What it is
The retina is a thin layer at the back of the eye where light is turned into nerve signals. In this disease the cells that see in dim light go first, and later the ones that see in daylight. It is not painful, and from the outside the eyes can look perfectly healthy.
Because sight fades slowly, a cat has time to adjust: it relies on smell, hearing and whiskers, and moves so confidently around a familiar home that the change can go unnoticed for a long time. It shows when the furniture is moved or the cat finds itself somewhere new.
A cat that has lost its sight finds its way best in a home where things stay in their places.
Signs you may notice
- Hesitant in dim light
- Bumps into things
- Wide pupils
- Eyes reflect light more brightly
- Avoids jumping up
A cat moves hesitantly in the dark or at dusk, bumps into things it used to step around, and its pupils look wider than before.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if your cat starts moving hesitantly, bumps into things or its eyes look different. When getting a kitten, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.