Blind cat in trouble! Need advice

howtoholdacat

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My neighbor has a cat who was born without eyes. Either last night or this morning the cat got out of the door as she was going in and out. She didn't realize it right away and I've been out this afternoon helping her look for the missing cat. (Luckily, we live in GA so there's very little risk to his health due to cold and he's four and otherwise in good health so we're hopeful that this is just a matter of locating him.)

Here's my question to blind cat owners. What behavior should I expect? For example, if he got into her backyard he'd have to climb a 6 foot chain link fence to get out. Would a blind cat do that? If he got out of the front door he'd have to contend with the stray cats she feeds. If they attacked him would he run or just lay down?

I really think he's under her house and will come out soon. I couldn't get into her crawl space due to plumbing (our houses are 80 years old) and there were corners I couldn't see into.

Still, I'd appreciate all advice about blind cat behavior you can pass on. My neighbor is very upset and I hope to find the kitty soon.
 

aswient

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I don't have experience with blind cats, but someone will be along shortly I'm sure. Good luck and please keep us updated on this poor little kitty. Prayers and Good Luck for his return.
 

mrblanche

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Put some very smelly wet food on the porch or by both doors, for a starter. If there is a throw rug or something like that from indoors, or even the cat litter box, put it outside, too. You're trying to lure the cat with something that smells familiar.
 
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howtoholdacat

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Originally Posted by mrblanche

Put some very smelly wet food on the porch or by both doors, for a starter. If there is a throw rug or something like that from indoors, or even the cat litter box, put it outside, too. You're trying to lure the cat with something that smells familiar.
We've done that without much luck so far. I'm afraid we may have to wait for him to get hungry before it really takes affect!
 

hissy

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Buy a lot of birdseed and I mean a lot! Put it out near the house in big piles and although the kitty can't see she can hear and feel the activity when the birds come to feed. That's how I recaptured Tag (a blind kitty) when he accidentally got out of the house a few years ago. They hear the birds and feel the ground activity and come to investigate because you can't quench their prey drive. But it has to be a lot of birdseed to work.
 
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howtoholdacat

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Originally Posted by hissy

Buy a lot of birdseed and I mean a lot! Put it out near the house in big piles and although the kitty can't see she can hear and feel the activity when the birds come to feed. That's how I recaptured Tag (a blind kitty) when he accidentally got out of the house a few years ago. They hear the birds and feel the ground activity and come to investigate because you can't quench their prey drive. But it has to be a lot of birdseed to work.
That's a great idea! I'll tell my neighbor.
 

dragoriana

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Blind cats have a very good sense of smell and hearing, more than sighted cats (and they already have amazing sense). Anything that is familiar to the cat in the house such as toys, blankets, particular food, put them out on the porch or near where you suspect the cat is.

Unfortunately that is the best i can come up with atm. Cleo has only ever wandered a few metres from the house and only when we are there with her, otherwise she's in her outdoor enclosure or in the house. In regards to climbing a big fence, cats like solid objects to climb, i do not know if it would go up a chain mail fence.

I really hope you find the cat soon, and that your neighbour is more careful next time.
 
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howtoholdacat

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I've really great news! My neighbor found the cat.

Don't be too hard on my neighbor. She's a sweet little old lady that's made a lot of room for animals that others would have put down. This was just an accident.
 

stephanietx

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Woohoo!! I'm sure your neighbor was worried sick about her kitty. Where/how did she finally find him?
 

aswient

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That is the best news, I'm so happy for your neighbor, thats such a scary feeling when an indoor cat that can see gets out, never mind a cat thats blind. Our Prayers were answered.
 
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howtoholdacat

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I'm not sure how she found him. We haven't gotten to chat. She just left a note on my porch to let me know he was home. I had all the other neighbors out looking!
Indeed, it was an answer to prayer that he was found.
 
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