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My cat has many congenital diseases. They progress over time. Gradually, her hind legs are losing function. She also has to take medication to keep her kidneys in check. Unfortunately, in rare cases, these medications can cause blindness—and this turned out to be her case, as she has already lost most of her vision.

To encourage her to move around at least occasionally, I place her water bowl not too far from her usual spot. However, because her hind legs can’t support her well, she wobbles heavily from side to side when walking, which likely disorients her. She often loses her way and may spend some time searching for the water bowl. Now if the cat can't find something she just calls me.

I’d like to find some kind of small audio beacon that occasionally emits quiet sounds, which I could place near important spots for my cat.

In my mind, it should be a compact, battery-powered device—preferably inexpensive. Devices designed for blind people seem like overkill to me.

For example, in one room, I use a decorative electric water fountain to mark the location of the water bowl—it makes the sound of flowing water. But my cat has several favorite spots, and I’d like to equip all of them in a similar way.

Maybe someone has already found a solution to this?

I also found a similar question. There is an interesting idea about smells, which is probably even better than sounds.

The Idea with the floor texture also looks interesting.

Falchio
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Simplest approach for the water bowl might be to switch to a cat fountain, where the splashing and pump hum would help identify it.

Other than that, the best advice I can give is to try to avoid moving things any more than you must. Like a blind human, a cat can learn it's way around a space that doesn't change too much, but will be frustrated if things -- especially the most important things -- aren't where they are supposed to be. So even if you get a cat fountain I would start by putting it exactly where the water bowl has always been until the cat has had time to get used to it, and if you must move it, move it gradually. You might even want to start with it turned off, so the cat can get used to it as a water bowl before adding the complication of the new sound.

I'm sure there are resources on the web somewhere for caring for blind cats. I haven't needed to go looking for that information yet.

keshlam
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Something you could try is tactile cues.

You would first identify the most important and frequently traveled routes, i.e. litter box, water bowl, food bowl, favorite perch, etc.

Then place a series of rugs or mats with different textures on the floor to help a bit with traction while walking, as well as providing guidance.

That way, even completely blind the feedback from her paws will tell her she is on the right track, and if she veers off course she can correct.

Essentially, you'll create tactile road markings she can read.

bgse
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