SoSo-Blind

SoSo is blind, due to a recessive genetic condition (she received a bad copy of a gene from both parents). This condition causes the retina to degenerate over time. She may have started showing impairment by 6 months, but now her retina has almost completely degenerated - the retina is basically dead and cannot send signals to the brain. Dr. Snyder said this condition is so rare that he can’t recall the last time he saw a young cat with it. (He said she may be as young as 2-3 years old.). Everything else in the eye is fine. The condition is not painful and is not reversible. It is not due to injury, inflammation, or infection. She is using her hearing and her whiskers to navigate. SoSo is a gorgeous tuxedo lass who has a golden heart that is ready to fill your home with infinite love. SoSo is about 4 years young and is blind. We are not certain if she was born blind or if it is caused by a condition. However she is seeing the Ophlamologist this week to have that further assessed. This visit will also tell us if there will be anything her future home will need to know for down the road. We are always transparent about the needs of our cats and strive to diagnose conditions before adopting them out. We always want our adoptive families to know what to expect when they adopt from us. Of course we can never predict what may happen down the road, but by providing a baseline and having our vet rule out or diagnosis helps our adoptive families while ensuring our cats receive the best care possible. SoSo will appear to be “looking” at you, not because she can see with them, but because she is looking at you from her purrecious heart. SoSo loves to greet you with her darling meow and will share about her busy day in the shelter office. She is doing well around the other cats, however isn’t actively seeking out to spend time with them. We were told she came from a setting where there were many cats, so it may be she is accustomed to communal type living, however we already see how much this sweet girl would like a person of her own. She loves to snuggle on laps, and gentle petting. She is as darling as can be and we want her to choose a home that will love her infinitely. `How to Help a Blind Cat Navigate Successfully in Your Home ~Consistency in your home is the key to success for your blind cat ~AHS has an indoor cat policy, however the importance of keeping a blind cat indoors cannot be stressed enough. Catios are fine to utilize once your cat feels safe and secure in each part of your home. Always supervise when your cat is using the catio. ~If your newly adopted cat is not microchipped, please do that immediately. All of our cats are microchipped, however if the organization you adopted from does not implant one, contact your vet clinic,and ensure the information is accurate and linked to you as the official owner. ~To help your blind cat navigate safely, do not move furniture, toys, litter, food and water dishes. Do your best to remove obstacles from her pathway. Keep her food and water dishes in a consistent place. ~When you approach your blind cat, talk to her so she hears you and is not startled. ~If your home has stairs, it is very important to put a stair gate or other barrier to prevent mishaps. Once your cat feels comfortable navigating the home, introduce the stairs and monitor her closely. ~As your blind cat is maneuvering around she will have the most success doing this on her own. You will want to allow her to walk around as cats have scent glands on their paws. As she walks around she will leave a trail that will provide her a pathway back to where she started. ~Be mindful when you pick up your blind cat. To prevent falling, Do not place her on a high surface. ~If your blind cat likes to climb, ensure there are ways for her to get up and back down smoothly and safely. Ensure those pathways stay put. ~Remember to keep your toilet lid closed. ~All sharp corners, edges or sharp objects should be removed or covered, especially if they are at eye level. ~Blind cats rely on their other senses to help them function in their unique world. Their ability to smell, feel and hear is finely tuned, and will be their main tool in maneuvering in their home. ~Cat whiskers are used to help your cat navigate, jump and maneuver through narrow places. Never trim her whiskers. ~Provide enrichment activities on a daily basis. Just because she is blind does not mean that she does not want to “cat.” Encouraging your blind cat to have fun, play with toys; engaging with others will help build confidence and enjoy her life to the fullest. ~Toys that make sounds such as squeaky toys, chirping toys, crinkly balls, paper bags or paper balls or toys with bells, can provide stimulation and enrichment. The use of peacock feathers has also been shown to be a fun interactive tool with many blind cats we have worked with over the years. Our Enrichment Brochure also has a few other great ideas! ~Catnip-scented toys can provide stimulation and enjoyment if your cat is genetically predisposed to enjoy catnip. ~Stimulate your cat's sense of smell and touch by providing a safe place for her to enjoy the sunshine. Cats love to sunbathe! ~Provide an opportunity for your cat to have fresh air. This will add joy and enrichment to her life, however, ensure all the windows are cat proofed. ~Love your cat with all of your heart and demonstrate that every day. Reducing stress in her life will improve her quality of life and help her live each day to the fullest. Shelter Hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 7pm-9pm: Visitation Only Wednesday: 7pm-8:30pm: Visitation Only Weekend Hours by Appointment Only. Please text 907-230-6394 to make these arrangements. Appointment times are: 3:15, 4:00, 4:45 Our adoption policies and procedures are rigorous and thoughtful as our goal is to match you with a cat who will become a loving addition to your home for the rest of his/her wonderful life. Seeing photos and videos are great first steps, however, meeting the cat in person and seeing if you connect is critically important. You may even want to visit the cat a few times to ensure you have made that connection. If you are interested in adopting one of our cats, you will need to complete our adoption application and have that approved prior to placement. Submitting an adoption application does not guarantee placement. We do not do same day adoptions. Please ensure you have permission to have a cat where you live before considering adoption! We will need to see a copy of your lease agreement along with a contact number for your landlord to ensure the adoption is allowed. All parties interested must meet the cat before adoption to ensure that everyone is in agreement with the adoption. If you do not live in Anchorage, you must come in to meet him/her before the adoption and make arrangements to transport him/her to your home. AHS will provide behavioral support for the transition and throughout the adoption to ensure that everyone feels secure with the adoption. Our adoption agreement prohibits declawing an adopted cat, and stipulates that the cat will be returned to us if the adoption does not work out. We also ask that cats be returned to us regardless of when the cat was adopted if the adoptive home is no longer able to keep the cat or is unable to provide him/her with the necessary healthcare to maintain a healthy and happy life. AHS has an indoor cat policy. We strongly support the utilization of cat harnesses and catios as these are positive ways of giving your cat the chance to explore, get some fresh air and provide him/her with the benefits of the natural world while keeping them and wildlife safe and sound.