My senior cat's pupils are suddenly dilated and she can't see.
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 7 lbs
My 16-year old cat's eyes seemed to change all of a sudden. Her pupils are dilated very large and don't change in light. She seems a little confused, too, and like she can't see very well.
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 4th, 2018
I would recommend that Monet see a veterinarian. Sudden onset of blindness and dilated pupils can be secondary to high blood pressure in older cats. They can suffer from hyperthyroidism or a heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Both of these geriatric cat problems can cause these changes with her eyes. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
7Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on August 20th, 2017
Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There could be something wrong with his eyes but there could also an elevated blood pressure. I recommend seeing your vet tomorrow for a blood pressure check and blood work to check his kidney function. This can also cause elevated pressure. Good luck and kisses to Toby!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 20th, 2017
A sudden change in pupil dilation (referred to as mydriasis) that is non responsive to light can be indicative of damage to some of her cranial nerves or detachment of her retina. Certainly trauma can cause these changes, but other possible reasons include high blood pressure, blood clot formation, cancer, or infectious diseases. Iala should be examined by her vet with a full neurologic exam, blood pressure measurement, and lab testing (CBC, chemistry, T4 (thyroid hormone) and urinalysis).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 18th, 2017
I would recommend taking her to a vet for some basic blood work. It is very common for older cats to get hyperthyroidism. This is where the thyroid over produces and will cause their blood pressure to go up. High blood pressure can lead to retinal detachment which will cause dilated pupils and issues with vision. I think it is also possible she is losing vision as she is getting older. However the blood work with her age would be helpful
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 2nd, 2018
I am very sorry to hear about your kitty. I would recommend bringing her in to a vet right away with these symptoms. If your vet is closed, I would even consider an emergency vet. With a sudden onset of blindness we do worry about things like detachment of the retinas which can happen due to high blood pressure. Sometimes this is reversible if caught and treated early on but the longer we wait to treat the less chance we can reverse the condition. The vet will look into her eyes with an ophthalmoscope and this will help determine what tests or treatment may be needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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