My kitten survived severe head trauma but is now blind, depressed, and shaking. How do I help him find his spirit again?
Hi everyone,
I’m reaching out because I’m heartbroken and need some guidance. My young cat (still a kitten, hasn't even learned his name yet) suffered a severe head injury
He just got out of the vet —he’s standing and eating—but the trauma has left him blind. His pupils are fixed and dilated. While he is physically "stable," he is nowhere near fully healed, and his mental state is what’s worrying me most right now.
The Situation:
Deep Depression: He seems completely "shut down." He spends most of his time hiding, shaking, and acting terrified. It’s like he’s mourning the world he can no longer see.
Bathroom Struggles: He’s struggling to find the litter box. Sometimes he makes it, but other times he’s shitting on the carpet. I think the combination of being blind and the neurological "fog" makes him lose his way.
Recent Complication: He has started having bloody diarrhea, which we are monitoring with the vet (likely stress or a reaction to the trauma meds).
I want to help him regain the confidence he had before this happened.
I would love advice on:
Confidence Building: How do you comfort a cat that is shaking and won't come out of hiding? How do I show him he’s safe when he can't see me?
Sensory Stimulation: What are the best "blind-safe" toys? I want to stimulate his brain without him bumping into things and getting more scared.
Litter Box Navigation: Any tricks for helping a blind cat "map" their way to the box?
A "Guide" Companion: I’m considering getting a second pet to keep him company. Has anyone used a "seeing-eye" cat or dog? What temperament works best for a fragile, blind kitten?
He’s so young and has been through so much. I just want him to feel like a happy cat again instead of living in fear. Any stories of recovery or advice on how to pull a cat out of this post-trauma depression would mean everything.