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#11
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Bandit's Going Blind
CatNipped wrote:
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her path. Frank gradually became very near-sighted during his last years. I also think he went deaf during his last autumn, because he didn't react to loud noises any more. It didn't seem to bother him much, but it may explain why he spent most of his last years sleeping on the bed. -- Marina, Miranda and Caliban. In loving memory of Frank and Nikki. marina (dot) kurten (at) iki (dot) fi Stories and pics at http://koti.welho.com/mkurten/ Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki |
#12
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Bandit's Going Blind
"CatNipped" wrote in message ... Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her path. I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much appreciated. Mostly just keep things as stable as possible. Also if she can hear, talk to her a lot. That will help her keep oriented and relieve some of the stress of not seeing. Use sounds and scents. Tap on things, stuff like that. Our little dogs were deaf and blind by the end of their lives. I'd pick them up and hold them and talk to them with my face up against them so they could feel me talk when they got stressed to calm them. Jo |
#13
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Bandit's Going Blind
CatNipped wrote:
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her path. I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much appreciated. I once visited a house where a 23 year-old blind cat lived, I was told the hoomins never moved the furniture so the cat knew where everything was. I was sitting on the floor when the cat came in, he bumped into me, thought for a few seconds, then climbed into my lap and purred up a storm. -- Adrian (Owned by Snoopy and Bagheera) Cats leave pawprints on your heart. http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk |
#14
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Bandit's Going Blind
"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
news:4n1Vf.356$C85.239@dukeread10... "CatNipped" wrote in message ... Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her path. I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much appreciated. -- Hugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ Lori, I adopted a blind cat (Duffy) two years ago, so you may be thinking of me. Before I discuss caring for a blind cat, though, I want to emphasize to you that it is *very important* to have Bandit checked *immediately* - that is, tomorrow. I realize that you said Bandit had been seen by a vet recently. However, cats usually do not go blind simply because of age. There would be a cause behind it, and it is very probable that the cause is hypertension (high blood pressure). So, you need to get an immediate evaluation, and make sure that the vet you use has a blood pressure monitor. Vets do not routinely check blood pressure, and many do not even have the equipment to do so. The reason I am being so emphatic is that high blood pressure is known as "the silent killer." In addition, hypertension can very quickly lead to detached retinas (and blindness). However, if it is caught *fast enough* and the cat is placed on medication (Norvasc), the retina will usually reattach and the cat will regain its vision. Again, this will only happen if *immediate* action is taken - so please do not delay. If you do learn that Bandit has already lost vision, then please contact me, either through this newsgroup or through email. I will be very happy to share what I have learned about feline blindness and try to help you with some suggestions in living with and caring for a blind cat. A blind cat can function perfectly well and be just as happy as a sighted cat. MaryL She was at the vet two weeks ago. My vet is a "just cats" clinic and they have all the latest equipment (which is, I guess, why they're so expensive). They do check blood pressure, which was normal at the time - she also shone that light thingie into her eyes and didn't see anything wrong with the retinas (Bandit's eyes still dilate in reaction to light). She also had a geriatric blood panel, as well as a regular blood work-up and everything was normal (even creatinin and BUN were back into normal range since I'd switched to canned food a year ago on this vet's advice). Still, I have a call in to my vet and I'm waiting to hear back from her, so she'll may want to see her later today. But basically, I think she's just getting very, very near-sighted with age (I know I am - my glasses prescription just changed again - I can't see anything without my glasses even though I had 20/10 vision when I was young). -- Hugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ |
#15
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Bandit's Going Blind
"CatNipped" wrote in message ... "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message news:4n1Vf.356$C85.239@dukeread10... "CatNipped" wrote in message ... Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her path. I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much appreciated. -- Hugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ Lori, I adopted a blind cat (Duffy) two years ago, so you may be thinking of me. Before I discuss caring for a blind cat, though, I want to emphasize to you that it is *very important* to have Bandit checked *immediately* - that is, tomorrow. I realize that you said Bandit had been seen by a vet recently. However, cats usually do not go blind simply because of age. There would be a cause behind it, and it is very probable that the cause is hypertension (high blood pressure). So, you need to get an immediate evaluation, and make sure that the vet you use has a blood pressure monitor. Vets do not routinely check blood pressure, and many do not even have the equipment to do so. The reason I am being so emphatic is that high blood pressure is known as "the silent killer." In addition, hypertension can very quickly lead to detached retinas (and blindness). However, if it is caught *fast enough* and the cat is placed on medication (Norvasc), the retina will usually reattach and the cat will regain its vision. Again, this will only happen if *immediate* action is taken - so please do not delay. If you do learn that Bandit has already lost vision, then please contact me, either through this newsgroup or through email. I will be very happy to share what I have learned about feline blindness and try to help you with some suggestions in living with and caring for a blind cat. A blind cat can function perfectly well and be just as happy as a sighted cat. MaryL She was at the vet two weeks ago. My vet is a "just cats" clinic and they have all the latest equipment (which is, I guess, why they're so expensive). They do check blood pressure, which was normal at the time - she also shone that light thingie into her eyes and didn't see anything wrong with the retinas (Bandit's eyes still dilate in reaction to light). She also had a geriatric blood panel, as well as a regular blood work-up and everything was normal (even creatinin and BUN were back into normal range since I'd switched to canned food a year ago on this vet's advice). Still, I have a call in to my vet and I'm waiting to hear back from her, so she'll may want to see her later today. But basically, I think she's just getting very, very near-sighted with age (I know I am - my glasses prescription just changed again - I can't see anything without my glasses even though I had 20/10 vision when I was young). -- Hugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ 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 |
#16
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Bandit's Going Blind
CatNipped wrote:
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her path. I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much appreciated. Lots and lots of purrs and best wishes for Bandit to adapt really well and for her sight to not deteriorate any further, Polonca and Soncek |
#17
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Bandit's Going Blind
CatNipped wrote:
Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her path. I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much appreciated. Neither of ours is vision-impaired that we can tell, but purrs for you both. -- Sam, closely supervised by Mistletoe |
#18
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Bandit's Going Blind
"MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message
news:RhfVf.739$C85.703@dukeread10... "CatNipped" wrote in message ... "MaryL" -OUT-THE-LITTER wrote in message news:4n1Vf.356$C85.239@dukeread10... "CatNipped" wrote in message ... Or at least very, very near-sighted. At 16, I guess that's not all that unusual. She's been to the vet recently and is in great health otherwise, so this isn't the result of an illness, just age. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it, the only reason I noticed is that she doesn't look me in the eyes any more, she just looks in my general direction when I talk to her unless I'm very close to her. Also, she'll be walking along and get very startled by another cat in her path. I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much appreciated. -- Hugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ Lori, I adopted a blind cat (Duffy) two years ago, so you may be thinking of me. Before I discuss caring for a blind cat, though, I want to emphasize to you that it is *very important* to have Bandit checked *immediately* - that is, tomorrow. I realize that you said Bandit had been seen by a vet recently. However, cats usually do not go blind simply because of age. There would be a cause behind it, and it is very probable that the cause is hypertension (high blood pressure). So, you need to get an immediate evaluation, and make sure that the vet you use has a blood pressure monitor. Vets do not routinely check blood pressure, and many do not even have the equipment to do so. The reason I am being so emphatic is that high blood pressure is known as "the silent killer." In addition, hypertension can very quickly lead to detached retinas (and blindness). However, if it is caught *fast enough* and the cat is placed on medication (Norvasc), the retina will usually reattach and the cat will regain its vision. Again, this will only happen if *immediate* action is taken - so please do not delay. If you do learn that Bandit has already lost vision, then please contact me, either through this newsgroup or through email. I will be very happy to share what I have learned about feline blindness and try to help you with some suggestions in living with and caring for a blind cat. A blind cat can function perfectly well and be just as happy as a sighted cat. MaryL She was at the vet two weeks ago. My vet is a "just cats" clinic and they have all the latest equipment (which is, I guess, why they're so expensive). They do check blood pressure, which was normal at the time - she also shone that light thingie into her eyes and didn't see anything wrong with the retinas (Bandit's eyes still dilate in reaction to light). She also had a geriatric blood panel, as well as a regular blood work-up and everything was normal (even creatinin and BUN were back into normal range since I'd switched to canned food a year ago on this vet's advice). Still, I have a call in to my vet and I'm waiting to hear back from her, so she'll may want to see her later today. But basically, I think she's just getting very, very near-sighted with age (I know I am - my glasses prescription just changed again - I can't see anything without my glasses even though I had 20/10 vision when I was young). -- Hugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ 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. I understand - I always check with my vet whenever I'm in the slightest doubt about something being wrong with one of my fur-babies. I did hear back from her and she said she didn't think Bandit was totally blind and it's her age that's causing her gradual loss of sight (and hearing, I suspect). Other than that, she's in *excellent* health even for a cat one third her age - as I said, even her BUN and creatinin levels have gone back into the normal range since my switching them all to canned food a year ago. She said all cats should hope to be in such good shape at 16. 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). It amazes me that she is so comfortable about walking around, jumping to and from my bed (using a stepping box - a round cat house about half the height of my bed - although I'm thinking of getting one of those ramps for cats since her arthritis is probably getting worse as she ages). The only reason I noticed her loss of sight was when she was confidently, briskly walking across my bedroom floor and happened to stumble across Sammy lying in the middle of the floor. Now Jessie, maybe, but Sammy, no way - Sammy is *VERY* hard to miss. Bandit stopped suddenly and flinched and then hissed at Sammy until Sammy got up and moved out of her way. Then Bandit continued her trip to her food bowls. After that I started testing her sight using "spider hands" (which she always hated and swatted at). Now though, unless my hand occludes a light source, she doesn't track it. But she can see my hand when it gets closer to her face. 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 No, she's not at all frightened, she's as mean as ever (she didn't get the nickname "B*tch Cat From H*ll for nothing ;) - and supremely confident in her supremacy. As long as she's healthy and not in pain, I'm not worried about her losing her sight - as I said, I'm half blind without my glasses now-a-days! ; It amazes me when she jumps down from my bed onto the cat step (she does lean way over to touch it to make sure it's there first - but then she just jumps down and jumps down to the floor right away). She makes her way from my bedroom, through my sitting room, through the cat flap into the garage and to her litter boxes with no problem at all. Since my office is off the garage, she'll often stop in after using the litter boxes for me to pick her up onto my lap and give her a scritch session. 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. Yeah, Bandit doesn't do much more than jump on and off my bed (again, using her cat step). She's happing to lie on top of my pillows all day long (http://www.possibleplaces.com/CatNip...9/DCP_1651.jpg - Bandit is on the right, Sammy on the left - and http://www.possibleplaces.com/CatNip...9/DCP_1577.jpg). 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. LOL - that won't be hard for me, I'm so obsessive-compulsive that I have to keep things in their *EXACT* right spot down to the millimeter! 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. All the children know better than to go near B*itch Cat From H*ll - we've had Bandit since before the grandchildren were born, so they grew up knowing about her, um, disposition! ; Again, Bandit pretty much stays in my bedroom (I keep their food and water fountain in there to make it easier on her. 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. No reclining chairs. 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. Thank you, Mary, you've been extremely helpful and I really appreciate the time and effort you took to post all this helpful information. Hugs, CatNipped MaryL |
#19
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Bandit's Going Blind LONG
CatNipped wrote:
I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much appreciated. Ted (RB), our calico dominatrix, was mostly blind** towards the end of her life. She coped *just fine*. In fact, she coped not only with normal life, but also with moving house when we moved cities. Her whiskers were her eyes, and a fine job they did too. We adjusted things a little bit - avoided shifting furniture, made sure we were aware of her so that we walked around her rather than expecting her to shift out of the way and, if she was outdoors, we kept a close eye on her so that she didn't get lost. We noticed that she made a lot more use of walls as navigation aides after she lost her sight, but apart from that there was very little discernible difference from when she was sighted. She could jump up and down from beds, sofas, chairs, etc up until the very end. I think you'll find that Bandit will be OK - her whiskers and ears will compensate for the loss of her sight. **Ted could see contrasts - dark shadow against bright light and she could see some movement, but that was about it. Tish |
#20
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Bandit's Going Blind LONG
"Tish Silberbauer" wrote in message
... CatNipped wrote: I know there is at least one person here who lives with a blind cat. Any advice on how I can make Bandit's life easier would be very much appreciated. Ted (RB), our calico dominatrix, was mostly blind** towards the end of her life. She coped *just fine*. In fact, she coped not only with normal life, but also with moving house when we moved cities. Her whiskers were her eyes, and a fine job they did too. We adjusted things a little bit - avoided shifting furniture, made sure we were aware of her so that we walked around her rather than expecting her to shift out of the way and, if she was outdoors, we kept a close eye on her so that she didn't get lost. We noticed that she made a lot more use of walls as navigation aides after she lost her sight, but apart from that there was very little discernible difference from when she was sighted. She could jump up and down from beds, sofas, chairs, etc up until the very end. I think you'll find that Bandit will be OK - her whiskers and ears will compensate for the loss of her sight. **Ted could see contrasts - dark shadow against bright light and she could see some movement, but that was about it. I think that's how Bandit is seeing right now. She can see my hand when it occludes a light source, but not otherwise unless it's very close to her face. She's coping *MUCH* better than a human could - I didn't even notice it until she was walking across the room and ran into Sammy!!!! Now Sammy is a bit big to miss!!!!!!! ; -- Hugs, CatNipped See all my masters at: http://www.PossiblePlaces.com/CatNipped/ Tish |
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