Why would I like to adopt a blind cat? Let’s go wider and ask why would a person like to adopt a disabled cat. There are many people like me who would respond to a cat in need. This post is about people much more than it is about cats. It was inspired by cute Daphne:
Daphne was seen wandering around parts of Aberdeen in Scotland bumping into things. She was rescued and they are trying to locate the owner. If I was on Scotland, and didn’t have Charlie, I’d put myself forward as a potential adopter.
Is a person who would like to adopt a needy blind cat, needy himself? Are people who want to care for a blind or disabled cat actually indirectly applying therapy to themselves? I think this is, at least partly, what it is about.
It is not entirely altruistic behavior for a person to want to care for a blind cat. It is a two way street. Both parties help each other. In caring for a blind cat the person is releasing some of the emotional baggage or discomfort that he or she is carrying due to past experiences of his or her own. That is my theory but no one, as far as I know has said it before.
I wonder sometimes if anything that people do is truly altruistic or unconditional. Every action, no matter how generous it seems, has an element of self-interest behind it.
An aspect of this discussion (with myself!) is that we know that up to 50% of carers – caring for another person – suffer significant psychological distress. Compassion fatigue sets in and in the end you hate the person you are caring for.
Cats are different. Even blind cats with arthritis can get around on their own, indoors, provided all the furniture remains in fixed positions and routines are strictly adhered to. There are many examples of very active blind cats demonstrating how adaptable cats are when using all their senses even though one is broken.
Associated: Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary
Beautiful thought. I worry about Charlie getting along with a newcomer. I don’t know. You make it sound possible and it is…
Michael you should. I really think thats a nice idea. The cat in the photo looks very sweet and gentle – a real lady, but she is blind. I say go for it. Do you think Charlie would be totally against it? He did live with another cat for along time didn’t he, until recently. Well – just a thought.
Nice suggestion. I’ll remember that when I adopt my blind cat 😉