Enrichment for Blind Cats: Purring in the Dark

Today we're going to embark on a special journey to explore the wonderful world of enrichment for our beloved blind feline companions. Cats may be known for their keen senses, but did you know that blind kitties can lead incredibly fulfilling lives with just a few adjustments? Let's dive into the pawsitively exciting realm of enrichment for our visually impaired feline friends!

Embrace the Sensory Symphony

For our blind whiskered buddies, the world is a symphony of scents, sounds, and textures. To create a sensory wonderland, consider introducing scented toys, textured blankets, and toys that make noise. Think crinkles, bells, and even toys that emit gentle vibrations. This multisensory approach will engage your blind kitty's other heightened senses and make every playtime an adventure.

Auditory Amusements

Cats are natural hunters, and blind kitties are no exception. Enhance their playtime by incorporating toys that produce sound. Toys with jingling bells, chirping birds, or rustling fabric can turn an ordinary play session into a thrilling auditory experience. Be sure to supervise your blind feline during play and encourage them to follow the sound, stimulating their hunting instincts.

Safe Havens and Vertical Escapades

Creating a safe environment for our visually impaired feline friends is crucial. Designate specific areas in your home as safe havens, equipped with cozy beds, scratching posts, and, most importantly, familiar scents. Cats love to explore vertical spaces, so invest in cat trees or shelves that allow your blind cat to climb and survey their kingdom safely. This not only enriches their environment but also provides an elevated sense of security.

Tantalizing Tastes

Blind cats may rely more on their sense of taste and smell. Entice their taste buds with a variety of treats and food puzzles. Puzzle feeders can be filled with your cat's favorite kibble, encouraging them to use their paws and nose to uncover the tasty treasures within. This not only provides mental stimulation but also turns mealtime into a delightful challenge.

Touch and Bond

Blind cats thrive on physical contact and reassurance. Regular grooming sessions can be a bonding experience, creating a strong connection between you and your feline friend. Use a gentle brush to stimulate their skin and provide a comforting touch. This not only keeps their fur in top condition but also fosters trust and emotional well-being.

Tailored Toys for Tactile Triumphs

Opt for toys with different textures to engage your blind cat's sense of touch. Soft plush toys, crinkly materials, and toys with varied surfaces will keep them intrigued. Additionally, interactive toys that dispense treats or have hidden compartments add an extra layer of excitement, promoting both mental and physical stimulation.

The Power of Routine

Blind cats often thrive on routine and familiarity. Establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, playtime, and rest. This predictability provides a sense of security for your blind kitty, allowing them to navigate their surroundings with confidence.

In conclusion, our visually impaired feline friends are not limited by their lack of sight. With a little creativity and a lot of love, we can create an enriching environment that caters to their unique needs. So, whether you're a seasoned cat enthusiast or a new fur parent, let's join paws in making the world a brighter place for our blind kitties!

If you are in the Naperville, Elmhurst, Villa Park or Lombard, IL communities and have a vision impaired kitty, consider contacting us for pet sitting services.  Call or reach out to us here.

What Does Cat Care Entail? - A Pet Sitters View On Cat Care

Cats have surpassed dogs to be the commonly owned pet.  As a pet sitter, most people think we mainly deal with dogs and their owners.  I have to say, our client list reflects the national percentages and we have more cat clients on our list than dog clients.  Cat care makes up a huge portion of the pet sitting industry, and there are many pet sitters who are cat only.

So I know many people believe that cats are so independent that they may not need as many visits as a dog would.  Some will want to schedule only a few visits per week if their cat has a feeder or multiple bowls of food for them to eat over a few days.  At the minimum we will see cats every other day, that is far and few between and we only make exceptions if the cat is set up for success and they have a large supply of water and food for them.  More commonly, we see cats daily.  They not only need their food and water refreshed, but cats can get lonely.  

At The Pet Lady, Ltd. we make sure to give each cat the personalized care they need or want.  There are some basics that are part of our visits that we perform with each client.  Firstly, we make sure all food and water are refreshed.  If your pet has a water fountain or water bottle container we will always check to see if it needs to be topped off with water.  All free stand water bowls are washed before they are refilled.  We also make sure to wash and dry all wet food vessels and check any kibble dispensers and feeders to make sure they are full.  We also scoop the litter boxes at each visit.  Typically, litter boxes are scooped out once per day, but if we are visiting cats multiple times per day, we do scoop them accordingly.  Cats like their boxes to be nice and tidy so we make sure they want to use their boxes and will not have to step on any waste.

The rest of our visits are personalized for each cat.  Some like to play fetch with a spring or ball and we will toss it as long as your cat wants to chase! Others like a laser pointer to hunt or an electronic toy turned on to hunt, chase or bat at.  Our sitters love wand toys just as much as our feline friends! All of these activities allow your cat to tap into their natural instincts to hunt.  This can be very enriching for your cat along with giving them some vigorous physical activity.  

Not all cats want to play on demand while we are there.  We have a lot of friendly felines who just want all the rubs and cuddles.  We have tons of cuddles and love to give all the pets in our care.  We also will provide light grooming for any pet who wants to have a little pamper.  We will brush out cats and most absolutely love it, and in return we get lots of purrs.  

We love to celebrate all our clients and pamper your pets while you are away!

If you are interested in cat care services or any pet sitting or dog walking services click here to learn more or give us a call 847.802.9534