Blindness in cats is a health condition that can have several causes, such as eye diseases, hypertension, tumors and even complications derived from infections. The signs are not usually very clear at first, but are manifested with many behavioral changes. Therefore, observing the kitten's routine is essential to be able to identify early that something is not right - especiallybecause naturally felines don't usually show that they are bothered by something. When we talk about blindness in cats, many doubts can arise. How to know if the cat is blind? Is blindness in cats curable? We talked to ophthalmologist veterinarian Thiago Ferreira to clarify all doubts!

What can cause blindness in cats?

Among the main causes of blindness in cats are systemic arterial hypertension, glaucoma, tumors in the eye and complications derived from type 1 herpesvirus. According to veterinarian Thiago, hypertension is usually a consequence of a primary kidney disease that affects the cat. The professional also warns about the unregulated use of the antibiotic enrofloxacin, which in many cases leaves the cat in a blind state."In cats, we do not advise the application of this antibiotic because it causes a degeneration in the retina. Sometimes people use it because it is an antibiotic that is easily accessible, making a dose that is not recommended or not recommended, no matter how much it is brought in the package insert ", says the veterinarian. In addition, kittens that lack taurine can also develop taurine.retinal degeneration.

Is blindness in cats curable?

Blindness caused by herpesvirus can be reversible in some cases, while detachment caused by systemic arterial hypertension can only be reversed if treated early. In cases of enrofloxacin misuse, lack of taurine, glaucoma and tumours, blindness in cats is often not curable. The blind cat needs special support from the guardian to have more time to heal.quality of life: it is important to prevent access to the street with indoor rearing, avoid changing the place of furniture, do not frighten the animal and block the stairs of the house. In addition, a collar for blind kittens may be necessary to prevent him from going out hitting things and hurting himself. These precautions are essential both for the blind cat with one eye and for those who do not see at all.

What are the signs that the cat is going blind?

But after all, how do you know if the cat is blind? "One of the main signs that the cat is going blind is the dilated pupil that does not respond to light, it is dilated all the time, whether in strong or weak light," said Thiago. The veterinarian also warns that light-eyed cats, when they have a lot of pigmentation in the colored part that was not observed before, may be a sign of a tumor inside the cat.In addition to these physical signs, there are behavioral changes that guardians should be aware of. "The cat gets lost, he starts to bump into things. At night the kitten may have difficulty seeing, which normally does not happen. Normally they have super good vision ", warns the professional. Another sign that may also indicate blindness in cats is when he does not see the eyes.objects, having difficulty playing.

Blind cat: what to do?

The treatment to prevent the progression of blindness will depend on the cause of the problem. Therefore, the best thing to do if you suspect that your cat is going blind is to take it to the vet. Only he will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment according to the cat's condition. In fact, the best way to prevent blindness in cats is to keep appointments"Diseases are usually very treacherous in cats, especially retinal diseases that do not show an external cause. Usually when the person notices something wrong it is already late. So in these cases the best way is to go through routine consultations with an ophthalmologist, especially if we are talking about elderly cats ", says the ophthalmologist veterinarian.