Blind Kittens

I am new to the forum and really hate starting out like this, but I need help. I live on a farm in the midwest and about three months ago had a female show up that decided she liked the accomodations and decided to stay. Fine with me. She is loving and has fit right in. We quickly figured out that she was pregnant and did everything we could to make her happy. She had five cut fluff balls that we are extremly attached to. That was about six weeks ago. I felt like I was prepared. Went to the vet and got drops just in case any of the babies had eye infection. Everyone seemed to be good. Then we noticed that one baby had milky blue eyes with one of them appearing to be quite large in size. Off to the vet we went. He said the kitten was blind and the kindest thing to do would be put it down. First of all I can't do that. An otherwise healthy kitten, just can't do it. Then we discovered that another baby is blind in one eye.
My question is how on earth do you begin to care for a blind cat. I have every intention of making it a house cat if that is possible. This may sound crazy, but if it were to get used to the way the surroundings are such as the placement of things and where the food and litter pan are, can it learn to get around without causing itself harm.
If I knew that the kitten was doomed to a horrible and painful life it might be easier to make the choice to have it put down, but I want to make sure that there are no other alternatives.
If anyone has any advice or suggestions I would love to hear them.

There is a member that recently adopted a blind kitten, and he is thriving with some TLC. I am sure that as soon as they see this thread, they will be happy to share their experiences. I think there is going to be a blog about it. Welcome to TCS.

The blind kitties do great. If she can be an indoor cat she'll be fine.

Take a look at some of the blind kitties playing at this site.


http://blindcatrescue.com/

Frankthetank is the member that just adopted a blind kitten. You could inbox and see what info there is to share.

Here's a link to the health forum's search on "blind": http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sea...archid=2875909

Originally Posted by krazy kat2

There is a member that recently adopted a blind kitten, and he is thriving with some TLC.

Click to expand...

This one?

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...ighlight=billy

First off - Welcome to TCS!

Living on a farm, and having had un-altered cats in the past, sometimes cats should not be allowed to reproduce. I encourage you to get the mother & all the kittens fixed (and any other reproducing kitties on the farm). I got my farm cats fixed 6 years ago - and have only lost 1 young one due to heart problems.

As far as blind kittens go, 6 years ago I took in an adult former feral (wild) cat off the farm. She was blind for an unknown reason. She adjusted fantastically to living indoors & did well without problem as far as finding food, litterbox, water, etc. At first I had to show her where to find things, but we worked out a routine & settled in well together.

Originally posted by
Momof2

This may sound crazy, but if it were to get used to the way the surroundings are such as the placement of things and where the food and litter pan are, can it learn to get around without causing itself harm.

Click to expand...

It isn't crazy at all; you are exactly right!

Years ago I had an RB cat named Midnight who went totally blind in both eyes at the age of 13 due to glaucoma. Midnight was always a housecat and once she adjusted to her condition she was able to function just as well as she did when she had her eyesight. So I do have some experience in this area.

As long as the cat isn't in a lot of pain due to the blindness and can cope with it's phsical environment, there isn't any reason to put it down. Blind cats can live full and happy lives. They don't rely on eyesight as much as people do, and will rely more on their other senses to function. A couple of important things are never ever let a blind cat outside because it can't cope with that environment. And the placement of things in your home must remain in the same place at all times.

Do a search of the health forum for blindness like someone else suggested and also do a google search.

Good luck!

The kitten will adjust indoors only. It will take time and just be sure you don't have sharp objects that are low to the ground. The most important thing is to minimize moving furniture around in the rooms because the kitten will learn to "feel" its way; even tho he/she will bump into a lot of things.

Try not to startle the kitten too much; maybe stomp on the ground a little while you walk near so the kitten picks up the vibrations and also talk softly so you don't scare the kitten as you approach.

You will need to put the food/water in a quiet place and be sure the kitten knows where it is - try to train the kitten to follow you with food.

Most important is to get mom spayed quickly (blindness might be genetic) and get the kittens neutered/spayed by 3-4 months old.

Besides reading about Frankthetank, see if your library has the book Homer's Odyssey by Gwen Cooper, who adopted a blind kitten - Gwen is now on the New York Times best seller list with her story of living with Homer.

She also maintains a blog, webside, and facebook page. http://www.gwencooper.com/faq.php


I'd say, after reading these stories, that living with a blind kitty can be a totally rewarding experience for loving pet parents.

I agree, if the cat is not in pain, well, read up on others' experience and see if you can provide a good home - I think you can, based on what you've already said.