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Maine Coon Cat Blindness: Symptoms & Treatment

In this guide, we’ll talk about Maine Coon cat blindness. If your cat is displaying any of the symptoms listed below, please take them to the vet as soon as possible.

If you’re a pet owner, you know that taking care of your furry friend can be a lot of work. But it’s worth it because they bring so much joy into our lives.

That’s why it’s important to be on the lookout for any potential health problems and seek treatment as soon as possible.

Blindness in Maine Coon cats is not common. If your Maine Coon begins to lose its eyesight it may be due to eye issues such as retinal detachments, cataracts, conjunctivitis, inflammation, and viruses. It’s recommended to consult your vet if your Maine Coon is experiencing any signs of blindness.

How Do You Know If Your Maine Coon Cat Is Blind – Symptoms

There are a few ways to tell if your cat has lost its sight. If your cat is bumping into things more than usual, has difficulty navigating around the house, or trying to catch prey, then it’s likely that your cat is blind.

Other symptoms of Maine Coon cat blindness can include disorientation, excessive meowing or vocalization, and changes in behavior.

If your cat is having trouble seeing, it will likely become more reclusive and spend more time sleeping.

If you notice any of these signs in your pet, please take them to the vet for a diagnosis. (Source)

Causes Of Blindness In Maine Coon Cats

blind cat
Image Source: @heyelliotgreen

There are a number of potential causes of blindness in Maine Coon cats, including:

Retinal Detachment

A detached retina or retinal detachment is a serious condition that occurs when the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, becomes separated from the underlying supportive tissues.

Without treatment, retinal detachment can lead to permanent vision loss.

Cataracts

Cataracts in cats are a result of the lens of the eye becoming cloudy.

This can cause a variety of vision problems, including blindness. Cataracts are often seen in older cats, but they can also develop in younger cats.

There is no known cure for cataracts, but there are treatments available that can help improve the cat’s vision.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection of the conjunctiva, which is the thin membrane that covers the surface of the eye.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include discharge from the eyes, redness, inflammation, and a loss of vision.

Inflamed Infections

There can be a number of reasons why a cat’s eyes may become inflamed. Some of the most common causes of inflammation in cats’ eyes include:

  • Allergies: Pets can be allergic to a variety of things, including food, dust, pollen, and other animals. If your cat is allergic to something, their eyes may become inflamed as a reaction.
  • Infection: A bacterial or viral infection can cause inflammation in a cat’s eyes.

If your cat shows signs of eye inflammation have them seen by a vet immediately.

Injuries

There are a few different types of eye injuries that are common in cats.

One of the most common is an injury to the cornea, which is the clear outer layer that covers the front of the eye.

Corneal injuries can be caused by blunt trauma (such as being hit in the face with a paw), scratches, or contact with an object such as a thorn.

Another common type of eye injury is an eye infection. Infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and can affect either the front or back of the eye.

Symptoms of an eye infection include redness, discharge, pain, and swelling.

How To Treat Maine Coon Cat Blindness

There is no cure for blindness in cats, but there are ways to help them cope.

You can make sure your cat has a safe environment with plenty of places to hide and rest.

You can also put food and water bowls in easy-to-reach places and provide litter boxes with different textures so your cat can still navigate around the house.

How Do You Take Care Of A Blind Maine Coon Cat?

If you have a blind cat, it’s important to keep a close eye on them and monitor their health.

Make sure they’re eating and drinking enough, and take them to the vet for regular checkups.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you have a blind cat:

  1. Make sure your home is clutter-free and easy to navigate.
  2. Keep your cat’s litter box in a quiet, accessible location.
  3. Feed your cat’s food in a place where they can easily find it.
  4. Groom your cat regularly, and make sure their bed is soft and comfortable.
  5. Talk to your veterinarian about blindness treatments and supplements that may help your cat retain their sight.
  6. Spend plenty of time with your cat, and provide plenty of toys and playtime to keep them stimulated.
  7. Keep them away from aggresive animals. Blind cats cant defend themselves properly against other threatning cats.
  8. Avoid taking or letting your cat outside. Especially if you live near a busy road where they could be hit by a car.
  9. Try not to let your cat up on high counters and surfaces because they could fall from it and hurt themselves.
  10. Secure the stairs in your home with a grill to prevent the cat potentially falling down the stairs.
  11. If your cat is an outdoor cat, its recommended to fence the garden to prevent the cat from wandering onto the road.
  12. Make sure your cat has a collar with contact details incase someone finds it somewhere, disorientated.

Make sure to discover our site for more information on taking care of your Maine Coon cat’s health.

Do Maine Coon Cats Get Depressed When They Go Blind?

There is no one answer to this question since every cat reacts differently to blindness.

Some cats may become depressed, while others may not be affected at all. It is important to remember that your cat still has the same personality, even if it can no longer see.

Maine Coon Cat Blindness FAQ

Can A Cat Recover From Blindness?

It depends on the circumstances of the cat’s blindness but it is possible for a cat to recover from blindness. If your cat is blind, it is important to take steps to help them adjust and make sure they are comfortable. You should also monitor their health and be alert for any changes.

Is It Cruel To Keep A Blind Cat Alive?

Some people may feel that it is cruel to keep a blind cat alive, but with the right care and support, a blind cat can live a full and happy life. Reading these tips on how to take care of a blind cat will ensure your cat has a happy life.

Do Blind Cats Meow More?

There is no evidence to support the claim that blind cats meow more than sighted cats.

However, if your blind cat is meowing more it’s most likely because it’s distressed or looking for something it cannot see.

Blind cats have to rely heavily on their smell and hearing. It may be because they can smell something nearby but cannot find it.

Why Does My Blind Cat Walk In Circles?

There are a number of reasons why your blind cat might walk in circles. One possibility is that he’s trying to orient himself and figure out his surroundings.

Another possibility is that he’s uncomfortable or anxious and is walking around to try and calm himself down.

If you think your cat might be walking in circles because he’s blind, you can try to help him by providing a lot of stimulation in his environment (including lots of different textures and smells), helping him get accustomed to his surroundings, and providing plenty of positive reinforcement when he behaves in a way that you want him to.

Are Blind Cats Hard To Take Care Of?

Blind cats are not necessarily hard to take care of. However, you will need to adjust some things to make sure your cat can still live a comfortable life. Check out our section above on ways to help a blind cat in the home.

How To Cope With The Loss Of A Blind Pet

Losing a pet is always difficult, but it’s especially hard when that pet is blind. If you’re struggling to cope with the loss of your blind cat, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

There are many support groups available both online and in person. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – you’re not alone.

Conclusion

Blindness is a problem that can affect Maine Coon cats. 

-There are many potential causes of blindness in Maine Coon cats, including genetics and disease. 

-Blind cats can lead happy, full lives with the right care. 

-If you have a blind cat, make sure to provide plenty of stimulation and safe places to play and explore. 

-There are also several ways you can help your blind cat navigate their environment. 

If you have any questions about caring for a blind cat, please leave a comment below! We’re here to help.

Blindness can be a problem in Maine Coon cats, but it doesn’t mean they can’t live happy lives!