I think my cat is blind :(

[kay4]

My dh said a few weeks ago that Kovu walked into a wall and he thought he was having trouble seeing. I hadn't noticed any changes in him and just brushed it off. Then I started noticing things. I can wave a string in front of him and he doesn't look at it, just straight ahead. My girl cat looks at it moving side to side. A few other things like that also. He is 8 years old and has always been in good health, except for a urinary issue he almost needed surgery for 2-3 years ago. Other than that no issues. Not sure what my question is, just needed to post somewhere. I guess I need to get him into the vet? Or really is there anything they would even be able to do? I am sad

[Sailor]

Yes, definitely take him to the vet. Blindness can be a symptom of something else. So, at the very least, you can rule that out.

Just so you know, though - animals can function blind. It's not so bad as your kitty has a safe home with you. I had a dog growing up whom we adopted from a shelter, and he was blind. Honestly, inside the house, unless they saw his eyes, they never guessed he was blind. He got around fine, with some training.

Definitely take your kitty in, though. It could be something prevantable.

[kay4]

I will make him an appointment, thank you for the reply.

[Rach]

I hope the vet can tell you what caused this and possibly ways to help if it's a symptom of something else.

We have a little 7 week old kitten we're fostering who is blind from a really bad eye infection. At first, he would walk into walls or objects but in 3 weeks he's figured out how to get around just by using his whiskers and ears. He acts just like his siblings, he runs, climbs, jumps, and wrestles. If your cat is permanently blind he could still live a very good life.

[Ann-Marita]

My dh's family of origin had a cat that was blind for most of her 18 year life. She did just fine. But she got picky about how to pet her - you had to put your hand in front of her face (touching her whiskers, I guess), and then she would either sniff your hand (permission to pet granted) or turn away (get outta my face, human). And she would pull out her "I'm mad at you and POUTING" act if they rearranged the furniture.