Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi- Thought I would see if anyone had any advice for me, as it seems that some of you have had experience with a blind kitten. I found a 6 week old kitten in a barn stall under a pile of hay (lucky baby wasn't stepped on by the horse!). I brought him home and took him to the vet who determined that he is blind, has upper respiratory, a broken foot, and ear mites. The ear mites and respiratory infection are already cleared up with anti-biotics... the foot is set and will heal completely because he's so little. It has been worth the money and time because he is such a sweet love who just loves to cuddle.

He looks so silly hopping around with his big bandaged foot. He's getting around really well though, for his situation. The only problem is that I haven't been able to get him to use a litter box yet... I don't know if he isn't using it because he's too little or because he can't see it? I've only had him for 4 days. He goes to the bathroom on his own, but when he's crated, he just goes in the crate and when he's hopping around my room (he's very limited to where he can run around) he just goes wherever he feels like.

Any other tips for improving his quality of life? He's not in any pain, and is getting more and more playful by the hour! Any toys good for a blind kitten?!

His name is Oliver (or Ollie)and he's a striped grey baby. I can't keep him because of my two dogs (a Saint and a 140 lb mutt!), but I already found a home for him. A family is taking him for their little boy whose previous kitten was just put to sleep. I will continue to foster him for about three weeks until he heals. I'm worried that they won't want him if he doesn't improve with the litterbox situation.

Thanks for your help!

Maria

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It is wonderful you have saved this little guy. There is a litter out there called Cat Attract Litter you may want to try that. Also, what type of litter box are you using? I would try one with short sides, or even a box top. I would put him in it every half hour or so until he learn that is the place he is suppose to go the bathroom. I am sure others will have more advice.
Good luck.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

Hello,

I am Stevie's mom. You can see him on this message board. I would suggest getting him toys with bells and a stick type toy with a feather or something like it on the end. You might have to put a bell on the end of it if it does not have one. He will use his ears to guide him. You can buy special litter for cats that don't use the litter box well. It is called Cat Attract. It works really well. I have used it before. Stevie likes to play with wash rags too. I put him on one and gently pull on it.He attacks it every time. I can't fold the laundry when he is around......he attacks everything I try to fold. It is really funny. About the litter, when he goes outside the box, put the poo in the litter box and put him in the box too. Praise him and he might get it sooner.You might have to wait for the paw to heal. Cats like to scratch in the litter when they go. It might be uncomfortable for him with the paw wrapped. Let me know if you have anymore questions. I would love to help.

London