Q&A for How to Tell if Your Cat Is Blind

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Can a cat suddenly go blind?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, a common cause of sudden blindness in cats is high blood pressure. This causes the retina to separate from the back of the eye, resulting in blindness.

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Question

How do you handle a blind cat?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Always speak to the cat before touching them. Then stroke the cat and travel your hand around to where you need to put it to pick them up. This avoids startling the cat.

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Question

How can I test my cat's eyesight?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Test near vision by wiggling a finger near the eye and watch for blinking (avoid touching the whiskers). Check mid-field vision by placing an object in the cat's path where she wouldn't expect it to be.

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Question

Is blindness in cats reversible?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

When caught very early (say in the first 24 hours), there is a chance of reversing blindness with prompt treatment. However, there are no guarantees.

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