My 13 week old kitty going blind =( *Update-Post 31*

[MyCatMowgli]

Well Mowgli my first ever cat that Ive owned for 4 weeks, might be going blind.

The first vet I took him to looked at his eyes and said "I wouldnt worry about it"
and "He seems perfectly healthy"

Well his health has been declining over the last week, and his eyes were getting more cloudy in my opinion. So I decided to try another vet.

Well she took one look at his eyes and said . "Yeah, this isnt normal"

Now I had to get bloodwork done, and Im going to see an optometrist prolly next week.
She said I should think about getting him a playmate so he can have help later in life.
This is not what I was expecting as a new cat owner! Im in between jobs and the cash isnt exactly flowing right now.

I feel sad that this great little cat is losing something important to cats. His sight. I know they can live without, but it is an important sense for them.

Wish me luck, in whatever it is I have coming to me.

http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/4475/cimg1297qh5.jpg

[Catty1]

PT Prayers for Mowgli - that he has something really treatable!

There are a few PT cats who don't even have eyes...and they do just fine!

HUGS and I hope everything works out.

Have your new vet send any report to your former one. Sounds like they need an education!

[emily_the_spoiled]

One of my cats lost vision in his left eye and only has 70% vision in his right, but you would never guess if from the way he gets around :rolleyes:

I adopted him (Ptolemy) and his brother (Newton) together when they were 11 months old and I am glad that I did. When they were first with us, I could tell that Newton would communication some how with him. But after about the first month Ptolemy became absolutely fearless (almost too much :D )

He does just fine and I wouldn't change my little lovebug for anything in this world!

This is Ptolemy
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/cfahlman/Ptolemycloseup.jpg

It took me awhile to figure out why my plants were always flat. I came home early one day and saw Ptolemy sunning himself...being blind does NOT stop him from getting into trouble!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/cfahlman/AndIwonderwhymyplantisflat.jpg

Here is Ptolemy supervising me on the computer. The one good thing is that he will not chase the icon on the computer screen like some of the others, but he does know how to take up more space on the desk :rolleyes:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/cfahlman/Ptolemysupervising2.jpg

[KittyGurl]

Prayers for you and Mowgli.

((HUGS))

Keep us updated.

[orangemm]

Hugs and prayers for both you and Mowgli. Please keep us posted.

[moosmom]

NCM,

I can see the cloudiness in his eyes. For all it's worth, ask some of the owners of blind kitties here on PT. MooShoo has no vision in his right eye and limited vision in his left. That certainly doesn't stop him. You'll be surprized at how many live long, healthy lives. Cats don't know they have limitations (whatever they may be).They always seem to compensate for it. Just love him and be patient. He'll come around. Please keep us updated. He's a real sweetie.

Come on guys, help me out here.

[Barbara]

I am so sorry for you- but Mowgli will be ok. A good friend of mine has a blind kitty and Penelope is great! Of course she's only inside but she gets around well.
And still there may be some treatment.

Sending all good wishes to you and Mowgli.

[MyCatMowgli]

Thanks for all the kind words. I will keep you all posted as I learn more.

Now the question, do I get him another kitty pal?! The doctor recommended it, but jeez, I just got my first! I wasnt quite ready for a 2nd. lol

[Catty1]

I guess you need to see how treatable it is - and what any cost might be - before you take on another kitty. :)

Depending where you live, there might be a PT foster parent right around the corner! ;)

[MyCatMowgli]

Yup, Im definitely going to give it some time.

I am so anxious to see the optometrist!

[catmandu]

Actuallysight Is Not As Importatnt To A Cat. I Remember A Show On Pbs Where They Said That A Cat At The Most Has A Very Blurry Image Of The World, And That Thier Sense F Feel And Smell And Hearing Are Far More Impirtant To Them. My Princeess Is Sight Impaired And So Where My Older Cats Smokey And Range Blossom.
And Being This Young Mowgli Will Learn To Adapt That Much Quicker.
Please Keep Us Updated On Your Dear Companion.

[Freedom]

Prayers for Mowgli, hugs for you. Whatever develops, I know you will find a way. And Mowgli, well, he will adapt just fine to almost anything. (Bobby isn't adapting to liquid meds; pills are fine. :rolleyes: You can't have everything!) Keep us updated!

My dog, Sugar, had cataract surgery earlier this year. The eye specialist we go to is just amazing, she knows SO much, just specifically for the eyes. I am glad you are getting in to a specialist.

[Medusa]

My Creamsicle is not only deaf but partially blind as well and nothing stops this little brat, nothing! I'm sorry that Mowgli may be losing his vision but if you keep him indoors, he should adapt just fine, especially if he has a playmate. Try not to worry too much. He came to you for a reason and his survival rate has soared because of you. Prayers going out that it's something treatable but if not, prayers still going out......

[critter crazy]

Awww...I am so sorry about Mowgli. But like everyone has already said, he should adjust just fine, if it is untreatable.

[phesina]

Prayers are being said for your beloved Mowgli and you.

Love, hugs, and purrs,
Pat and cats

[Laura's Babies]

As much as I hate to hear this, blind kitties do fine and after they get use to the house, company does not even realize the cat is blind! I hate to hear tghis little guys is having problems though.

[Catty1]

MCM - it's been pointed out to me that I might have been a bit unclear in my previous post. I meant:

1. Wait and see what the specialist says. If Mowgli needs some treatment, no sense in spending money on a second kitty at the moment. And if Mowgli recovers, he can be on his own. Even without sight, he can be on his own.

2. If you were ever going to get a second kitty, I was teasing that a PT foster parent might be nearby, and you would have a great choice of cuties!

However, I hope you will see Mowgli through this and have him for many years. I think you love that little guy, and he'll be with you for a long time. :)

[Scooter's Mom]

First, I am so sorry to hear of Mowgli's illness. As the others have said, a kitty can do fine without their sight. I had a kitty (Cassie Kay) with very limited eyesight in one eye, and possibly none in the other. She is now 13 years old and doing terrific. I pray it's not something that causes him any pain, also.

Have you contacted the breeder you got him from? They need to be aware so that they can have the others in the litter tested, or at least let the other owners know.

You can contact me here or our other message board if you want to.

Hugs,
Crystal

[G535]

Blind cats cope much better than humans would, if he's kept inside he doesn't need a companion other than you. :)

[CathyBogart]

We have seen three blind kitties in the last week at my clinic and they all got along fine without sighted pals to help them around. One of them was quite elderly and still doing wonderfully, in fact she somehow opened her cage and nearly jumped out despite not being able to see where she was going. :eek:

[fragrancehound]

Big hugs to you and Mowgli. He is such a cutie.

[MyCatMowgli]

Have you contacted the breeder you got him from? They need to be aware so that they can have the others in the litter tested, or at least let the other owners know.


I actually went to the breeder for his 12th week shot and she saw him.
She said. Oh, I took another kitten in for the same thing and he just said it was a "flash" of the eye.

Well I never heard of that before! and nobody else Ive talked to has either.

She also told me that the mommy cat has one eye like this.

Once I found out more info Ill talk to the breeder again.

She has a guarantee of genetic health for 2 years for any of her kittens. Wonder if this counts! I also wonder what she guarantees, I mean, what we she do if I "Claimed" the guarantee.

No way will I ever give him up. Ive only owned him for four weeks, but I am already more attached to him then any other pet Ive ever had!


Thanks to everyone who is posting nice and encouraging words. You dont know how much it is helping to calm me down!

[MyCatMowgli]

MCM - it's been pointed out to me that I might have been a bit unclear in my previous post. I meant:

2. If you were ever going to get a second kitty, I was teasing that a PT foster parent might be nearby, and you would have a great choice of cuties!

haha, I was wondering. I thought you wanted me to give him to a PT foster parent!

[catlover4ever]

First let me say that Mowgli is so adorable...that picture of him is too cute. :)

I'm sorry to hear that he may be loosing his sight, but I want to assure you that if he does I'm 99.9% sure he will get along just fine. I'm the mommie to 2 blind cats (Gracie and Gabriel) and let me tell you that no one can tell that they are blind unless I tell them that they are.

This is Gabriel (aka Dude)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d725b3127cceba96ca34536800000036100SZM3DZu3Ym

This is sister Gracie (they were both adopted through PT a few years ago)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d725b3127cceba96a55313a000000036100SZM3DZu3Ym

I was a little scared to take on 2 blind ones but within a day they knew the entire layout of the house, knew where there food and litter was kept and of course immediately knew where I slept at night. They climb their cat trees, play with each other and some of my other cats, occasionally they will bump into something but that is usually my fault for putting something where it's not supposed to be (like shoes on the stairs...they don't know that there there).

G&G can do anything that any other kitty can do (hunt, sleep, play, be adorable) and I'm sure that IF Mowgli should loose his sight.....he will be able to do everything he did before.....maybe even better.....when one looses one of the senses, another sense tends to grow more....G&G can hear a fly 3 rooms away, home in on exactly where it is and go get it for a little snack.

Please keep us posted, please let me know if I can help you in anyway. :)

[critters]

Hmmm. I wonder whether it's the lens getting opaque, or the cornea?? Could they have glaucoma?? Most typically in a baby this age it's corneal scarring. I'll be most interested to see what the specialist has to say.

As you've heard, blind kitties do just fine, and if they have even a smidgen of vision they can usually make the most of it. Spunk, my blind punk, prefers to climb up rather than jump, which is the main difference.

I agree with Catty1 about waiting on a companion; get one baby sorted out, then you can consider another if you wish.

[rkidsrcats]

Mowgli is such a cutie pie - we hope you have a diagnosis soon for him.
Just to reassure you about blind cats (and you have received some excellent info so far from PT folk who have blind or sight challenged kitties) this is our Pippin:

http://home.comcast.net/~jphoenix12/pippinconcerned.jpg

He was blind from birth (no eyes) and while I think he enjoys being part of the Tribe of 7, he could easily be happy as a single cat - he is especially attached to CatDad- he is VERY independent, goes where he pleases, chases and plays with his toy mice and is an exceptional track ball player. The photo is of him on the kitchen counter - he climbs like a champ and only occasionally gets stuck and meows for an assist in getting down. We've put in some adaptive ramps up for the cat trees and other fun places he likes to climb and other than that, he requires not special treatment - just lots of love, crunchie treats and preferred spots on the couch, the bed and wherever else he can muscle out one of the other boys. Pippin uses his hearing almost exclusively to navigate around the house and he has memorized where the rugs are on the floors and corners of the walls to help him figure out where he is .
To tell you the truth, we forget most of the time that he can't see. I think if you are considering another cat, I wouldn't do it just because Mowgli may not have his sight some day. I would consider all the other normal things you think about when deciding to get another pet. Will they fit in to your lifestyle right now, will they get along with your Mowgli, can you afford it now....etc. Mowgli is going to exhibit normal cat behaviors and he will adapt to life without full sight - Pippin gets into play fights and sometimes real arguments with his brothers - he is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the most comfortable spot on the couch or bed and is just a normal cat in every other way except for his sight.

Good luck and we do are hoping all works out for you and your little Mowgli.

[moosmom]

I would say yes. Kittens need stimulation and what better way than getting him a buddy to hang out with. Two kittens are no more work than 1. GO FOR IT!!!

More pictures please!! :D

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm sorry to hear about Mowgli.:( Hopefully whatever is wrong with his eyes will be treatable and if not he'll do just fine like others have said. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

[lvpets2002]

:( I am sorry for your baby loosing his sight.. ;) However your baby is just so adorable & will do just fine without his eyesight.. I have a one eye baby & another one eyed baby & her other eye has only 1/4 vision.. Here is Autumn with lost eye & 1/4 vision in other one with no parifrial vision..

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b335/lvpets2002/Picture001.jpg

[Anikaca77]

I love your to kitties Gracie & Gabriel they are so cute!




First let me say that Mowgli is so adorable...that picture of him is too cute. :)

I'm sorry to hear that he may be loosing his sight, but I want to assure you that if he does I'm 99.9% sure he will get along just fine. I'm the mommie to 2 blind cats (Gracie and Gabriel) and let me tell you that no one can tell that they are blind unless I tell them that they are.

This is Gabriel (aka Dude)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d725b3127cceba96ca34536800000036100SZM3DZu3Ym

This is sister Gracie (they were both adopted through PT a few years ago)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b7d725b3127cceba96a55313a000000036100SZM3DZu3Ym

I was a little scared to take on 2 blind ones but within a day they knew the entire layout of the house, knew where there food and litter was kept and of course immediately knew where I slept at night. They climb their cat trees, play with each other and some of my other cats, occasionally they will bump into something but that is usually my fault for putting something where it's not supposed to be (like shoes on the stairs...they don't know that there there).

G&G can do anything that any other kitty can do (hunt, sleep, play, be adorable) and I'm sure that IF Mowgli should loose his sight.....he will be able to do everything he did before.....maybe even better.....when one looses one of the senses, another sense tends to grow more....G&G can hear a fly 3 rooms away, home in on exactly where it is and go get it for a little snack.

Please keep us posted, please let me know if I can help you in anyway. :)

[MyCatMowgli]

Well, Mowglis blood work was normal! Which I guess is good, but the vet suspects that he has juvenile cataracts. So I need to go pick up eye drops to make sure they dont get infected.

Now, here is the part where I need some advice/general info from people who have had experience.

The doctor is suggesting surgery, as soon as possible.

How many of you have gone through this with your cats/kittens? Is it worth it.
The doctor said it is about $3500, which I have absolutely no idea where Im going to find this money considering I am in the process of looking for a job while I type this! Man, I was planning on getting pet insurance too, but I didnt think this type of thing would happen in the first month of ownership of my first pet that is 100% mine!

The Dr. said the other option is eye extraction. Which is alot cheaper, but jeez, Im not going to have his sight removed if I can save it somehow! That is just horrible to think about.

This eye surgeon is supposed to be very good, even completing successful surgery on turtles! I dont know how hard that is, but it sounds hard to me!


So has anyone had this done for their cats?! How did it turn out!?

Im so scared right now, lol.

[CultureJunky]

For some reason I have missed this post, so sorry! I hope Mowgli can have something done about his cataracts. I will keep him in my prayers for you and hope it all works out. I am eagerlyl awaiting to read the advice the others have about his eyes...

[critters]

Why does he want to take the baby's eyes, even if you choose not to have the cataracts removed? That doesn't make any sense to me. Why can't you decide to leave the cataracts alone, like they used to do with human babies with cataracts?

[Medusa]

That was going to be my question, too. I'm not sure I understand why total removal of the eye is necessary if you choose not to have the cataracts removed. This is tough for a new cat mom, that's for sure. The expense of surgery is staggering, too. Catty1 can probably lead you to some links that can possibly help w/the expense. I've not had experience w/finding funds but should the time come when I need to, I won't hesitate to contact whomever I need to. I've also not had experience w/cataracts in cats. (That's just about the only thing I haven't had experience with. LOL) Mega prayers going out to you that you can get this resolved quickly, easily and in peace......

[MyCatMowgli]

Why does he want to take the baby's eyes, even if you choose not to have the cataracts removed? That doesn't make any sense to me. Why can't you decide to leave the cataracts alone, like they used to do with human babies with cataracts?


Well they might not need to remove them right away, but supposedly juvenile cataracts have a high risk of becoming infected and I guess thats bad.

I only talked over the phone, and still need to meet with the actual optometrist, so I dont know for sure when that would need to be done!

Oh, and for the record Im actually a new Cat Daddy! I never made that clear!

[Medusa]

Oh gosh, sorry 'bout that! I should've checked your profile before I said anything, Dad. My humble apologies...... :p

[emily_the_spoiled]

I can not attest to cataract removal in cats, but in humans it is an "easy" surgery with very few complications and the big payoff is that the person does not go blind. Cataracts will usually only occur once, so it will not be a re-occuring problem for Mogwli.

Good luck!

[Freedom]

Sugar had cataract surgery in January. She is 10 year old bichon, so it is a bit different; age related cataract vs. juvenile & dog vs. cat. But I am SO glad we did this. She can SEE! Well worth it. We only did one eye for now, on the surgeon's recommendation. One eye was completely blind with the cataract. The other has about 30% peripheral vision. So the surgeon recommended doing the blind eye, that way if anything went wrong, the dog still had the limited vision.

For funding, you can try www.imom.org.
For payment plans, you can try www.carecredit.com

Also, check with your state veterinary association. The RI vet group does have a grant program.

Is there a vet nuniversity program near you? They may have a funding option; however, that may require that you use their facilities and docters; it sounds as though you have found an excellent surgeon already. maybe his office also has some suggestions for funding options.

[kb2yjx]

I second Freedom's idea about the vet school near to where you live and to check out if they can help!!! Your little fella is a cutie!!! My Boo lost her vision at 15.She had been fine and one day ran into the wall!!! She lived with 8 other cats at the time and Spunky became even more devoted to her! She lived another year, then kidney disease got her. Dad, like a previous post said, you were sent Mowgli for a reason!!! Many prayers for you both!!!

[mrspunkysmom]

Having had cataracts surgery myself, I can say it is easy. I would get a second opinion for your cat. And do some web research, but keep in mind there are fifty-eleven opinions out there.

This looks to be a good link:

info on cataracts (http://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/06_Animal_Welfare/Ophthalmology_Facts/Cataract_Surgery.html)

[catmandu]

Whatever Happens The Pet Angels Wil Be There For Mowgli To Comfort Him.
And All Of Us At The Found Paradise Cat Hotel Are Sending Prayers That Come What May, Mowgli Will Be All Right!!!

[rg_girlca]

I am so sorry to hear that this is happening to the first cat you have ever own and he sure is a real cutie patootie.

Prayers and positive thoughts on the way for Mowgli, that his eyesight will be saved.

[mruffruff]

The cataract surgery would be the best way to go if you can. The cost is awful, but the results are usually amazing.

The doctor may have suggested removal because it would eliminate the possibility of other disease (such as glaucoma) or injury because the eyes would not be protected by blinking. I would certainly ask.

[phesina]

We are all saying our prayers for dear little Mowgli.

Love, hugs, and purrs,
Pat and cats