I'm fostering a 4 week old kitten that I suspected was blind, her vet confirmed today that she likely is. She also has a mild case of CH, but she gets around ok and uses the letterbox ok so far. I am curious as to how blindness will affect her adoptability. Are blind cats and kittens difficult to find homes for? I have heard in some cases minor disabilities can actually make a cat more adoptable. I am considering keeping her but I know that means I will be able to foster fewer cats and I feel that if she is highly adoptable I should let her go to a good home. On the other hand if she will have a long foster period or is at high risk of being returned I would rather just let her stay here where she is growing up and where she may be less stressed/more comfortable.
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Blind Ch Kitten
- Thread starter Linzmal
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- #2
We have had a couple of blind or nearly totally blind cats at our shelter. They were adopted because of their sweet personalities. Do you know why she is blind? There are some conditions that can be "fixed" (cataracts in kittens). Is there a possibility that she could be seen by a specialist?
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #4
The Vet is not sure yet what the cause it for her blindness as her eyes look healthy. I did not ask about a specialist but the rescue I work with handles mainly medical cases from animal control so I’m sure if he thought it was treatable we would look at other options. She is otherwise happy, healthy and is not in any pain or distress. She’s packing on the ounces, playing, and not at all bothered by either of her conditions. I just want to make sure I’m making the best decision for her long term as far as keeping her or rehiring her. All the middle of the night feedings are making me extra protective.
I understand your feelings. I'm out of the fostering now because I have a full house. I kept too many I feared would be returned (or not adopted at all) , but I wouldn't have it any other way. I know they are happy, healthy, and loved. The rescue just had some feral kittens that needed socialization. I just spent extra time at the shelter. I enjoyed it and 2 of them are supposed to be adopted today. So there is always a way to make it work.
Is it possible, since her eyes were diagnosed as healthy (I assume that means no cataracts, infection or injury et al), that she wasn't getting enough nutrition, ie; taurine, and now that she is getting good food that her eyesight might improve?
Whatever the outcome, the main thing is that when speaking with potential adoptors, stress how well blind cats adjust. Bring up toys that make noise, things like that.
I've known a lot of blind cats who found wonderful homes.
I've known a lot of blind cats who found wonderful homes.
