Living with a blind cat

Charlie is the first blind pet with whom I have any experience. I must admit that bringing a kitten with no eyes into our lives was a bit intimidating at first and we were worried about the quality of life he'd have. Two years into the adventure of living with Charlie, I have learned that blindness is not disabling at all!

Extensive use of other senses Since he can't see, Charlie maximizes his use of sound. I don't know if he would be as 'chatty' if he had eyes but blind Charlie is highly vocal. He announces his presence as he walks into a room and every time he seeks company he meows in a very specific, imploring way. The easy and wonderfully effective response in this case is simply to say something to him. "Yes, Charlie, I'm right here" reassures him and he typically heads your way. Unless, of course, he simply wanted to locate you but had no intention to actually be near you. He is a cat, after all. Charlie's seeing kitty brother, Latte, responds to the imploring meows by promptly dropping whatever he is doing (even if it is playing with a favorite toy) and going over to check on Charlie. So, yes, a household with a blind cat is a fairly chatty one.

Charlie loves toys! The fact that he can't see them doesn't at all stop him from enjoying hours upon hours of play. In this case he also gravitates to toys that make a sound. A crinkly little ball to chase, a toy that has a tiny bell attached, or simply pressing a toy against the carpet as you drag it for him to chase, and Charlie is happy.

In addition to sound, Charlie makes greater use of scent than the average cat. In fact, he is a bit more like a puppy that way. When greeting Charlie, we talk to him and extend a hand for him to sniff. We do the same before petting him, especially if he has been resting and we approached him fairly quietly.

Stable environment Cats, naturally graceful and agile, are amazing at making their way up, over, under, and around furniture. Charlie does as well! He stretches out a paw to feel a surface and bravely jumps on it. What we have learned to do for Charlie is not move the major pieces of furniture much. He knows that toys and occasional objects will make their way across the floor. The predictability of the rest of his physical world is comforting. This allows him to confidently walk (and often run!) through his home without ever crashing into anything or needing to slow down so he can find his way.

A buddy to follow. Charlie was doing wonderfully as the only kitten in the home. However, getting him a seeing cat buddy opened up his world to new possibilities! Wherever seeing Latte goes, blind Charlie follows. Yes, it is a fact that Latte 'showed' Charlie new spots to conquer and new types of mischief to get into. Counters, backs of chairs, tops of large bookcases, nothing is off limits for Charles!

So if you are ever considering adopting a blind pet, I highly encourage you to go ahead and bring them into your life. The adjustments needed in order to make their life comfortable are truly minimal. And the joy of having given life, love, and comfort to a special needs pup or kitty is incomparable!