So you want to adopt a cat? Fantastic! There are so many felines out there that need a loving home that you’ll have no problem finding a furry companion. Deciding to take in a special needs animal is a truly beautiful act of kindness, but there are a few things you should prepare yourself for before bringing your new fur baby home.
Cats can become blind for a variety of reasons, such as birth defects, accidents, or disease. No matter how your cat became blind, it doesn’t mean they can’t live a full, happy life. Cats have heightened other senses, and are really adaptable to their surroundings. Here are some tips for preparing your home for your new furry friend.
Keep things consistent.
A blind cat can learn their new environment pretty quickly and will adapt over time. However, if things around the house are constantly changing, such as furniture being rearranged or random clutter on the floor, it can cause her to become anxious and withdrawn. Her litter box, food, and water should also stay in the same place so she can access them easily. Soon you’ll find that being a blind pet owner will turn you into a neater person around the house!
You may also find that you have too many belongings for your new cat to navigate and that you need some more storage space. A storage unit is always a great option if you need some extra space for belongings that are getting in your furry friend’s way. Store your personal belongings in a safe, convenient location, and you can give your new pet a safe place to roam. There are cheap storage units near Atlanta, GA that won’t break the bank. Many rental storage units come with easy access so that you can get your belongings if you need them, too.
Keep your kitty indoors.
It’s just not safe to let a blind cat roam the outdoors. She can easily get lost or have an accident. While a blind cat does have very heightened senses, it’s still not enough to protect her from unknown obstacles and predators. There are some options that you can look into for safe outside exploring, though. For instance, consider building a catio, which is an enclosed outdoor space, or even trains your furry friend to walk on a leash!
Chat with your cat.
Sudden noises can startle any cat, blind or not, so don’t be too quiet. She won’t be able to tell when you’re near or approaching her from behind unless you make some noise. You can cause unnecessary stress, even if it’s accidental, and she could develop anxiety and become skittish. You can easily prevent this by talking to her when you enter a room, or by making some kind of noise. You don’t have to sound like a marching band, just make enough noise to let her know that you’re there before you pick her up out of nowhere.
Watch out for dangers.
If your house has any kind of stairs, consider keeping it blocked off. If that’s not possible, you can train your blind cat to follow certain smells. For example, place a lavender smell at the bottom of the stairs and a citrus smell at the top. This will help guide her from one floor to the next. It’s also important to keep the toilet seats down. These could be dangerous for a blind cat, who won’t know what they’re jumping into.
If you own house plants, be sure to check if any of them is a poisonous plant. There are pet friendly house plants out there such as a Boston fern, spider plant, or prayer plant. If you’re a plant lover, having a pet shouldn’t have to stop you from getting new plants. Just double-check that your new houseplant is, in fact, a safe plant to have in your home. You can have a bunch of houseplants and keep your cat safe at the same time.
Blind cats can live a full and happy life, and making a few adjustments to your home will ensure that you both enjoy each other’s company for many years to come.