Thursday 16 February 2017

Moo our partially sighted cat is looking for a special home

Our lovely boy Moo came to Axhayes when his owner had to move house and sadly couldn’t take him with her. During his health examination on arrival our vet discovered he has cataracts which has left him with limited vision. We hoping to find him a suitable home for him, where he can settle in and adapt well to his new surroundings. Moo has been described by his previous owner as having a lovely personality; he’s very cuddly and likes to greet you when you come home. He will make a lovely companion for somebody.

We thought we share a few tips with you from our Cats Protection “Cats with disabilities” leaflet, to help cats like Moo adapt in their new home….  
Going outside
We would recommend that you do not let blind cats roam outside, for their own safety. Keep your cat indoors, unless they can have access to a safely-fenced garden or run. Since Moo has some vision, we are hoping to find him a home with a secure enclosed garden, away from main busy roads (in case he did get out of the garden). Make sure your cat is microchipped and you may consider fitting a quick-release collar stating his address and disability in case he escapes.

Moo
Finding his bearings

Try to encourage your cat to walk around on his own, as carrying him may cause him to become disorientated. Cats have scent glands on their paws that allow them to leave a trail of scent to follow – this is even more important for blind and partially sighted cats. If you do have to carry him, always put him down somewhere familiar such as his feeding or sleeping area so that he can easily get his bearings. Beware of lifting a blind cat onto raised surfaces as there is a chance he will fall.

To help Moo settle in to his new surroundings, we would recommend slow gradual introductions to each room in the house. This will allow him plenty of time to get use to where everything is. Supervise his excursions around the house until he seems confident. If he becomes disorientated, guide him back to a familiar place by using your voice or by walking with him. We would suggest removing any fragile objects off high surfaces in case he decides to jump up.
Approaching your cat

Talk to your cat as you approach him to avoid startling him. If your cat is blind in one eye, try to approach him from the side he has sight in.

Getting around
As blind cats rely on scent and memory to find their way around, you should avoid moving furniture, food and litter trays. Don’t leave obstacles in unexpected places where your cat could walk into them. If you have stairs, place a barrier across them until your cat knows where they are and learns to use them again. Putting a different textured carpet on the top and bottom steps can help your cat quickly learn when anticipate when they have reached the top or bottom.
Whiskers become more important to blind cats to judge the cat’s proximity to an object.

Moo in his pen

Play and Exercise

Sound is obviously very important to a blind cat so he may enjoy playing with “jingly” toys. It is important to encourage him to exercise as it is part of a cat’s natural behaviour and will help to stop him becoming overweight.

If you can offer Moo a loving forever home and have plenty of time and patience to help him settle in, please contact us on 01395 232377 or via our website at www.axhayes.cats.org.uk. Thank you.

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