Blindness in cats (as well as dogs) is the loss of vision in both eyes due to trauma, cancer, corneal problems, cataracts, retinal diseases and glaucoma. Just like humans, cats learn to rely on their other senses.

Their sense of smell and hearing are much more developed than ours. The sense of smell is superior and is one of the compensatory ways they interact with their environment.

A cat's nostrils are working constantly. Although small and compact, their nose houses 19 million odor-sensitive cells as compared to 5 million in humans.

In addition, cats are equipped with glands that secrete pheromes, which are identifying scents that help them find their way around the house. When they rub their cheeks against something (including you) they are depositing their scent marks.

A cats' sense of hearing is equally amazing, capable of hearing high frequency sounds well out of our range. Their ability to locate the source of a sound is highly advanced.

So, blind cats and dogs are termed special needs. We like to think of them as "other-abled" cats, who despite their disability can be active, loving companions.

With that being said, we invite you to share in the triumph of Dottie, who is not only blind, but a senior of approximately 14. Her life as been rocky from the very beginning. She was living on the periphery of a feral colony, obviously not integrated with the rest, when she was trapped. She came to PAWS in March 2011 and was friendly and very affectionate. Around June she was found to have glaucoma and the right eye became detached and warranted removal. Dottie did not adjust as well as one would hope and she became timid and frightened.

Glaucoma had stolen her sight in one eye and then just as insidiously, staked a foothold in her left eye within only a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, that eye also was removed in July and Dottie was plunged into a world of darkness, having very little time to align herself in this new terrifying world.

In her sightless world, it has been challenging for Dottie. When she is taken out of the cage and encounters another cat, she is defensive because she is protecting herself. When she is housed in her "condo" cage she responds to her name and loves physical attention, but when not being socialized, she retreats to a corner.

Dottie exemplifies survival of the fittest when she was a stray. Now her handicap has forced her to isolate herself in her safety zone. Yet that glimmer of hope remains steadfast. In spite of all she has endured, she still trusts human contact and responds with exuberance.

Dottie teaches us what  "go with the flow" really means. Her genuine personality is not in captivity, bound by her blindness. Her youth may have paled, but not her capacity to love and be loved. Sight is not that important in her case.

Dottie is tough.

Dottie has fiber.

Dottie is capable.

Dottie is strong.

Above all. Dottie is a survivor. She teaches us well and life is on her terms.

The saying, "eyes are the window to the soul" translates a little differently here. You are witness to her soul, as she has the uncanny ability to cut to yours and embrace your heart.

Dottie speaks in volumes. What does she say? Simply that she wants one last chance to live out her final years in a warm, quiet home in which she cherished and doted upon. Dottie would acclimate so well to an environment where she is the sole recipient of unadulterated pampering and spoiling.

A senior citizen would be a perfect candidate for Mom or Dad. We ask anyone that can give their undivided attention to this precious creature to open their heart and home to her. For anyone considering adopting Dottie, please remember that with all our special and senior animals, we ask that you plan out a contingency person to love that animal, in the event that you are no longer able to. We want to find a forever home.

Dottie is waiting for you... you have the opportunity to save Dottie on so many levels. Bring her into your life and she will finally be able to say,

"I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now can see."
                                                                           (Amazing Grace)