Kitten with no eyes

Originally Posted by frankthetank

Hi!! I am so happy you posted on this site. I was directed to your post by another member (thanks LDG!) who remembered that I have a blind cat.

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Thank you so much for your post. What an amazing kitty and what an amazing kitty owner.

I was going to say see if the non-bulging eye could be corrected with surgery to restore sight, but from what you said it cannot.

I have heard of blind cats living a great life, I just dont understand how if both eyes removed wont cause infection from the holes? Then again i'm no vet so I wouldnt understand. If the eyes arent in danger of infection or infection can be treated, wont the vet leave the kittens eyes in?

Anyway, good luck to the kitten that's a very special one and if everything goes well you can say it beat the odds thats for sure!

I guess the vet is removing them because his blindness is caused by infection in the eyes--maybe removing the damaged eyes would be safer and get rid of the chance of infection spreading? I'm not a vet, but that's my guess. Of course it makes sense to make sure that this surgery is in fact necessary.

this is breaking my heart!!!

i know this is a cat site BUT i did live with a blind dog for many years, i'm talking zero visibility from diabetes. Our vet also talked about putting him down but i could never just because he was blind. i mean his tail was still wagging!

he would often bump into things and it was rough in the begining but after arranging the furniture and such properly he learned his way around and lived out the rest of his short years a happy boy. I've seen that him having another kitty friend could help him as he could follow him (they recomended that to us for our dog as well)

Originally Posted by jessicaromano

I just dont understand how if both eyes removed wont cause infection from the holes?

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Usually the vet will sew the eyelids shut. At least, that's my understanding; I don't know the exact procedure.

Hi guys!

I know it's been quite some time since I've responded. We did go ahead with the surgery and Willie had both of his eyes removed around early November. He is doing WONDERFUL. We ended up getting him a friend around the same age to help "guide" him and it was the best thing we ever did. They have become best friends. It amazes me, he finds the litterbox/food with no problem. Flies up and down the stairs. Consistently getting on my kitchen table LOL.   Overall, he's fantastic, still has some slight discharge from his eyes but doing fine.  Now for some pictures (before & after)

I am pretty new here, and just read your story for the first time.  What a wonerful person you are for saving little Willies life!! What an adorable kitty he is!! I am so happy for him.  I had a dog that had to have one of her eyes removed due to a lense luxation.  She was about 11 when it happened, but she adjusted quite well.  I just mention her because I thought (once she was all healed up) that it made her even more adorable!!!!  Its funny how when our pets have a health issue, and pull through, it somehow makes us love them even more!!!! Good luck to you and Willie, and your other cat too! 

Thanks for the update - it's so good to hear that he's adjusted well and and has a "guide kitty"!

The world needs more people like you.

God bless you all!

I am really glad to see the kitten is doing so well! I am sure he really appreciates everything you've done!

What a gorgeous kitty!  It's obvious you have taken very good care of him.  He looks sleek and healthy.

You have to check out Oskar the blind cat on YouTube. Oh my goodness, that little guy is amazing. And the family's story is pretty cool too. Such neat people. They use Oskar's Facebook page to advertise other blind kitties in shelters looking for homes. 

That first picture of Willie is heartbreaking. What a sensational job you have done. He has grown into a lovely little kitty. 

Has the vet learned something about the resiliency of kitties???

Callista said:

You're kidding me--euthanasia just for blindness? What an absolutely stupid thing for that vet to suggest. A blind cat can do just fine. They have whiskers; they learn to use those just like a blind person uses their cane. If you don't move the furniture too much, and show them the new arrangement whenever you do, the cat won't bump into things. Plus, cats have a keener sense of smell and hearing than we do, so they are even better off than a blind human would be. Of course it would probably be polite to talk to them when you approach so that they know it's you coming to pet them; but after a while, I betcha the cat will get to know your footsteps and you won't even have to do even that.

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Agree wholeheartedly.  My two sibs were found (with the rest of the litter) in a dumpster.  The male had his right eye mangeled.  I realize that it's not the same as being blind, but I wanted him the most.  The whole point of animal rescue is to provide a fighting chance to an animal that otherwise would simply perish.  We give them an indoor environment and care for them.  And I am more than convinced that these animals (in their own way) are thankful for what we do.  My boy is now 2, and his blind right eye has turned white.  He is doing great - a big thick furred black and tan Tabby.  His face (because of the bad eye), always looks sad.  But I love him so much, and he'll live a normal life here.

Oh THANK YOU for updating - and with pictures! He has grown into a BEAUTIFUL boy! :heart3: WOW he has thrived under your care!!!!!!!!!

That last picture of him with his best buddy is as precious as that "before" picture is heartbreaking. What a wonderful, wonderful gift you've given each other! :heart3:

Thanks for the update and taking that leap of faith with Willie.  It sounds like he is a typical cat and lack of sight isn't slowing him down.

Omg what a wonderful story,that first picture looks horrendous poor Willy,I am so,so glad that you kept him and how amazing of you to get him a friend too,he looks fantastic.xx

Murdock said:

Hi guys!

I know it's been quite some time since I've responded. We did go ahead with the surgery and Willie had both of his eyes removed around early November. He is doing WONDERFUL. We ended up getting him a friend around the same age to help "guide" him and it was the best thing we ever did. They have become best friends. It amazes me, he finds the litterbox/food with no problem. Flies up and down the stairs. Consistently getting on my kitchen table

LOL.   Overall, he's fantastic, still has some slight discharge from his eyes but doing fine.  Now for some pictures (before & after)

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Years ago, I had a blind cat who has since passed away.  So I know from experience that a blind cat can live a full and normal life.  I'm so glad you decided to keep this kitten and give him the help he needs,  The years ahead will be wonderful ones for you both!!!!!!  
 

This thread inspires me.  What an amazing thing you've done.  Your kitty is lucky to have such a good owner, and a friend.

Oh wow! This is amazing, you are amazing! To find him, taped up in a box like that, (who could do such a thing), you are so kind to save him and look after him. He is so cute, and a reminder to us all that setbacks can be turned into a positive - you now have two amazing kitties! X

What an incredible story. You are such a great person for keeping him.

Love that you got him a friend too. They are both adorable.