Xavie, the Blind Rescued Kitten. (Need advice and reassurance- along with any tips and remedies)

rumoer

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Finding a blind, cold, Xavie

About a week ago I had came home from work around 11pm and I decided to lounge on the couch for a while before heading to bed.  I kept hearing what originally sounded like a squeaky door outside around the area of my porch.  My grandmother has two small dogs that bark at everything, and I have an 8 month old calico that is also quick to notice noises.  It didn't seem odd to me at first considering none of my animals were alert.. I easily thought I was just hearing things.

The sound went quiet, and my cat took interest against the window over my front porch.  I walked to the door and saw nothing- deciding to head out and there he was!  A very tiny male tabby kitten, perched on the bottom step all alone.  At first glace I immediately noticed an eye infection before he darted off, but at that point in time I hadn't realized the severity of it.  I attempted to follow the kittens direction but quickly lost it.  This wasn't exactly unusual considering I live closely to other people and there is a large population of feral cats.

I went back inside eventually, thinking that there was no way the kitten was yet completely separated from the mother.  He was extremely small, probably around 4 1/2 weeks.  I stayed in the living room for about another additional hour and started hearing the kitten's cries once more.  It was very late, and very cold outside.  I really tried to ignore the urge to go catch him and bring him in, knowing that it was possible his mother was to return eventually to nurse.  However, after a while of hearing the poor little thing cry more and more desperately I had to go after him. 

I walked back outside, this time being much more light-footed and cautious as I approached the steps.  There he was again, perched on the lower step very aware of my presence.  I approached him slowly and had no problem picking him up; he didn't even try to run.  I brought him inside in a towel, feeling how cold he was through the towel.

...​I became panicked very quickly however, after removing the piece of towel obstructing the view of his face and getting the first good look at his eyes.  Never in my entire life have I saw an eye build-up so severe.

​Discovering the kitten's desperate condition- completely horrified out of inexperience

​It didn't take long to realize that Xavie is blind.  His eyes are extremely unusual looking, even after cleaning them later on. His eyes are not irritated it seems whatsoever.  There is no swelling, just the severe white gooky film over both of his eyes.  I honestly don't know very much about eye conditions, but after researching for DAYS online I'm still not sure exactly what's going on.  One of his eyes looks typically blind- it has a pale glazy appearance but a pupil is visible although unresponsive to light.  The other however.. is completely red.  There is no eye filling, no pupil, no anything.  Just a red skin-like pallet that in no way looks irritated but definitely unusual.  There is a small mass that I originally thought was the pupil on the (what I guess is the eyeball but not sure), but it's not.  I looked up various things (Herpes virus, dermoids, cysts of the eye, prolapsed eyes, etc.) but nothing shown online anywhere is even close to justifying what this is.  It doesn't appear to be full of any kind of fluid.  It looks very solid, and natural to the eye.  It isn't dark in color, and he doesn't feel pain when cleaning his eyes.

On top of his severe eye conditions, the kitten was extremely malnourished and weak.  He was completely limp when being lifted from the towel to be transferred to a heating pad on my desk for an easier leverage to drip feed him and clean the drainage from his eyes.  At this point I was sure the poor little guy was suffering from an illness of some kind.  I considered the likelihood of him passing on, but regardless I wanted to at least do anything I possibly could to make him warm and comfy.

​Limited options, but the Best Efforts Available at the Time

​Kind of panicked, my first concern was getting some food in him before anything else.  I believed he was too small for solid cat food, which is all I had so I quickly turned to the internet for options using the things I had readily available.  I ended up mixing some condensed sweetened milk with the yolk of an egg, warming it slightly before luckily finding a drip feeder.  To my surprise, Xavie was extremely willing to eat after the solution was introduced to his lips.  My heart dropped watching him desperately suckle- making it apparent that he hadn't eaten in some time.  I realized then that he had likely been separated from the mother for at least a couple days.  I fed him enough, knowing not to feed him too much considering he hadn't eaten to avoid him being sick(er).  After that, I heated a washrag and started cleaning the softened gook from his fur and eyes.  After warming up and being fed, he immediately fell into a deep sleep which made it easy to get his fur and outer eyes cleaned.  But.. when it came to what I should be cleaning his eyes with, or even how to do so I was at a loss- my current cat has never had an eye build up or problem of any kind. 

I found directions on how to make a saline solution and further directions on how to use a cotton ball to clean- however all I had was 'Q-tips' and I had to use those.  I kept the two cups of solution separate for both eyes and carefully attempted to clear the soft white coating over his eyes while becoming discouraged of ever getting them clean because of the massive build up.  But, his eyes looked considerably better after about an hour of cleaning.  He was sleeping pretty soundly, so he wasn't resisting at all.  I got an old box from my room and made a soft pallet for him, laying him down for the night while researching the animal hospital location and business hours for the following day. However, it was Saturday and the place wasn't open until Monday, the Humane Society is a county away (also closed), and I have no vehicle at the moment because of a recent move and financial hardships.  At this point, I was terrified.  I stayed up all night regardless of having work the following morning, and continued to learn everything I possibly could about home remedies, diagnoses, payment options for vet care, local shelters, and basic blind cat information. 

​Pure Fear, Ignorance, and Determination

​During the researching process, I eventually fell asleep and it so happened that I had been woke up by an early morning call from work, stating that there was a scheduling error and I wasn't needed.  I was so relieved, because I had more time to spend on considering the options for Xavie.  But, then I heard.. not a crying but a meowing.  I looked down into his box and he was stretching up to the lip, seeking my attention- drainage again under his eyes.  After cleaning them the same way as the night before, I was reassured about the kittens health immediately.  I noticed when feeding him the night before that he did have teeth, although they were very small.  The cat food I have is small pellets that aren't extremely crunchy, and I decided to see if he knew how to eat.  He had no issue eating thank goodness, and happily chowed down. 

I learned after researching blind cats, that they aren't as handicapped as one might think.  It was amazing to learn just how little the issue was compared to what I had thought before.  Cats are extremely smart, and their other senses often make up for their loss of site.  I took some advice and confined him to my bedroom (which is a midsized room with only a grounded mattress and a small dresser with plenty of floorspace.  I made him a litter box out of a canned food pan, and sprayed the underneath of the cardboard with one of my rarely used perfumes so he could quickly become familiar with the placement of his litter box from the scent.  After introducing him to the box just as you would a normal kitten, he had no problem whatsoever finding his litter box, food, and water. 

After being placed in the room, I kneeled down into the floor with him and attempted to pet him for the first time... He absolutely loved it immediately.  Although my sudden touch startled him a bit, he quickly coaxed against my hand and became very eager for it.  I just melted, knowing that this blind cat somehow found my porch TWICE, had no reason to trust me, and had no reason to know human touch- yet he so easily accepted me.  From then on, I made up my mind that he deserves a good life and I'm going to do anything to make sure it happens for him- even though I didn't (and still don't) quite know what to do just yet.

After researching local shelters, I learned that the chances of him being euthanized are extremely high if he is taken to ANY of them.  A cat that is impaired in any way is put up faster than any other cat, because of the low chances of it being placed.  On top of that, his health is a complete mystery other than the obvious eye issues.  The local vets offices have nothing listed on their websites suggesting a pay scale option, or any information at all having to do with money.  I'm probably not financially able to provide the healthcare this cat needs, but I also realized that right now I am his best chance of being introduced to his life positively, at least until the following Monday when I could actually start calling around and seeking help.

​Xavie's behavior, improvement, and strong spirit- SURPRISE!!

​To my complete surprise.. after a good nights rest, some grub, and some much needed eye attention- he acts like your normal, everyday kitten.  The limp, lifeless kitten seen the night before wasn't at all illness- but exhaustion and dehydration/famine.  He's already got the layout of the room memorized at this point, no accidents in the floor, no gorging of food, and no shyness/fear of me in the least.  He still doesn't mind his eyes being cleaned, he loves to get attention, and the drainage happening from his eyes is very little in comparison.  There are no crusty places, no inflamed areas, and other than the still abnormal appearance of his eyes he appears to be completely healthy.  I had a few cat toys already that my cat had no interest in that, based on what I read seemed perfect for him.  He loves toys with bells and is very playful.  He's not much for being played with interactively it seems, but he loves chasing the ball around and climbing all over my bedspread, and myself if I'm not paying attention!

 HERE IS WHERE YOUR OPINIONS AND ADVICES COME IN!

​It's been about a week now since I found Xavie.  After calling the Human Society, I wasn't really given many options considering I have no transportation there (it's about 40 miles away).  I refuse to take him to a shelter, and I have a payday coming up in a few days.  I've decided to keep him here, separated from my cat until I find out for sure what's going on with him.  He is a crazy, curious, hyper, demanding, affectionate, verbal, one of a kind cat- but above all of that he seems very content with everything at this point in time.  I would like to get him an antibiotic eye drop for general bacterial issues but I'm not sure if that's even a thing outside of prescription?  Any suggestions on additional/better methods for clearing his eyes up the best I can before he is taken to the vet?  Also, the wetness that still gathers in his pale eye- it has no color and again there is no irritation; what could be causing this?  ALSO AND MOST IMPORTANT, the likely-hood of the vet wanting to remove his eyes based on what you've just read is how likely?  It is.. incredibly expensive and I.. just know that if it's necessary I'll have to do something.  Based on his good spirits, seemingly healthy behavior.. I wonder if he would still act normal as he does if his eyes were diseased or.. anything that would require them being removed was actually going on.  I need encouragement, advice, and ideas on how to best treat him until I can afford to take him to the hospital.

ALSO, DETAILS OF THE RED EYE WITH THE PUPIL SIZED/PLACED MASS

If you have any idea of what this could be, please share.  His eye closes normally, shows no signs of growth, hair, irritation, fluid, or black color- but it has a definition for sure.   It is neutral colored fitting the rest of his solid red (eye), with no obvious identity. It seems to move and act as a pupil, strangely enough.  I've noticed him attempting to focus before galloping across the floor and it's possible that he may somehow see very little...  I think he can see shadows or shapes, because if I'm standing above him and wave my hand from side to side, he doesn't exactly follow but will seem to suddenly take attention in the direction I leave my hand.  I'm honestly not sure.  I have also noticed however, that the inside protective lenses inside of a cats outer eye lids are not present on either eye.  Opening his eyes while he is asleep exposes both eyes completely, with no signs of the inner lids at all. 

Thank you so much for reading this book of a blog.  Even if you don't have any advice, at least leave a post with some good mojo in hopes that there is a way to get him the help he needs, without risking him being handed over to a place that wants to 'put him out of his misery'.  It's clear to me that he is not in pain, he is not suffering, and he absolutely loves company.  This poor cat was somehow left abandoned in the cold by his tiny self with not a single companion.  There is still no sign of other kittens, a mothering cat, or an explanation as to how this kitten found his way around outside in the dark being at least mostly blind (but likely completely blind).  Nature will eliminate the weak, yet somehow this kitten made it to the point of almost starvation without giving up.  He cried and cried for help and he received it at the time he really needed it.

I'm not a wealthy person by far, and my current cat was a gift that had already had shots and been spayed.  I afford her food and litter (she is strictly indoor), and anything else she needs is built using stuff I find in the woods (cat tree, window perches, a highway against the hallway wall, and multiple 'hiding places').  I can't lie.. this little kitten has grown on me quite a bit, and through brief introductions through the doorway, my previous cat seems curious and a bit stunned to see him- however she acts completely calm.  There hasn't yet been an official introduction because of not knowing his health, but I think she'd eventually coexist with him willingly.  She's a very playful cat, loves the two small dogs my grandmother has, and is not aggressive ever in any way.  She is also a rescue, given to me as a gift from my father a few months ago. 

I'm not saying I wouldn't be willing to rehome Xavie, but I will do it privately providing the vet visit doesn't take a devastating turn.  I feel like the average person doesn't realize the capabilities of a blind cat, and it would be considerably difficult to find him another home.  I've learned first hand, however, that a blind cat is not a handicapped cat.  A blind cat is not any extra work (other than taking the time to properly help him map out the living spaces, keeping access items up out of the floor).  

But, I'll bring this to an end for now by stating that I'm inspired again and again by the sight of surprising him with my presence often and watching the excitement take him over when he learns I'm close. Once I pet him, he traces my hand back to my lap and climbs onto (all over) me and my confidence in doing the right thing is restored temporarily.  I do need some advice on some possible anti-bacterial cleaning methods or products that are affordable, so that I can get his eyes in the best shape possible for the doctor.  I'm trying my hardest to make sure hope is present before I even take him there, because I'll at least offer him security and a decent chance to live a long happy life as a normal, well-cared for cat- hoping and hoping that I'll be allowed to do so. 

Thank you again for taking the time to read.  This cat needs everyone's help.

 

trickytree

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Thank you for sharing this. It has made my morning!

I really can't offer you any expert advice (I'm sure they will weigh in soon) but it seems like everything you are doing is on the right track. Are you offering wet food to the little one, in addition to the kibble?

Fingers are crossed everything turns out well at the vets for Xavie and you.

Do you have any photos you can post? Love to see some!
 

ondine

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There may be resources for you, depending on your income. A google search for "veterinary financial help" with your zip code might reveal something.

I wouldn't let your resident cat get too close to Xavie until he sees the vet.  If he is contagious, you don't want her catching anything.

Also, talk to your own vet about the situation. He or she may have some resources, too, or may perhaps help you with a payment plan.  Xavie really needs to be attended to - you do not want this to get worse.

Keep his eye cleaned off for now.  He sounds like a drop-off or stray, not a true feral.  He would not let you near him if he hadn't already had some association with people.

Good luck and welcome to TCS!
 

Willowy

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To be honest, there are some things that vets can't do much for, unfortunately. It sounds like this might be a case like that. I don't think his eyes can be saved at this point. If he doesn't need drugs or surgery, home care becomes the most important thing. And it sounds like you have that covered! You will want to have him tested for FeLV and de-parasitized before introducing him to your cat, though. And a vet should take a look at his eyes to make sure they're not infected. So he should see a vet soon. Try to find a vet who seems to be more practical---not in an expensive area, not a specialist, try to find a farm vet if possible. A vet like that should understand financial issues and help with determining what's really necessary and what's just extra.

If it's determined that his eye/s (one or both) should be removed, ask around at low-cost spay/neuter clinics. The one I've used will do eye removals, leg amputations, small tumor removal---basically any "one and done" kind of surgery---in addition to spay/neuter. But there's no reason to remove the eyes unless they become necrotic.
 
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