CAPS: The case of the cross-eyed cat

Dear Readers, animal paintings are always interesting, and recently I was privileged to view an excellent likeness of a mischievous kitty. Her hair was textured and fluffy and her expressive eyes were crossed. When I questioned the artist about the eyes, she confirmed they were indeed crossed. The reason for this was a mystery to solve.

It seems that cats with crossed-eyes have a defect in their visual nerve pathways. To compensate for the abnormal neural connections, the muscles that control eye position rotate both eyes to the middle, which results in the cross-eyed look.

Small muscles control eye movements that allow side to side and up and down motion. If one of the muscles is too strong, stretched, or nerve damaged, abnormal eye direction happens.

Referred to as strabismus, it can happen to one or both eyes. If it is one eye toward the nose, it is call estropia.

Convergent strabismus occurs when both eyes point to the nose and the cat is cross-eyed. Certain breeds such as the Siamese, Persian, and Himalayan are genetically predisposed. Cats who are born with convergent strabismus usually adjust to the condition and enjoy a good life.

The majorities of cases involving convergent strabismus are due to genetics and quite harmless. However, crossed-eyes can develop later in life signaling serious internal problems. If balance is affected, your cat may have inner ear problems. Injury can also cause changes in eye positions.

When symptoms appear rapidly, it signals the seriousness of the underlying condition. Some of the known causes include tumors, hydrocephalus, feline leukemia, cancer, or nerve damage. If your cat’s eyes suddenly become uncoordinated, face abnormal directions, lack movement in one eye, or the pupil size is different it is time to seek veterinarian help.

When it comes to cross-eyed cats, it is a good idea not to pussyfoot around, but make sure you keep your eyes wide open for problems.

ATTENTION

We have extended Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two handsome one-year-old male puppies. BG and Diego are anxiously waiting to find their forever home. We also have seven five-months-old Border Collie mix puppies and five tabby kittens in rainbow colors. Come and check them out; they are cute!

IN NEED OF

• Funds to sustain the shelter. We have veterinary, food, and utility bills. Any contribution will be helpful.

• Would you like to foster animals? We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Dog walkers; we need consistent volunteers to walk and socialize our dogs. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

SHOUT OUT TO

• Janis, Rebecca, Mavis, Genevieve, and Jolene who are the members of our CAPS Board. You are the heart and soul of CAPS!

• David, Tim, Diane, Lori, and Faye our faithful shelter staff. A Four-Paw-Salute to you!

• Our fearless leader Julia Ameil. All tails are wagging for you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At Walmart on Saturday, July 22.

We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

• July Holiday: National Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15. Protect your pets!

• If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

• CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423-7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

Kathleen Williams-Miller is a CAPS volunteer. Email jkwmil@outlook.com.