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Post by Plocket on Aug 7, 2007 7:29:49 GMT
This weekend we realised that Poppy is going blind. She is finding her way around by feel using her whiskers and fur but is incredibly cautious around the house especially when people are moving about, and doesn't like jumping up unless its to a place that she knows. On Friday night I saw that her pupils were very dilated even when the lights were on in the house, so I turned a few off to see if her pupils changed - they didn't. I then held her near one of our lamps (turned off) and switched it on (it's only a 40 watt bulb, don't worry!) and her pupils didn't alter at all, when normally they would have done. We've watched her carefully this weekend and it's definate that she can't see nearly as well as she used to.
I was just wondering whether anyone has any experience of blind pets. I'm concerned for Poppy because it's an obvious sign of old age but at the same time know that she could live for years to come. Is there anything I can do to help her and make life a bit easier for her?
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Post by Shrubrose on Aug 7, 2007 7:40:00 GMT
So sorry to hear this Plocket. Could it be cataracts? The vet of course would be able to advise but if it is it might be possible to have them treated. Also, has she become thinner over time and thirstier? If you've noticed this might be worth having her checked for diabetes as eye problems can be associated with this. I really hope the problem can be helped, I feel like I know her having seen her lovely photos.
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Post by Plocket on Aug 7, 2007 7:48:56 GMT
No she's not thinner or thirstier Shrubrose, but we are already looking out for that because the vet thinks she has thyroids. She's got to go back soon to have them checked so I'll get him to check her eyes at the same time. Poppy still seems cheerful and came to sit on me last night for her nightly cuddle, and she still "chatters" to us when we talk to her so I don't think it's bothering her too much. I guess she's just adapting. I'll keep you posted  |
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Post by Shrubrose on Aug 7, 2007 8:43:36 GMT
I think it's amazing how adaptable cats are. They just carry on dont they. Almost like 'oh well, that's the way it is' and I love them all the more for it. Dont have any tips though Plocket that could help really. I've never had to deal with this one. The only things that occur though are avoidance of loud noises, perhaps not moving the furniture around so that she knows where things are and can get about comfortably. And lots of talking - the sounds of familiar voices, and lastly cuddles from a familiar and loving hand.
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Post by Plocket on Aug 7, 2007 17:50:52 GMT
I wouldn't move the furniture around anyway Shrubby but it's a good thought, thank you. And yes we'll continue with the cuddles and chats etc. so she doesn't feel left out. I agree with you too that they are very adaptable creatures |
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Post by jean on Aug 7, 2007 20:29:14 GMT
You will be surprised how well she manages P. Our old JR who died a couple of years ago still manged to hurl him self through the cat flap when he heard something worth barking at  The JR that is left is the same but and see very far at all and doesn't recognise us from more than a few feet away which can make him anxious at times. Poppy will be fine and adapt as she needs, probably won't go too far which is a good thing. |
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Post by grannyjanny on Aug 7, 2007 21:18:37 GMT
Hi Plocket. I am sorry to hear about Poppy.
I had a Westie & she went blind with diabetis & I was very upset. The vet said that animals don't think like us (obviously) & she would manage perfectly well. She did. Still chased cats round the garden & still pulled herself into the gutter to do her business. She also knew when the lady who clipped had arrived & would charge to the middle of the lawn & just sit with her head throw back & howl.
Janet.
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Post by Plocket on Aug 8, 2007 7:09:35 GMT
Ah JLottie and Grannyjanny thank you! It's nice to have the reassurance that Poppy should be fine, although I didn't really doubt it! She's never been one to roam far but now she'll probably stay in the garden rather than occasionally going over the wall. I think she'll miss perching up on the wall and watching the world go by though. She's not happy about the cat flap at the moment but I'm going to keep an eye out and see if I can work out what the problem is. I think she's actually enjoying the extra attention she's now getting too!!! |
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Post by Chuckles on Aug 8, 2007 7:19:03 GMT
Poor Poppy  at least you noticed P and can take it into account in daily life at home. Some people just don't notice changes in the pets. As Shrub has already said, they are very adaptable. She obviously has a loving home and thats the main thing |
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Post by lottielady on Aug 8, 2007 9:16:07 GMT
Hi Plocket - My Ginger cat was blind for the last few years of his life, he was over 20yrs when he died and managed really well, he didn't leave the garden and still managed to get in and out of the cat flap and avoid the pond. My 'Dude' also managed with only one eye I look after my friends dog, also a Poppy, who is deaf and blind and she knows her way around my house as well as she does her own, she also knows when it is food time and walk time (which isn't always the same time everyday) which always amazes me. I'm sure your Poppy will just carry on regardless too!  LLx |
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Post by nightowl on Aug 8, 2007 9:44:25 GMT
If you have only just noticed then I should think it has come on over quite a while and she will have had lots of time to get used to it, so she won't be frightened about it. I agree with the others, she will probly be fine with it.  What a shame though , give her a big cuddle from me  |
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Post by Plocket on Aug 8, 2007 10:42:58 GMT
That's a very good point Nightowl - thank you. I've just given her a huggle and she's now purring happily to herself on her cushion. At least she's got a home where she's comfortable, where she's well loved and cared for, and she knows where things are!
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Post by carolann on Aug 8, 2007 10:55:44 GMT
Hi Plocket, sorry to hear about Poppy but as everyone has said she will be fine. My eldest cat is blind in one eye but that dont stop her from catching mice, frogs and squirrels amongst other things. She knows that she has a loving home and great parents to look after her. Take care. Carol. |
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Post by nightowl on Aug 8, 2007 10:57:25 GMT
Oh Plocket, you just made me have a little sniffle  I am such a softy where animals are concerned. |
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Post by Plocket on Aug 8, 2007 13:54:20 GMT
Oh don't sniffle Nightowl - she's a fit and healthy little cat and should be with us for a good few more years She couldn't be in a better place. Wow that's positive Carolann thank you! Poppy isn't a great one for hunting anyway ;D |
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Post by JennyWrenn on Aug 9, 2007 19:50:13 GMT
Am sorry Plocket you must have had a shock; my GF has a dog about 5 years old that went blind, suddenly, no one noticed for a while but then, like u, noticed something wrong - he seems OK and gets about fine - it is if he has full sight but of course he doesnt My other GF's daughter used to show her pony and they only realized that he had been blind for some time - if anyone rides then they know the horse will obey by foot and hand control so going over a jump he would do it by the kick command - jump the fence, clear it and canter off - what a brave horse |
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Post by Plocket on Aug 10, 2007 7:36:24 GMT
Aw poor pony!
I think Poppy is doing ok Jenny - she doesn't seem too bothered except that she's more talkative so that she can find out where we are.
I tested her the other day - I went into the garden and there was quite a bit of noise beyond the garden wall so I just stood still. As I expected, Poppy followed me outside, as is her habit, and I watched as she walked right past me into the garden. She had a little wander around then mewed to see if I would reply. I did and she came straight to me. I think she's almost completely blind but as I said it doesn't seem to bother her too much. She's more cautious now and doesn't run about, but she's doing ok most of the time.
I got all sentimental and weepy last night though, worrying that it was the start of the end type of thing. She's my baby after all - I've had her in my life longer than OH and LP!!!
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Post by nightowl on Aug 10, 2007 9:27:59 GMT
Am sorry Plocket you must have had a shock; my GF has a dog about 5 years old that went blind, suddenly, no one noticed for a while but then, like u, noticed something wrong - he seems OK and gets about fine - it is if he has full sight but of course he doesnt My other GF's daughter used to show her pony and they only realized that he had been blind for some time - if anyone rides then they know the horse will obey by foot and hand control so going over a jump he would do it by the kick command - jump the fence, clear it and canter off - what a brave horse Oh JW, that is amazing!!!!To jump blind! Just shows what total trust he had in his rider! Were they able to retire him and keep him in comfort? How old was he when it happened? I'm a total sucker when it comes to anything about horses, love 'em to bits! Obsessed! |
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Post by Shrubrose on Aug 10, 2007 18:37:04 GMT
Oh Plocket, I know your mind goes where you wish it wouldn't at times. But try to take comfort from the fact that she's had her time with you and your love. And she will always have your love. And for the time you have left (and you might have lots yet) you will love her more because she is so precious to you.
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Post by Plocket on Aug 11, 2007 17:50:58 GMT
Oh Shrubby you're an angel. I've got tears in my eyes now because you are so right. I'm just worrying a bit because she's going to the cattery next week while we go on holiday and I don't want anything to happen while I'm away. I want to be with her  I keep telling myself that she'll be fine, and the place where she stays is lovely and they cuddle her. But the change won't be nice for her and she won't have her family with her. |
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Post by Shrubrose on Aug 12, 2007 6:36:37 GMT
It's hard isn't it to leave them in someone else's care no matter how well looked after they are. At least the cattery wont be so unfamiliar if she's been before. Does she have a 'comfort' toy, or a blanket, something she could take with her?
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Post by Plocket on Aug 12, 2007 8:51:57 GMT
She doesn't really do toys but that's a good idea about a comfort blanket - or in Poppy's case her cushion. I might have to clean it first though |
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Post by JennyWrenn on Aug 12, 2007 11:15:44 GMT
I cant remember age of horse Nightowl but he could have been 20 - he is now sadly no longer with us
Hope you are OK Plocket - animals cope with disabilites much more than we do - jenny x
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2007 12:37:56 GMT
Plocket
Don't clean the cushion - its the smell of home that will comfort her.
Perhaps she could have a smelly piece of your clothing as well?
You know what I mean
If you are really worried then I would ditch the cattery idea and ask someone to come in to look after her
J
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Post by Plocket on Aug 12, 2007 14:59:59 GMT
oh I wasn't going to put it in the washing machine - I was just going to brush off the never ending fluff!!! I'll keep you posted but she's doing ok at the moment. Except that the batteries in the cat-flap ran out of juice last night so she sat outside miewing at 4.00am!!! She was dead chuffed to have company at that time of day |
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Post by Plocket on Sept 3, 2007 18:13:45 GMT
The cattery were brilliant with Poppy. I explained that she'd gone blind so they gave her a bit more attention - tapped her bowl so she knew where to find it etc. They like her anyway and always give her cuddles but I think she was especially looked after this time. It took Poppy a while to get used to being at home again but she's settled back down today.
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Post by JennyWrenn on Sept 3, 2007 18:27:11 GMT
R U glad to be home Plocket ;D
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Post by Plocket on Sept 3, 2007 18:30:13 GMT
Oh what a question!!! I'm one of those people who does like home, but we had a lovely holiday. The gite was huge (slept eight people, but my M&D did come for a week which got us up to 5 ;D ) and well equiped. The only problem with being home though is doing all the washing!!!!
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Post by chickadeedeedee on Sept 3, 2007 18:50:20 GMT
Hi Miss Plocket. Poppy's probably been adjusting to her decreased sight for some time ... before she ever told you about it! Generally if you don't rearrange the furniture or where her food and water are as well as the most important potty box .. she will adapt quite well. Do you know if her blindness is related to diabetes or high blood pressure? Sometimes that is a sign of other health issues. If all else is OK she should be able to be a happy family member for a long time! |
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Post by Shrubrose on Sept 3, 2007 19:17:13 GMT
Glad she's home safe with you Plocket. Bet you've missed her.
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The JR that is left is the same but and see very far at all and doesn't recognise us from more than a few feet away which can make him anxious at times. Poppy will be fine and adapt as she needs, probably won't go too far which is a good thing.
at least you noticed P and can take it into account in daily life at home. Some people just don't notice changes in the pets. As Shrub has already said, they are very adaptable. She obviously has a loving home and thats the main thing 
What a shame though 
I keep telling myself that she'll be fine, and the place where she stays is lovely and they cuddle her. But the change won't be nice for her and she won't have her family with her.