Lily Lily Queen of cats....

[Bilby]

Good news! I had a cat with thryoid problems and she was fine but didn't like me giving the tablets. But it was a minor problem! She was happy until her lungs started to go. Different issue.

You could try getting a halter collar and a leash for Lily. When I was turing a stray cat into my cat, I had just had him neutered and because he was in such a state, I had to get him shaved (he was and is now, a super fluffy baby!). I was terrified that he would get away and end up in bother (with the morons that seem to always be where you don't need them) cause he looked so strange! Anyway, I bought the halter and lead and slipped the lead handle through the hose and laid the hose out along the garden, a bit in the shade and a bit in the sun. K'Tan was then able to walk up and down the length of the hose as he chose, socialise with the others, dig, pounce, etc without straying. Oh and I weighted down the loose end of the hose with a flower pot so he couldn't slip his moorings. It worked well. Having the halter and the lead also meant that I could walk him around the rest of the garden so he could familiarise himself with all the different smells. He took to the halter really well.

Good luck!!

 

[DawnT]

I'm so glad the news was of the one better. Try not to move things around in the house to much for your unsighted-four-legged child's best interest. She will adjust better this way, and so will the rest of the family. :>) Hugs, love and prayers for all, Dawn

 

[pdswife]

Thanks Dawn

and Bilby a leash is a great idea.

 

[pdswife]

If you have an old playpen, perhaps you can put her in it so she can get used to using her other senses without getting hurt. You might try putting some of her favorite yummies in a bowl near her so she can "find" it with her nose alone. Poor Lily, it must be really confusing for her. Thank goodness she has such a loving mom. Can you imagine this happening in a family where not as much care is given?

She seems to be able to find her way around most of the time. She walks against the walls instead of the middle of the room and goes slower but, she finally gets there.

Last night though she was upset all night long. Just walking around and howling... I couldn't figure out what in the world she wanted. I think she thought she was locked in the basement or some other scary unknow place. Poor kitty.

 

[expatgirl]

Ohhhhhh, that's so sad, pdswife.......I can just imagine if I woke up one day blind how I would feel.........all good thoughts for her adjusting well !! Hang in there!! Any chance at all of her getting her eyesight back?

 

[Barbara L]

She seems to be able to find her way around most of the time. She walks against the walls instead of the middle of the room and goes slower but, she finally gets there.

Last night though she was upset all night long. Just walking around and howling... I couldn't figure out what in the world she wanted. I think she thought she was locked in the basement or some other scary unknow place. Poor kitty.

It's probably harder for her when you are in bed for the night and she is on her own. I wonder if it would help if you were able to find a calm, laid-back (not bouncy, pouncy, trouncy Tigger-type) younger cat to be her companion.

Barbara

 

[pdswife]

I've mentioned that to Paul... I've said for a long time that Lily needs a friend... Not sure now would be the right time to introduce another cat to the family though. She's always been the "only" pet and she's so upset already...another might make it worse.

 

[Bilby]

I wouldn't go with a new cat now. Too many changes for her in one hit and she will need your attention for a while as she adjusts to being daily medicated and to the blindness. Maybe later but I would still hesitate.

Does she have a basket? If so, how about putting a radio on softly for her by her basket like you do for new kittens and puppies? It may make her feel less alone. Also how about a herb cushion (filled with say cat mint) for her to sleep with. Sense of smell is very important to a cat, so something that gives her comfort with a smell may ease her mind. Also, any chance of leaving a night light on for her? The total darkness may be very upsetting to her esp if she still is able to distinguish light from dark.

 

[pdswife]

Bilby...she doesn't have a basket but she has always used an over sized pillow for her bed and she does have a kitty matt filled with Cat nip. The radio is a good idea though... or I could just leave the tv on. She's used to that sound. THANKS!

 

[Bilby]

TV would be excellent cos that would give light as well as sound. Good idea!

 

[Barbara L]

I've mentioned that to Paul... I've said for a long time that Lily needs a friend... Not sure now would be the right time to introduce another cat to the family though. She's always been the "only" pet and she's so upset already...another might make it worse.

Yeah, she needs time to settle into her new life-style for a while. It might be something to consider a little later.

Barbara

 

[jpmcgrew]

I'm sure she will adapt with time after all they do use their whiskers to guide them at night . I'm thinking a herding dog like a border collie who will keep her with in bounderies and protect her. Sounds crazy but not impossible.

 

[expatgirl]

My mother would always put in a ticking clock for our new puppies or kittens--we grew up with many and it really did soothe them. She said it reminded them of the sound of their mother's heartbeat.

 

[pdswife]

She's outside now in a dog cage... She can't get out and nothing can get in. She seems to be happy to be outside even if she's in "kitty Jail". It's was for a pretty large dog so she's can walk around a little bit.

 

[LadyCook61]

She's outside now in a dog cage... She can't get out and nothing can get in. She seems to be happy to be outside even if she's in "kitty Jail". It's was for a pretty large dog so she's can walk around a little bit.

that's good, at least she is getting some fresh air and being safe.