7 Tips for Treating Cat Eye Infections

The most important step in treating eye infections in cats is early detection of symptoms. Any redness, discharge, or change may signal the onset of infection. The biggest challenge is that most cats are adept at hiding discomfort, making it difficult for owners to notice the beginning of the disease. That is why it is necessary to know the main symptoms and signs of eye diseases and have a basic understanding of how to act if a problem is detected. Here are some tips on how to keep your cats’ eyes healthy.

Pay attention to the characteristics of your cat’s eyes

The first step in maintaining your cat’s eye health is to carefully examine them when they are healthy. Study all the details, from their color to the appearance of the third eyelid. It is important to know what your cat’s eyes look like when they are healthy so that you can spot the slightest signs of illness in a timely manner. “It could be anything from a small amount of discharge in the corner of the eye to a slight pink tinge to the third eyelid. Such subtle changes can signal the onset of a problem,” explains Dr. Andrea Jones, a veterinarian at Princeton Veterinary Hospital and Cat Clinic in Carnegie, New Jersey.

If you see a problem, make an appointment with your veterinarian

Once you know what is normal for your cat, you’ll be better able to recognize the first signs of infection yourself. However, it is crucial to see a veterinarian in a timely manner and avoid trying to treat your cat on your own. “It doesn’t have to be an emergency, but it’s still important to take your cat to the vet on the same day,” explains Dr. Jones.

The symptoms of eye problems in cats are very common and nonspecific. That is why only a qualified doctor can determine the exact cause of the problem and prescribe the correct treatment.

Do not make a diagnosis on your own

Red eyes in cats or other suspicious symptoms are not always a simple issue that can be managed at home. Very often, veterinarians diagnose conjunctivitis in such cases — inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the eye.

The causes of conjunctivitis vary, ranging from bacterial and viral infections to physical injuries. Some of them are chronic. For example, feline herpesvirus is one of the most common causes of this disease. It has a recurrent course, so owners have to return to treatment repeatedly over months or even years.

The herpes virus also often affects the surface of the eye, causing additional problems. Another common cause is trauma: if a cat scratches its eye on a branch or during a fight with another cat, the affected area can easily become infected. Such injuries, like some infections, can lead to ulcers and erosions on the cornea, requiring professional veterinary care.

Another reason why owners should not diagnose eye problems in cats themselves is that similar symptoms can have different causes. Discharge, redness, or squinting do not always indicate an infection.

“With age, some cats develop dry eye syndrome. In addition, more serious problems can arise in the eyes, such as various forms of cancer,” explains Jones.

That is why it is so important to closely monitor the condition of your pet’s eyes and notice even minor changes — they may be an early warning sign that a veterinarian’s evaluation is needed.

Cat Eye Infections, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prognosis and Treatment

Leave the diagnosis and treatment of the problem to the specialists

Since the symptoms of eye infections in cats are often quite general, veterinarians use a variety of diagnostic methods to determine the true cause of the issue.

“First, I pay attention to which part of the eye is red,” explains Jones. “Sometimes the problem is not in the eye itself, but may only be in the eyelid.”

If the eye is affected, the doctor may apply a special dye to help detect scratches or ulcers on the cornea. In more complex cases, an ophthalmoscope is used—a handheld device that allows for a detailed examination of the retina and the inner chambers of the eye to detect signs of inflammation.

Methods of treating eye infections

Eye infections may require different treatments depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Medications such as drops and ointments are commonly used, ranging from antibiotics to surgical interventions.

Often, veterinary assistance in treating a cat is sufficient in the initial stages. If the problem can be solved with drops or ointments, the doctor will provide instructions on how to continue treatment at home.

It is important to monitor the progress of the disease. If the condition of the eye does not improve, the veterinarian may need to stimulate healing.

The role of stress in the treatment of eye infections

There are situations when a cat does not respond to treatment. In such cases, continuing may not be beneficial. This is because stress during medication can prevent the cat’s eyes from healing despite taking medication.

In such a situation, it is important to first consult with a veterinarian and find out whether it is worth continuing treatment. Often, diseases can be chronic, and treatment can take years, so it may be necessary to simply monitor the cat without administering medication, especially if it is under constant stress.

Avoid these mistakes

It is important to understand that in any case, if you notice problems with your cat’s eyes, you should not treat them with medications intended for humans or over-the-counter medications. Artificial tears may be acceptable for moisturizing the eye surface. Treating cats with random medications can significantly worsen the course of the disease.

Another dangerous mistake cat owners make is treating eye infections with drops intended for dogs. At first glance, it may seem that cats’ and dogs’ eyes are similar, but drops for dogs usually contain steroids that are dangerous for cats and can only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian. In addition, these drops often contain antibiotics, which also cannot be used without constant supervision by a specialist.

If you have ever had experience treating eye infections in cats, please write about it in the comments.

Creative content creation services from: