cat hissing fits

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Dear Hilary,
My cat (female) is almost 12 years old and for the past two weeks has started to think her shadow is another cat. She hisses and throws herself at the sliding glass door (tinted) and the same thing with the fireplace that has a brass frame around it.
Any suggestions why all of a sudden she would do this? I'm afraid for her "ticker".
Thanks for your answer.
Answer -
Hi Susanna!  The only possible thing that comes to mind would be that your kittie's eye sight may be failing. Usually in the beginning stages of sight problems, an animal may mistake it's shadow or other items as another animal and behave in this way.  You may also, in the months to follow experience her bumping into things, ect.  The wonderful thing about animals is that, even when completely blind, they function so well that it is hard to see that they are blnd.  Cats especially do well when blind, since their other senses are so completely strong, and they also have whiskers to aid in finding their way.  A blind cat will have absolutely no problem finding its way to the litter box or food/water, ect.  They are truly amazing creatures.  Your best bet, as of now, would be to have your veterinarian check out her eyes.  This will decifer whether blindness is the problem or not.
I hope this helps and I wish I could help more.  If you have time, please keep me posted!
Sending tons of kisses to that pretty little kitty baby!
Hilary

Thanks for the prompt reply. I'll definitely keep a closer eye on her although I don't think it's her eye sight. We usually sit on the patio together (that's her only outside adventure) and she catches little baby lizzards without any problems.
Regards,
Susanna  

Answer
Hi Susanna!  Catching baby lizzards, huh?  Well, there goes the blind theory!  Now I'm stumped.  What I can do, however, is talk to the veterinarian that I work with for some suggestions as to what may be causing this.  I finally have the weekend off (yay!), but I do work again Monday night.  I will write you back (sometime after 11pm) and let you know what he says.  I wish I could be of more help, but I will try my hardest to find an answer for you!
Thanks for your patience!
Hilary