzy to lie on, and interesting things to smell can be very reassuring.

Thank you for writing,
Dr. Neely