What would cause a kitten to go blind?

Conditions such as trauma, infections, inflammation and tumors are the primary underlying causes. Diseases of the lens such as cataracts and dislocated lenses are relatively uncommon and though they result in impaired vision they don’t necessarily mean the cat is blind.

How can you tell if a kitten is blind?

How to tell if a cat is blind
  1. Cloudy eyes.
  2. Uneven or very wide pupils.
  3. Disorientation and bumping into things, especially in low light.
  4. Walking slowly/cautiously with their legs wider apart than usual. …
  5. Reluctance to jump.
  6. Hiding away and becoming nervous.
  7. Reluctance to go out at night.
  8. Changes in their behaviour.

Can kitten blindness be cured?

In some cases the underlying cause of the blindness will be reversible and normal vision may return. However, in other cases, even if the underlying cause is resolved, the damage to the sight may be permanent and there may be no change or improvement in the cat’s vision.

How long are newborn kittens blind?

Kittens open their eyes about seven to ten days after birth. At first, the retina is poorly developed and vision is poor. Kittens cannot see as well as adult cats until about ten weeks after birth. Kittens develop very quickly from about two weeks of age until their seventh week.

How can I tell if my 3 week old kitten is blind?

At three weeks, the eyes are still not fully functional. Three-week-old puppies can sometimes make you think they’re blind because they totter straight into walls and so on. This is true even if other puppies in the litter seem to have better vision at the same age.

Can a blind cat see?

Pets still see pretty well despite the bluish tint to their eyes. There are treatments available for cataracts and glaucoma. … When your pet becomes blind, the cat will just rely on its sense of smell and hearing.

Is it cruel to keep a blind cat alive?

Your cat is capable of adjusting to the loss of vision and can live a normal and happy life. they use their other senses very well to compensate for vision. You should get your blind cat to have daily checkups. Do not put down your blind cat and it is not cruel to keep them alive.

Is it hard to raise a blind cat?

For cats afflicted with a sudden onset of blindness, it may take several weeks to adjust to their vision loss. Cats that have been losing their vision over time cope much better, as they have had time to adapt gradually as their vision decreased. It is amazing how well cats deal with their blindness.

Do blind cats meow more?

Sudden blindness can result in more dramatic behavior changes: The cat is disoriented and hesitant when walking, bumps into things and may vocalize more often.

How do you litter train a blind kitten?

Lead the cat to the litter box. Let the cat smell the poop and litter and put some litter on his feet. If he stands in the box for a moment, give him a treat. Carry him to the box at regular intervals and give him a treat just for being there.

Can a blind cat find it’s way home?

Blind cats rely on scent and memory to find their way around. They may also memorize heights and distances when jumping.

What does a blind cat’s eye look like?

In a blind cat the pupils are usually very large and do not contract down to the normal slits in bright light. If you have noticed a recent colour change in one or both of your cat’s eyes, you should take your cat to your vet to have an eye examination.

How do you adopt a blind cat?

Provide a “safe” place like a cozy bed in every room. Microchip your cat and have him wear a collar with an ID tag with “blind cat” noted on it. Use a water fountain to audibly remind him to drink. Add a ramp to your Litter-Robot or traditional litter box for easier access.

Can kittens go blind from conjunctivitis?

Young kittens with herpes viral conjunctivitis may have such severe infection that their eyes become sealed shut with discharged matter. In this situation, the eyes must be opened or permanent damage, even blindness, may occur.

How does a blind cat act?

When cats do not see well or are blind, they tend to be noisier to vocalize their distress. You may also notice that your cat is generally acting nervous, fearful, or upset as it adjusts to its lack of sight. You may also see that your cat is more easily startled.