cat is blind and deaf!

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parismom - 26 Jan 2005 21:52 GMT

just recently confirmed that my 19 year old cat is deaf and blind.
clearly, she doesn't hear me when i clap my hands over her head (not
*that* close) and her pupils are fixed and hugely dilated.

she's eating and using the box as usual, but i feel terrible for her.
has anyone here had a similar experience and what are your thoughts on
the cat's comfort in this condition? we have no intention of putting
her down, but i hate to think that she's *unhappy* in any way.

thanks in advance,

parismom

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Ivor Jones - 26 Jan 2005 22:57 GMT

> just recently confirmed that my 19 year old cat is deaf and blind.
> clearly, she doesn't hear me when i clap my hands over her head (not
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> parismom

So sorry to hear this, best thing is to ask your vet. Does she purr when
you stroke her..? Does she recognise your presence..? If she's otherwise
healthy it could be ok, does she *seem* unhappy or unwell in any way..?

Ivor

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trueblue - 26 Jan 2005 23:28 GMT

> > just recently confirmed that my 19 year old cat is deaf and blind.
> > clearly, she doesn't hear me when i clap my hands over her head (not
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Ivor

ivor,

yes, she purrs when i pet her. she still rubs her mouth all over my
hand when she's close. this is all normal behavior. she hasn't changed
a bit, other than walking more slowly as she tends to bump into things
more.

i know it sort of sad, and maybe i'm anthropomorphisising (sp?) too
much, but it seems cruel to leave her so defenseless in the house (my
perceptions, not hers perhaps)

parismom

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catwalker63 - 27 Jan 2005 00:14 GMT

> yes, she purrs when i pet her. she still rubs her mouth all over my
> hand when she's close. this is all normal behavior. she hasn't
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> parismom

It probably came on so gradually that she's adapted. Her sense of smell
and touch will compensate for much of her loss of sight and hearing.
She will be fine. As long as she's eating and pottying normally, I
wouldn't worry about it too much. She sounds happy and it's not cruel
to let a handicapped animal live out her life. She doesn't sound like
she's in pain and she's not defenseless in the house. (I wouldn't make
changes in the arrangement of the furniture as she's probably used to
where things are and automatically avoids long term obstacles.)

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Catwalker
aka Pu$$y Feet
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Chauncey, Silver Tabby Persion
Bubba, Black & White Short Hair
Bandit, Seal Point Himalayan
Midge, Grey & White Medium Hair
Chigger, Seal Point Siamese mix
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Amy Gray - 27 Jan 2005 15:12 GMT

>It probably came on so gradually that she's adapted. Her sense of smell
>and touch will compensate for much of her loss of sight and hearing.
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>changes in the arrangement of the furniture as she's probably used to
>where things are and automatically avoids long term obstacles.)

I would add are you sure the cat is totally blind?

Cats can see better at night than you or I can see during the day,
she may still see some but not as well as she normally would.

Maybe she sees lights and shadows?

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Tom Adkins - 27 Jan 2005 00:32 GMT

> just recently confirmed that my 19 year old cat is deaf and blind.
> clearly, she doesn't hear me when i clap my hands over her head (not
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> parismom

Hello Parismom,
I was in this situation 3 times a while back. The first went blind but as long as
nothing changed in his surroundings, all was ok. The second went blnd and had a hard
time adjusting. We coached him through re learning his surroundings but he was never
really "happy" again. He tended to hide and rejected comforting.(I can only think of
how I would feel). The third one, a male with urinary blockage went both blind and
deaf before we knew anything was wrong. Although he adapted with help from me and the
ex wife, he was never 'well' again. his health deteriorated and we had to have him
euthanised.(I don't like it, but sometimes long enough is long enough).
Most of my felines who have lived for 15 years+ were the toughest. When do you end
the suffering? When does love turn to selfishness?(If I was blind, deaf, incontinent,
and unaware of my surroundings I hope my family would let me go).
Parisom, one of the things I've noticed about cats is, they will not let you know
they are suffering badly until it is intolerable. They are tough. IMHE, by the time I
knew they were suffering badly it was time to let them go. Then you have to ask if you
are being loving or selfish. It is always a hard decision.
Tom

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Holly - 27 Jan 2005 15:32 GMT

Hi Paris's mom.
I have a 13 month old Siamese who is completly
blind and only had about 40% hearing in one ear
and none in the other. She was not born this way,
but when you meet her you cant even tell anything
is wrong with her other than she has no eyes. She
functions just as well my other kitties, manuvers
like she can see were she is. It may take awhile
but Paris will adjust it will just take a bit of
pacience with her. Cats primarly use there sence
of smell so seeing and hearing while a good thing
is not so bad to go with out. She will eventually
be able to sence when you are approching her and she
will be able to sence others. I am still in awe over
how well Pheniox adjusted. Purrs from me and my crew
that this time not be to stressful for you or your sweet kitty.

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