It Worked for Me – My Top 10 Tips
For anyone who has a blind cat, or is having problems with one, these are my top ten tips that may help you.
Relax
Not easy at the start, I know. Your head fills with “what ifs”, and it’s hard not to think the worst. But try to relax. If you don’t, your blind cat will pick up on it. They sense nervousness very quickly, so relax as best you can—and get into that silly voice as soon as possible.
Quarantine
If I have to, I use my bedroom. Food, water and litter tray all in one place. Let your blind cat find their way around, especially the litter tray. Let them learn the smell and how to get in. If they struggle, help them—but not all the time.
Beds are optional. If you’ve seen my channel or read the book, you’ll know blind kittens always found my bed. I panicked the first time, but not anymore. They are more than capable of climbing up and down, and they will always find the softest, warmest spot.
Bring Yourself Down to Their Level
Sit on the ground. Use your voice. Treat it like a game—because to a cat, it is a game. This is one of the best ways to break the ice.
They may be unsure at first. If so, don’t force it. Don’t pick them up and bring them to you—let them come to you. Let them sniff, climb, explore. It’s all part of their adventure.
Toys
This is an individual thing. I’m not a big fan of toys, and most of my cats don’t like plastic ones anyway.
I have a garden with trees, bushes and obstacles, which keeps most of them busy. If anything, a simple tin foil ball or a cardboard box will do the job.
Freedom of Movement
Leave doors open and let them explore. The more they move around, the more familiar everything becomes—smells, obstacles, layout.
Accidents can happen, but they are more likely if movement is restricted and the environment keeps changing.
Furniture
They will climb. Sofas, chairs—anything soft and raised. Just like seeing cats, they enjoy being off the ground and listening to what’s going on.
Machine-washable, anti-scratch covers are a good idea. Table and chair legs may also need some protection.
Attention & Cuddles
I do it all the time—but not with every cat. One or two are more nervous, but the rest will let you know when it’s cuddle time.
Every blind cat is different, but don’t ignore them, and don’t listen to anyone who says not to pick them up. You live together, you learn together. They will tell you when they are ready.
Therapies
Holistic treatments, catnip—some people swear by them. I don’t use them myself.
This is always an individual choice. For me, it’s about what we are prepared to do to make their lives better.
Outdoors
Like therapies, this is personal. I take my blind cats out with me on mountain walks, as many of you will have seen on the channel.
I believe in giving them the chance to live as cats, because I know they can. I don’t use a harness. I tried once—it caused stress, so I stopped. Walking freely worked for us.
But again—that’s me. Try it. Your cat will tell you if it’s right or not.
Correction
This can be tricky. Use your tone of voice—firm, but not loud. Shouting can scare them.
A light tap on the rear can work for some, but with Chico, Harry, Hugo, Scoots and Wolfy… it makes no difference at all.
For me, my voice carries the most weight.
🧠 Final Thought (small but important addition)
Every blind cat is different, but one thing stays the same—they are still cats, and they just want the chance to live like one.
“If you’d like to read more about the cats and our journey, you can find my book here…”The Blind Cat Chronicles $5.99
