Cateracts on a cat

[Targarama]

Our 16yr old Main Coon Tommy is losing his eyesight due to cataracts. Can they be operated on like with humans? He's not bumping into things yet, but its only a matter of time.

Pic, just because I can

[bexVN]

Yes they can but there are a few things to consider
How fast is the cataract spreading?
Does he have any other issues with his eye e.g. glaucoma
Have you seen a veterinary opthalmologist?
Is cost an issue because it's not cheap.
How is your elderly cats health in general as this operation will require a full anaesthetic, I don't know how long the op will take.
There is quite a bit of aftercare so you need to consider if you cat will tolerate this.

Personally if the eye is otherwise healthy and your cat is coping well I'd be cautious about proceeding with the op but a good specialist should offer you advice that is in Tommys best interest.

My cat was basically born with catarcts (he is now 16) in both eyes but they were very slow growing so he has adapted well, I did consider surgery and saw an opthalmologist who monitored his eyes regularly for several years and he felt an op wasn't necessary because my cat was coping well and there were no other complications.

PS gorgeous cat but I've never seen a short haired Maine Coon before (one of my other cats is a maine coon)

Edited by bexVN on Friday 27th May 21:04

[Targarama]

Thanks. He's managing OK, and has had diabetes for the past 8 years. Didn't recover too quickly from a recent teeth extration so its probably best to leave the eyes then. Our vet didn't seem too keen either, said a lot of what you say

Re: Main Coon-ness, his sister has long hair. They're both 8kg cats. Strange really.

Edited by Targarama on Sunday 29th May 17:43