Cats have acute senses of hearing, smell and touch but they rely heavily on their sense of sight to orient themselves, find food and interact with their environment. They are also naturally curious and often spend time watching what goes on around them. This is why failing or failed vision will quite significantly alter a cat’s behaviour and even its personality.
It may look very cautious when walking and may bump into objects. It will sometimes walk in a crouched position, body close to the ground, neck stretched out. However, if the cat is very familiar with its surroundings, this may not be obvious as it retains excellent memory of where furniture is placed. It will be reluctant or very cautious if it has to jump from a high place. Climbing is possible but, here again, in a slow and careful manner.
It may find it more difficult to locate food and water
It may become more dependent and follow its owner, be very clingy or, on the contrary become more aloof. Both could be accounted for by a feeling of insecurity due to lack of control over its surroundings. Because of reduced awareness of the outside world, the cat might be easily startled by sudden noises. On the whole, it could also become fearful and less trusting.
Another possible change is the loss of desire to play and be active, with more time spent sleeping.
In spite of all these possible changes, cats with failed vision adapt to their new situation remarkably well, thanks to their auditory and olfactory senses. They can live very happy lives provided their owners provide them with the proper care and a safe environment where objects and furniture stay in the same place.
It may look very cautious when walking and may bump into objects. It will sometimes walk in a crouched position, body close to the ground, neck stretched out. However, if the cat is very familiar with its surroundings, this may not be obvious as it retains excellent memory of where furniture is placed. It will be reluctant or very cautious if it has to jump from a high place. Climbing is possible but, here again, in a slow and careful manner.
It may find it more difficult to locate food and water
It may become more dependent and follow its owner, be very clingy or, on the contrary become more aloof. Both could be accounted for by a feeling of insecurity due to lack of control over its surroundings. Because of reduced awareness of the outside world, the cat might be easily startled by sudden noises. On the whole, it could also become fearful and less trusting.
Another possible change is the loss of desire to play and be active, with more time spent sleeping.
In spite of all these possible changes, cats with failed vision adapt to their new situation remarkably well, thanks to their auditory and olfactory senses. They can live very happy lives provided their owners provide them with the proper care and a safe environment where objects and furniture stay in the same place.