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Cats/Is this kitten blind?
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Question
I found an approx. 6 wk old kitten most likely from a feral colony near my home. I contacted a local cat rescue group and I have agreed to foster it until it gets to proper weight for spaying and then will go up for adoption. I have had it only about a week and I think it is blind. It has vet visit scheduled but not until next week. It never follows a finger or anything else for that matter. It will play with a toy only when it is close by but when it gets too far away it can't seem to find it. It has bumped into doors and walls. I think it may see light as I have seen her staring at the light on many occasions. I am just curious if there are any tests I can try at home so I can know for sure if she is blind. I am sure we will find out from the vet when we go but I thought you might have some suggestions for tests I can do at home.
Thank you for in advance for your assistance.
Robin,
Based on the information you've provided it sounds as though this baby may be blind - not to worry though she's still going to be able to live a rich, full life with a few allowances made for her differences of ability. If you want a relatively simple home test to determine whether your kitten is likely suffering some visual impairment you can drop a cotton ball or Kleenex in front of her, if she follows it's journey to the floor she's not completely blind - in young animals it is sometimes necessary to repeat this test more than once since they tend to have short attention spans, so be patient. If you'd like me to make some suggestions that may help your kitten have an easier life in your home if she's blind I'd certainly be willing to offer things that have worked based on my experience. I would certainly be interested in hearing what the veterinarian's verdict is in this case. If you have any further questions, concerns or you'd like me to clarify anything in this answer I'd be happy to help you to the best of my ability.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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