Posted by Martisimo on February 19, 2003 at 10:21:44:
In Reply to: Re: New stray kitty that we just found out is blind. posted by PHMadameAlto on February 17, 2003 at 21:05:21:
Excellent advice. This is just going to take much more time than even the usual cat introductions take. There is A LOT for the blind kitty to learn and get used to and it will take her longer than a cat with sight. You will just have to be extremely slow, careful and comforting while integrating her. She is going to have a harder time understanding things than most. Make every effort to make both cats feel as secure as possible.
I would keep the new kitty confined most of the time until she is feeling very confident in there. And maybe, MUCH LATER, when she begins slowly (close door to some rooms) learning the rest of the house, put up your other kitty. Remember, the blind kitty is going to be nervous enough in the new place not being able to see it, I wouldn't compound it just yet with the introductions.
LATER, when she's out in the house you will want to get extra litterboxes to place in different places in the house so she won't have as much trouble getting to them. Make sure there's at least one at both ends of the house and at least one on every story if you have a multiple storied house (basement included).
Was she born blind? Or was it an injury? Her eyes must seem normal in appearance if you didn't notice her blindness at first. Perhaps you could take her to be examined by a veterinary opthamologist.
: :The kitten's blindness is obviously compounding the problem. No doubt she feels very threatened by the other cat because she cannot see. This makes her more aprehensive and aggressive. Have you discussed the posibility of anti-anxiety medication with your vet? :I hope you can get this situation worked out. But if you can't, you may be able to find a home for the little blind stray. This may have to be your final recourse.
:It sounds like you are very much on top of the situation and so is your vet. You should keep the cats separated for quite a while - maybe even as long as one or two months. During this time, switch their territories by switching rooms, but don't let them come into actual physical contact. You might also try placing one in a carrier and letting the other one sniff around it and vice versa.
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