How do you know if your cat is going blind?
Emily Wilson
Updated on March 21, 2026
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Herein, do cats go blind when they get old?
Your cat may start to lose their sight for a variety of reasons, including old age. Inherited causes of cat blindness are less common than they are in dogs, but they tend to occur more in purebred cats. Medical causes for adult or senior cats losing their sight are more common than genetic ones.
Similarly, how can I help my newly blind cat? A few tips to help blind cats adapt to their home environment include:
- Keep the food, water and litter tray in the same place at all times.
- Avoid moving furniture as much as possible.
- Leave the TV or radio on as much as possible especially when the cat is left alone for long periods.
- Talk to them as much as possible.
Also asked, do blind cats suffer?
Pets also can suffer glaucoma—an increased pressure within the eyeball that can be very painful and lead to blindness. There are treatments available for cataracts and glaucoma. Blind cats typically are still very happy. They continue to enjoy and remain engaged in life and the world around them—including their humans.
Can cats go temporarily blind?
Exposure to some toxins can cause sudden blindness. Liver failure can cause temporary intermittent blindness. Sudden loss of vision in your pet is an emergency, and requires immediate evaluation by a veterinarian. With prompt treatment, some blindness may be reversible.
Related Question AnswersAt what age is a cat considered old?
In recent years, feline ages and life-stages have been redefined, cats are considered to be elderly once they reach 11 years with senior cats defined as those aged between 11-14 years and super-senior cats 15 years and upwards. When caring for older cats it sometimes helps to appreciate their age in human terms.How can I tell if my cat is losing vision?
The signs that your cat has become visually impaired may be quite obvious. The animal may, for example, start bumping into furniture, trip as it climbs up or down a flight of stairs, or appear to have trouble finding its litter box or food bowl.What makes a cat suddenly go blind?
Why cats go blind. One of the most common causes of sudden blindness in an elderly cat is due to high blood pressure (hypertension). The increased pressure pushes the light sensitive layer (retina) away from the back of the eye and this can happen literally overnight.What does cataracts look like in cats?
The most common signs are: A bluish, gray, or white layer on the eye. A sudden reluctance to climb stairs or jump on furniture. Clumsiness.What are signs of a dying cat?
Signs Your Cat is Nearing End-of-Life- Loss of Appetite/Thirst. For all animals, illness often culminates in a lack of interest in food or water.
- Extreme Weakness.
- Lower Body Temperature.
- Appearance Changes.
- Hiding.
- Clinginess/Odd Social Behavior.