When Donut, a two-year-old cat, arrived for what was expected to be a routine spay surgery, no one anticipated it would drastically alter her future.
Originally from the Empire Animal Rescue Society, Donut had been transferred to Ten Lives Club near Buffalo, New York, on April 4th, 2025.
In her new environment, she received care and attention as she prepared for the spaying procedure—a critical step for her health and to prevent unwanted litters
However, during her sedation, the veterinary team made a startling discovery. The unusual aspect of this visit was not related to the surgery itself but to Donut’s eyes.
Upon a thorough examination, it was revealed that she was blind in her left eye and had only limited sight in her right. Both eyes were afflicted with excess fluid, creating high pressure and resulting in a cloudy, bulging appearance.
This condition was painful, threatening to further diminish her vision without intervention.
The veterinarians diagnosed Donut with a rare condition known as Aqueous Misdirection, or Closed Angle Glaucoma. This condition, unusual in cats and primarily affecting middle-aged females, leads to gradual and painful blindness.
Unfortunately, there is no cure or medication to reverse it, leaving only one option to relieve Donut’s pain: the removal of both eyes.
According to the Veterinary Information Network, Aqueous Misdirection tends to manifest in cats around the age of 11, and while its cause remains unclear, early detection is crucial, even if it doesn’t alter the prognosis.
For Donut, the decision was difficult but straightforward: keeping her eyes meant prolonged pain, while removing them offered a path to a pain-free life. The surgery proceeded, and Donut emerged as a true champion.
Although adapting to life without sight might seem challenging, blind cats often adjust more effortlessly than expected.
They rely on their other senses—smell, hearing, and memory—to navigate their surroundings once they’ve mapped their environment.
Remarkably, Donut’s recovery was swift. The absence of pain allowed her to explore her environment confidently, using her whiskers and sense of smell to guide her. Her personality blossomed, revealing a spirited and affectionate nature.
The staff at Ten Lives Club quickly became fond of her as she demonstrated her love for curling up on warm heating pads and engaging vocally with anyone willing to listen.
Currently, Donut is still in the healing phase. Her stitches will be removed after a final check-up, and once she is fully recovered, she will be available for adoption.
Her future owners will gain a charming, robust cat capable of experiencing joy despite her blindness. Donut’s journey highlights the importance of rescue and veterinary care.
Often, a supposedly routine procedure can uncover critical health issues, just as it did for Donut.
Though she lost her vision, Donut’s indomitable spirit remains unscathed. Her days of silent suffering are over, replaced by a future filled with comfort, friendly voices, and reassurances of her beauty.
The team at Ten Lives Club is optimistic that Donut will soon find her “purrfect” forever home.
Meanwhile, they continue to provide her with the love and affection all cats deserve, showcasing that sometimes what seems like a bleak situation can mark the beginning of an extraordinary life.
