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Consistency is key
When a blind cat explores their home, they mainly rely on their memory. Therefore, it’s important to create consistency all around the house. Avoid rearranging furniture or leaving clutter on the floor so your cat’s regular pathways stay clear.
Also, keep your cat’s food, water, litter box and bed in the same spot they’re always in so they’re easy to find for your visually impaired feline.
Beware of potential dangers
Your house contains a load of potential hazards for your blind cat, and they’re not always obvious.
There’s open water your cat could fall into (e.g. toilets, bathtubs, pools, or ponds), elevated areas your cat could fall from (e.g. stairways, balconies, and decks), and sharp or breakable objects your cat could injure themselves on. If possible, remove, cover, or secure these hazards.
Allow your blind cat to explore
While it’s tempting to keep your blind cat close to you all the time, you should actually encourage them to explore the house, so they can learn to find their way with the help of other senses.
Did you know that cats use their whiskers to detect objects by picking up air currents? Avoid carrying your cat around, as this could really confuse and disorient them.
Stimulate your blind cat’s other senses
With just a few simple tricks, you can help your blind cat to identify where in the house they are.
Place differently textured mats outside room entrances, leave the tv on in the living room, or add scent to important objects. Just don’t use essential oils, as many are toxic and irritating to your cat’s lungs.
Need a tip to enrich your blind cat’s playtime? Add a bell to their favorite toys!
Don’t startle your cat
While cats have an excellent sense of hearing, they might not always hear you coming. Therefore, make sure to talk to your cat before petting them or waking them up.
Unfortunately, canine or feline friends will probably be less considerate of your cat’s disability. If your other pets keep spooking your blind cat, you can consider attaching a bell to your other pets’ collar.
Create a safe space in each room
Each room should have a safe space for your blind cat. When your cat is in their safe space, they must be left completely alone – no petting, no other pets busting in, just utter peace and quiet.
Since blind cats can’t see what’s going on around them, they never know whether it’s safe for them to just lay down and relax for a moment. By providing a safe spot in each room, your cat can enjoy their rest without the anxiety of being stepped on or tripped over.
Always know where your cat’s at
While blind cats should never go outside without supervision, they might accidentally sneak out without you noticing. Unfortunately, it will be extra difficult for them to find their way back home.
Therefore, it’s important to have your blind cat wear a collar with your phone number on it, and to have them microchipped.
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