Wheatie the Cat’s Unique Bond with Her Blind Sister

Wheatie, a black cat with striking yellow eyes, tends to be wary of strangers. She isn’t particularly fond of other animals either. Yet, there’s one creature she adores—her blind sister, Zelda.

As Zelda moves through the house, Wheatie stays by her side, affectionately rubbing against her legs. When they settle on the couch, Wheatie can often be found curled up to Zelda, seeking some loving. At night, the two share a pillow, sleeping peacefully together.

“When I was pregnant with Zelda, I was honestly really worried about how Wheatie would react,” Alexis Wiggins, their owner, shared. The family already had three cats and a dog at the time. Wheatie was only four years old and had spent two and a half years with them. Being the youngest pet, she was—well, let’s say, a bit unpredictable at times.

To everyone’s surprise, Wheatie took to baby Zelda right away.

“When we brought Zelda home, Wheatie was the only animal who would stay close by,” Wiggins explained. “As Zelda grew and began exploring, Wheatie wouldn’t run away. Instead, she just lay next to her while Zelda touched her head and tail. It was like she wasn’t scared at all.”

Wheatie displays remarkable patience with her now 19-month-old sister. She’s attentive, often guiding Zelda to different spots. Perhaps Wheatie senses that there’s something special about her toddler companion.

At just five weeks old, Zelda had noticeable issues with her eyes, which alarmed Wiggins. After an initial doctor dismissed her worries as allergies, Wiggins and her husband sought a second opinion.

Initially, they were told Zelda might have eye cancer, which was frightening. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with chronic bilateral detached retinas—she was blind. “It’s tough to face the reality that your child is blind, but it’s also a relief when you consider the alternative,” Wiggins noted.

It’s hard to say if Wheatie fully grasps that Zelda cannot see, but it doesn’t interfere with their bond. They truly are inseparable.

Wheatie often nudges Zelda, rubbing her cheeks against her and bumping into her. When she hears Wheatie nearby, Zelda lights up, reaching for her furry friend. Wheatie has also become quite protective of Zelda, swooping in when other pets get a little too close for comfort.

At times, if Wheatie isn’t in the room with her, Zelda can sense it. “She gets a bit restless, almost like she’s thinking, ‘Where’s my buddy? Where’s my sleeping pal?’” Wiggins described.

In the coming weeks, Zelda will be getting her first mobility cane. Wiggins chuckled at the thought of Wheatie possibly becoming her toddler’s seeing-eye cat. Regardless of what the future holds, both Wheatie and her toddler best friend seem happiest just being in each other’s company.

“Watching them interact when they think no one is around is my favorite,” Wiggins added. “It’s just pure bonding between two young and affectionate beings.”