Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on December 05, 2007, 02:42:55 AM

Title: Hypothetical Question..........for now
Post by: Dawn (DiddyDawn) on December 05, 2007, 02:42:55 AM
If someone had a kitten and there was a possibility he/she would lose both their eyes, what would you do?  Would you euthanise or put them through the op? 
Title: Re: Hypothetical Question..........for now
Post by: Bazsmum on December 05, 2007, 04:04:42 AM
Hypothetically....how old are we talking newborn or abouts? Is there a chance the eyesight could be saved? This is a tough one DD  :(
Title: Re: Hypothetical Question..........for now
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on December 05, 2007, 07:35:33 AM
tough one. For me, it would depend on the reasons why really, and also what the kitten's health was otherwise like. IF it was the only thing that could save their life, and there was a good chance the op wouldnt be too much on the kitten, I think I would go through with it, as cats do adapt to being blind, and esp from a kitten.
Title: Re: Hypothetical Question..........for now
Post by: Liz on December 05, 2007, 08:06:11 AM
Hypothetically speaking if its young and healthy then I would go for the op blind cats adapt well and this one is young enough to do so

I think you know the answer really and are looking for moral support, from here its sent in real bucket loads :hug:
Title: Re: Hypothetical Question..........for now
Post by: Mark on December 05, 2007, 10:46:19 AM
It's really weird Dawn but I was just discussing the same thing with the kitchen painter - honestly!

I'm on the blind cat having a good life side and try to remember that cats aren't people so don't wallow in self-pity and they adapt well. My mum's cat went blind at 6 months and had a great life until she got ill when she was 12.
Title: Re: Hypothetical Question..........for now
Post by: Sabrina (Auferstehen) on December 05, 2007, 12:14:32 PM
There was a blind 1 year old cat at the rescue I worked at in the US, he'd been in a fire and his eyes were badly damaged as well as his ears.

He always ran up to you when anyone went into the hallways (he was a resident cat, because the owner couldn't part with him) and would climb up your legs for fuss and attention.

Very happy cat and enjoyed his new life, I was sad to leave as I really liked him even though he cost me a few pairs of jeans.
Title: Re: Hypothetical Question..........for now
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on December 05, 2007, 12:35:18 PM
I think if the kittens age and health made the operation viable and there are no other serious health probs then yes go for the op. As others have said blind cats adopt very well with the right owners, so ownership is also a consideration.
Title: Re: Hypothetical Question..........for now
Post by: Michelle (furbabystar) on December 05, 2007, 12:59:18 PM
Having known a few blind cats they seem to live a happy and "normal" life.

I think the answer has to be to see how they got on without their eyesight.
Its a hard one Dawn xxxx
Title: Re: Hypothetical Question..........for now
Post by: CurlyCatz on December 05, 2007, 13:18:40 PM
For me i'd need the whole medical background before making any pre judged thoughts in my mind.