Blindness in cats: Causes, symptoms and care tips

Cats are known for having sharp vision to help them navigate the dark and hunt with precision. But what happens when they lose this superpower?

Cat blindness is a common condition that affects many felines, especially as they age.

Below, expert vet Dr Scott Miller unpacks what causes a cat to go blind and how to spot the signs of blindness. Find out what treatment options are available and how to care for your felines if they lose their eyesight.

• What are the common causes of cat blindness?
  > What can cause a cat to suddenly go blind?
• How to tell if your cat is blind
  > Cat blindness in one eye symptoms
  > Cat blindness test at home
• How is blindness diagnosed in cats?
• What are the treatment options for blindness in cats?
  > Is cat blindness reversible?
• How to take care of a blind cat
  > How to communicate with a blind cat
  > Toy ideas for a blind cat

What are the common causes of cat blindness?

From genetics to ageing and illness, there are many reasons why a cat can go blind. Some of the more common triggers include:

• Inherited conditions – some cat breeds are prone to eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and glaucoma that can lead to vision loss.
• Age – just like us, a cat’s vision can slowly deteriorate as they get older.
• Trauma – trauma to the eyes can cause scarring, cataracts, or the retina to be detached.
• Infections – chronic or untreated infections like feline herpesvirus can lead to severe inflammation and damage to the eye.
• Systemic diseases – conditions that affect the whole body, such as diabetes and hypertension, can also affect the eyes.
• Toxic substances – exposure to toxic substances can harm a cat’s vision.

> What can cause a cat to suddenly go blind?

It can be scary when your cat suddenly loses their sight overnight. This rapid change in vision may be due to:

• Severe hypertension – high blood pressure spikes can cause the retina to detach. This is often linked to other health issues like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.
• Acute glaucoma – this condition comes from an increase in eye pressure that leads to rapid vision loss without immediate treatment.
• Sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARD) – though the exact cause is unknown, SARD can cause sudden blindness over days to weeks.

How to tell if your cat is blind

Spotting the early signs of blindness is key, so look out for symptoms like:

• Changes in behaviour – suddenly acting withdrawn or overly clingy because they feel vulnerable.
• Loss of spatial awareness – bumping into walls or furniture and movement becoming clumsy.
• Nervousness in the dark – hesitation to move around in dark or dimly lit areas where they once were happy to do so.
• Changes to the eye – including cloudiness, inflammation, or excessive tearing.

Take your cat straight to the vet if you notice any changes in their behaviour.

> Cat blindness in one eye symptoms

Sometimes a cat can lose vision in one eye before it affects the other, known as ‘unilateral blindness’. Signs for this include:

• Reluctance or inability to jump
• Acting disoriented
• Tilting or bumping the head
• Lack of spatial awareness (such as misjudged leaps or falls)
• Nervous or aggressive behaviour

> Cat blindness test at home

Testing a cat’s vision can be tricky, even for vets, but there are some tests you can try at home:

1. Dazzle reflex – Carefully shine a bright, focused light in front of your cat’s eyes. A cat with normal vision will squint, blink, and look away, while a cat with poor vision will stare straight ahead.
2. Menace reflex – Gently move your hand towards your cat’s eyes to see if they blink in response.

Remember that only a vet can properly diagnose your cat, so always seek professional medical help.

How is blindness diagnosed in cats?

Your vet can run different tests to check your cat’s vision and discover the cause of their sight loss. This includes:
Looking for signs of abnormality in the eyes, such as cloudiness and inflammation

• Checking tear production
• Looking for corneal ulcers
• Checking eye pressure for signs of glaucoma
• Examining the back of the eye
• Measuring the eye’s electrical responses to light
• Running scans to check the inside structure of the eye and areas of the brain linked to vision

Cat insurance can help cover the various vet costs of diagnosing your cat’s blindness.

What are the treatment options for blindness in cats?

Once your vet understands the cause and extent of your cat’s blindness, they can advise on how to best care for them. Examples of treatment and management options include:

• Medication to reduce inflammation and clear up infections
• Surgery for conditions like detached retinas or cataracts
• Lifestyle and home changes to make your cat’s territory safer and more comfortable

> Is cat blindness reversible?

The possibility of reversing a cat’s blindness depends on the cause of their sight loss. For example, a cat’s vision affected by a severe infection may be restored if treated quickly.

But some conditions, such as PRA, will irreversibly deteriorate your cat’s vision. If this is the case, you’ll need to manage their sight loss according to your vet’s advice.

How to take care of a blind cat

Blindness can be challenging for both cats and their parents. Be compassionate and patient with your feline as they adjust to their loss of sight.

By giving them emotional support and following any physical care from your vet, your cat can still live a happy and healthy life.

> How to communicate with a blind cat

Creating good communication through sound and touch is key to helping your cat feel safe and relaxed, so:

• Familiarise your cat with certain sounds that make them aware you’re approaching, such as gently shuffling your feet
• Approach your cat from the front so they can sense you’re close before you touch them
• Talk to them in a calm and reassuring voice as much as possible to let them know you’re around
• Try not to make any sudden or loud sounds that could startle your cat
• Make sure their things – such as their litter tray, cat tree, and food and water bowls – are kept in the same place

> Toy ideas for a blind cat

Play is just as important for blind cats as felines with full vision. It keeps them stimulated and helps build their confidence when they’ve lost one of their major senses.

Some fun ideas for your cat’s playtime include toys with:

• Sound – bells and crinkles
• Texture – feathers and fur
• Scent – catnip