I had a totally blind cat who got that way from fighting w/her companions
under a box spring (they had long past tore the thin cloth off originally
over
the wood 2X4's) and knocking her head repeatedly under there...detached
retinas, both eyes. I didn't know till till I saw them all basking in
sunlight
one day and noticed her pupils were not slits like the others there! Vet
said her vitals were fine and that was what had done it, the jumping and
head-knocking under the bed. She avoided the other cats after that happened,
became a "loner"; but I kept the food and water bowls convenient to all, and
picked her up to her usual spot on the bed every night; she knew exactly
where
the litter box was - never failed - and somehow she sensed when I was on
the "throne" in bathroom as she would sidle up, rub my leg, and get picked
up
and given a hearty love session right there. She went to RB a year ago just
before
Valentine's Day. She was originally a stray I picked up and took in and I
guess
she was older than I had believed (no way to tell).Sorry to hear your
beloved
baby is getting like that but she can still be happy.

If blind people don't use memory to find their way around a room, what
do they use?  Using a cane or similar device makes sense in an
environment that you're not in very often, but in your own house?

Thanks for the update. I was really hoping Bandit's failing vision would be
something that could be treated, but I can see that she has had a much more
thorough checkup than the "routine" that most vets provide. I do think it is
important, though, to follow up on the question of hypertension and to have
full medical exams in instances like this in case there is some action that
could be taken to either save a cat's eyesight or at least slow down the
deterioration. Duffy has been blind since birth. However, he was an adult
cat when I adopted him (estimated to be 3-5 years of age at the time), and
he adjusted so remarkably well that I took him to a feline ophthalmologist
at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. There, I learned
that he is completely blind, but I have never regretted getting the
evaluation. I would have felt dreadful if I had later learned that I could
have done something to save some residual sight and had failed to do it.

You asked for information about caring for a blind cat, and I hope I can
provide some help. Duffy has lived with me for 2 years now, and he is an
absolute delight. However, I am not sure if I will be able to give you very
much useful information because Bandit is a senior cat who seems to be
gradually going blind, while Duffy was blind from birth (and I suspect that
helped him to adjust - he could never see, so he is not aware of missing
anything). At the same time, I may be able to give you a few pointers. Most
of all, though, I want to encourage you to recognize that if Bandit is
blind, that does *not* have to mean that he is frightened or unhappy. Blind
cats really can do the most remarkable things, and Duffy is a totally happy
kitty. I think you can make that possible for Bandit, too, especially since
he already knows that he is loved (something that Duffy was denied until I
adopted him).

If you do not have a sturdy cat tree, I suggest that you buy one or ask DH
to build one for you. A blind cat cannot run through the house like a
sighted cat can, but that is one of the few limitations. He does often run
toward me, though, when he hears the sound of my voice or even my footsteps.
Since Duffy can't dash through the house, I think of the cat tree as his
"vertical space." He loves to climb, and he is like a little gymnast on it.
Make sure that all of the poles are covered with carpeting because Bandit
will need to use the carpet as he climbs (and descends). He will not be able
to see beds on the cat tree to jump from one to another, so he will need to
be able to "feel" his position. Also, make sure that the beds have a raised
lip. That way, he won't become disoriented (possibly after falling asleep)
and fall off the bed. I realize that Duffy is much younger and more active,
so you will have to monitor Bandit for awhile to ensure that he does not
become disoriented and fall. Even if you find that he is intimidated and
will only use the other levels, your other cats will make use of the full
height of the cat tree.

Have a variety of toys, and be sure to get some that make noise or are
scented with catnip. That way, Bandit will be able to detect where they are.
The turbo scratcher is one of Duffy's favorite playthings. The ball is in a
fixed track and makes a rumbling sound when it rolls, so he always knows
exactly where it is
<http://www.thecatconnection.com/cat-supplies/cat-products/Turbo-Scratcher.html>.
He absolutely adores a catnip-filled pad called a Boogie Mat
<http://tinyurl.com/anpt3>, and he likes the little foil balls that make a
"crinkling" sound when he bats them around.

Try not to move furniture around, not even a small amount, until Bandit
adjusts. I sometimes think Duffy has built-in radar because he will
instantly know where I have placed anything, but I took great care when I
first adopted him to provide an area where he would always be able to locate
everything. Likewise, when you pick Bandit up, remember to set him down
immediately in front of something that he can use to orient himself (for
example, in front of - and possibly touching - a chair that he could use as
the basis for finding his way around the room). Provide a small, cozy space
where Bandit can "hole up" and feel a sense of privacy. A nice bed with
sides or a beehive or teepee works wonders. Food, water, and litter boxes
should always be available in *exactly* the same spot and not be moved from
day today. Also, always speak before you touch Bandit. A blind cat can be
taken unawares and startled even by ordinary actions such as reaching out to
stroke her as you pass by. I even do that with Holly because cats do not
like to be taken by surprise.

When the grandchildren visit, I think it would be a good idea to place
Bandit in a separate room, at least until they become adjusted. The sound of
little feet running can be frightening to a blind cat, and children probably
are not accustomed to watching out for a cat that cannot easily get out of
the way.

A word of warning: Be *especially* cautious if you have a La-Z-Boy type of
reclining chair. It is important to make sure that *any* pet is clear of the
mechanism before lowering the leg rest, but that is especially true for a
blind (or nearly blind) cat.

I hope some of this will help. Just as with sighted cats, some cats will
adjust more easily than others, but you need to take special precautions
with an older cat. Please be sure to ask if you have any specific questions
that I haven't answered.

MaryL