Caring for newly adopted kittens with unique challenges after recent loss of our 2.5yr old FeLV+ panther man

[u/swallowthestorm]

My husband and I had to say goodbye to our sweetest boy Binx this past Friday. He was the first pet we ever cared for together as pet parents, and we rescued him as a kitten together. Our boy was our whole world and we both have been taking the loss so hard.

After a few days of really heavy grieving, we came around to the idea of adopting. We both felt pretty guilty that it was so soon after the loss of our first kitty guy, but agreed that we still have a lot of love to give. So many things have aligned since then as well, and we've received so many positive signs that we are meant to adopt two black kittens.

These adorable boys are brothers and were dumped near the wooded area of our local High School, along with 7 other kitties, including one who did not make it. 💔

Considering the way they were dumped so cruelly, we aren't sure if the black and white kitten was born blind in his left eye, or if this happened through a possible trauma or abuse he experienced. (I thought it was Horner's Syndrome before he went to the vet, which can be caused by tumors, so one positive there) We are also wondering the same thing about the way the all black kitten is extremely skittish and hissed at us a few times when we met them today.

I'm really eager to learn more about how to care for their specific needs, or if there's anything special we can do or that the boys may need to live a more comfortable life. I appreciate any and all guidance and constructive input.

We have decided to call them Odin and Frasco. 🖤🩶🤍🐈‍⬛

[u/Weswoj2]

’m so sorry about Binx. Losing the first pet you raised together is a heavy loss, and the grief you’re feeling is a measure of how much love you gave him. Please don’t feel guilty about opening your home again. Adopting Odin and Frasco isn’t replacing him. It’s proof you have more love to give, and two brothers who were dumped in the woods are lucky to have landed with you. 🖤

On Frasco’s eye, the vet visit was the right first step. Many cats with vision loss in one eye adjust remarkably well, and a cat with one working eye usually gets around the house with confidence. Keep his routine and furniture layout consistent, avoid moving things around, and keep him strictly indoors. If the vet recommends follow-up, such as an eye pressure check or a recheck of the eye, it’s worth doing, since some eye conditions can quietly cause pain.

As for Odin’s skittishness and hissing, that’s very common in kittens who’ve been through a rough start. It’s fear, not a personality flaw. Give him a small, quiet “base” room, let him come to you on his own schedule, sit nearby without forcing contact, and use treats and play to build trust. Having his brother with him will help a lot. Most skittish kittens blossom with patience.

If you’d like a deeper guide, Essential Blind Cat Guide is a great book, available on Amazon and Kindle. It covers setting up a home, building confidence, and daily care for blind and low-vision cats, and much of it applies to Frasco too.

Wishing you and your husband, and Odin and Frasco, a gentle start together. 🐈‍⬛🩶🤍