My vet says that my cat's corneas are scared beyond repair due to a bacterial infection. She says my cat's eyes will be permanently closed following surgery. How is this done? If they are sewn shut, won't they re-open when the stitches are removed? How do I deal with a blind cat?
2006-12-08 18:58:47 · 8 answers · asked by Timberwolf 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Depending on how bad the eye is scarred, and what type of infection it was, they may completely remove the eyeball. In other cases they can just sew the third eyelid up over the eye, but that is usually a more temporary solution for an infection or injury, kind of like a protective shield. Regardless of what they do, when they sew the lids shut, they create "fresh edges", basically making a wound or injury on each eyelid, forcing the lid(s) to heal closed. For instances like this, they usually keep the stitches in a little bit longer to make sure the lid is completely healed shut. After an adjustment period, most of these animals do very well getting around. Their other senses take over and start to become much more fine tuned. Just like with a blind human, you want to minimize furniture movement, especially anything that will affect his ability to find his food, water and box. Best of luck with this procedure, I'm sure everything will work out well
2006-12-08 19:20:58 · answer #1 · answered by skachicah35 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
First off I'd ask your vet everything. You'd be surprised to see how well cats can get along w/o their eyesight. He or she may seem down for while and not wanting to do anything once it realizes it can't open its eyes, COMFORT it like never before, let it know that you're there for him/her. Depending on the age depends on how long it will take to get use to it. If its a year or less it shouldn't be long at all. If older it might be more stubborn. I don't know much about the surgery, my friend had a cat that lost its' sight due to a fight w/ a stray but he had his eyes open, they were just white, kinda creepy but he was amazing and you get past the look if his eyes do reopen. Try not rearranging anything! Even if it's one chair, it can be horrible to get use to things and cats hate change as it is. My friend has everything possible against the walls except for her large coffee table, never ever took the cat outside and that's pretty much it. After the cat decided that it was going to start roaming around again she walked w/ him along the walls, he'd bump into stuff but he'd keep on going following her voice along the wall, sofa, under the tables etc. Every other day do and he'll get better and better. Please don't give up on your cat, imagine how much worse he would feel, imagine if someone else gave up on you? It may also help to get another pet, my friend had a small dog and after her cat went blind they were closer than ever, I guess the dog just knew and was always by the cat's side, they even slept together, ate together, the dog helped out so much. Maybe you can get another cat about the same age or just a little bit younger. Whatever you chose good luck and wish all the best.
2006-12-08 19:16:05 · answer #2 · answered by Jo 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Eyes Sewn Shut
2016-09-30 10:26:25 · answer #3 · answered by bedaw 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is very sad to hear. I don't know the answer to your first question, but maybe after surgery the eyelids automatically will close due to the nature of the operation. My cousin's cat went blind, but it is amazing how resilient they can be. Try not to change or alter things about your home, (if possible). Leave furniture where the cat knows it is - always has been. Kitty will proceed with caution anyway, especially in the first few weeks. If he/she was allowed outside before, then obviously now you will have to keep him/her in for their safety. Important things such as litter tray, food/drink and sleeping area should always remain in the same place.
This must be very upsetting for you, but with extra TLC I'm sure you will both soon adjust. Good Luck xxx
2006-12-08 19:20:44 · answer #4 · answered by Pardus 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats don't really rely on sight as much as people think they do...sight is mostly for detecting movement. Their other senses are very important, and your cat will learn to rely on hearing, touch,smell, and taste...Don't give up on your cat...they're still the same loving creature. Don't move furniture around, keep everything as is...get your cat toys that make noise when they play with it(a rolled up ball of tinfoil attracts cats because of the skittering sound, there are also catnip mice that squeak)..patience and time are the key. Cats adjust better than some people do to adversity.
2006-12-08 21:41:20 · answer #5 · answered by carledwards99andtonystewart20fan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats do well blind. Keep the cat indoors in the same environment so he/she knows the way around the house. Cats use their whiskers to feel how close their are to objects. They have a keen sense of hearing and smell. Your cat will do well without his sight. God bless you!
2006-12-08 19:18:11 · answer #6 · answered by a10cowgirl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My sister has a blind cat and he does great. His name is Stevie. All of his other senses work overtime to make up for the one that he has lost.
2006-12-08 19:02:30 · answer #7 · answered by tattooed_babe24 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
so sorry about your cat;cats are lucky as they can hear a mice a block down,so with your cats other senses;that will help lots ;with getting around blind,,,be sure to give kitty extra love and kisses as he or she is gonna be scared at first,;but will manage fine,,,my prayers are with you/ and kitty-cat
2006-12-08 19:25:52 · answer #8 · answered by Cami lives 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋