Last Updated on September 20, 2021 by Fumipets

Have you been charmed by a purring one-eyed cat at your local shelter? Perhaps you’re wondering whether you’ll need to give extra care for this fluffy feline companion if you bring him home. Fortunately, a cat with one good eye adapts well and requires little extra care.

Blindness In Cats

If Fluffy is blind in one eye rather than missing an eye, the vision loss may have happened abruptly as a result of an illness or accident, or it could have happened gradually as Fluffy grew older. Cats may lose their vision for a variety of reasons, including hypertension, glaucoma, parasite damage, tumours, and cataracts. Toxoplasmosis is a parasite infection that may make one or both of a cat’s eyes blind. Some hereditary conditions, such as retinal atrophy, may cause visual loss over time. It’s important to speak with your veterinarian about the reasons for Fluffy’s eyesight loss and what to expect in the future.

Signs Of Recent Vision Loss

Fluffy is presumably well-adapted to her eyesight loss if it occurred over time. If it happened recently and unexpectedly, the symptoms are likely to be apparent. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) identifies several physical and behavioural signs of abrupt, recent, or continuing eyesight loss. Foggy, discoloured, watery, or swollen eyes; dilated pupils; eye rubbing; easily startled behaviours; misjudgment of distances to objects such as furniture and walls; disorientation; overall clumsiness; and reluctance to move about are just a few of them.

Health History

When you adopt a pet, it’s important to understand as much about their medical history as possible. Make sure to inquire about Fluffy’s surrender to the shelter with the adoption counsellors. A health history should provide you with information on the reasons for her visual loss as well as an assessment of her present health.

The eye socket of most cats that have lost an eye has been surgically closed to avoid infection. Take Fluffy to your veterinarian for an examination of one of her eyes is gone and the opening is not closed. Discuss the danger of infection and whether or not the incision should be closed. It’s critical to maintain the region clean and clear of infections.

Health Care

If Fluffy’s eyesight loss in one eye hasn’t caused her any difficulties, you should have no trouble caring for her. Because she only has one functional eye, pay particular attention to its health. Make sure the eye and the region surrounding it are free of inflammation and discharge on a regular basis. If Fluffy’s eyesight loss is caused by an ongoing underlying illness, such as a tumour or a genetic issue, it’s critical to give proper follow-up treatment. This may include anything from using prescription eye drops to going to the vet for regular eye exams. It’s possible that Fluffy’s blindness may be reversed, depending on the underlying reason. Cataracts, for example, may be removed surgically.

Depth Perception Loss

Cats typically have superior depth awareness than humans, however, Fluffy lacks depth perception due to the loss of one eye. She has trouble judging distances and heights. This is particularly hazardous for a cat that lives on a busy street or who is prone to jumping up or off of high locations. It’s recommended not to let your one-eyed cat go outside for her own protection. Keep her food and toys on the floor so she won’t feel compelled to seek them on a high table or shelf. Avoid shifting things around after Fluffy has acclimated to your house and furniture layout. Keep toys, crates, and other objects out of Fluffy’s path as much as possible. These little touches may go a long way toward making Fluffy feel at ease in her own home.

Longevity

You may anticipate your one-eyed kitten to live the typical cat lifetime of 13 to 17 years if she’s otherwise healthy and kept securely inside. Simply look after her remaining eye. If you detect any clouding, discolouration, or discharge, contact your veterinarian right once. Fluffy may have some depth perception issues, but with you as her buddy, she has a good chance of enjoying a long, healthy, and happy life.