A study mentions that around 7% of domestic felines attending primary veterinary care in the UK are found to develop ocular diseases. Cat eye infection is one of the observed triggers of these health issues.
Understanding the signs and causes of eye infections in cats will help you recognise them before they get worse. Knowing is half the battle.
Symptoms of a Cat Eye Infection
Aside from unusual blinking, rubbing, and yellow or green eye discharge, other signs of eye infections in cats include:
- Swollen eyelids
- Inflammation of the eye’s mucous membrane
- Protrusion of the third eyelid
- Squinted, watery eyes
- Dull or cloudy eye surface
- Nasal discharge
- Visible scratches to the surface of the eyes
An important aspect of checking for eye problems in cats is knowing what their eyes normally look like. Look for changes in the appearance of their third eyelid. This allows for early detection of cat eye infections or irritations before they get worse.
If you suspect that an infection has set in, get a veterinarian’s confirmation. Feline eye issues have many causes and may even be symptoms of an underlying problem.
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Potential Causes of a Cat Eye Infection
aEye infections in cats are usually a symptom of an undiagnosed disease. In some cases, it is caused by an ocular problem such as pink eye, glaucoma, and dry eye.
However, non-vision-related health problems can induce cat eye infections too, including:
- Allergies
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Upper respiratory infections
- Cancer
Injuries or trauma to the eyes may also bring about eye infections in cats. Take note that more often than not, cat eye infections are contagious. Kittens and younger cats with weak immune systems are more likely to be infected.
For older cats, eye issues that appear suddenly may indicate a bigger problem, like cancer, feline leukaemia, and autoimmune disease.
Some cat eye infections can be recurring issues, particularly if caused by the feline herpes virus. It can reoccur over many months and even years.
Whilst eye infections are not fatal, if left untreated, they can impair other parts of the eye and potentially cause blindness.
Treatment for a Cat Eye Infection
If the eye problem is due to an allergy, anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed. Overall, it may take about two weeks for the affected pet to recover.
Aftercare for a Cat with an Eye Infection
In caring for a cat with an infected eye/s at home, the most important aspect is keeping your pet’s eyes clean. Here is how you can do this:
- If she has an eye discharge, wipe it off with damp cotton wool or soft cloth. Always use a fresh piece to wipe off the discharge. Never use the same one for both eyes to prevent contagion. Pat the area dry. For cats with considerable infection, cleaning may need to be done every hour.
- If your cat’s eyes are closed shut by the infection, wipe it with sterilised cool water. You can also trim the fur near the eye area to keep it clear and clean.
- To check your pet’s eyes, do so in a well-lighted place. Roll down her lids gently with your thumb to inspect the lining under the lid. This should be pinkish, not pale and white or red. Her eyes should be clear and her pupils equally sized.
Many home remedies for cat eye infections are available on the internet. Consult a veterinarian before using any of them to ensure that they are safe to use on your feline friend.
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FAQs About Cat Eye Infections
1. Should You Use Neosporin or a Similar Human Ointment on Your Cat’s Eye?
To be on the safe side, ask the vet first before using neosporin on your cat’s eye.
Also, avoid using over-the-counter eye drops or canine eye drops because the formulation is not suitable for cats. Veterinarians warn that dog eye medicines can be harmful to cats because they have steroids.
2. Can Humans Catch Cat Eye Infections?
Humans can catch eye infections, but it is quite rare. Amongst various eye issues, only two of them are risky for humans. One is toxoplasmosis, which is a parasitic infection. It can cause the eye infection uveitis and can be transferred to people.
The other is cat scratch fever, which is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted via cat saliva. It can trigger fever, body aches, conjunctivitis, and eye infections in humans.
The infection does not show as much in cats, except for watery eyes. Cats can even recover from the illness quickly.
3. Can a Cat Eye Infection Heal on Its Own?
Eye infections in cats can heal on their own depending on the underlying health issue. For instance, pink eye will resolve within a few days or weeks without treatments.
However, it is not recommended to ignore cat eye infections since in some cases, they can spread to other felines. Moreover, there is the risk of its recurrence as well.
4. What Happens If a Cat Eye Infection Goes Untreated?
If eye infections in cats go untreated, they can cause serious eye damage, which could later on lead to irreversible impaired vision or complete blindness.
Thus, when your feline friend shows signs of cat eye infection, get her diagnosed and treated by the vet immediately.
Conclusion
When eye infections in cats occur, they are warning signs of an undiagnosed disease. Felines afflicted with this ocular problem need prompt treatment for good chances of recovery.
Never wait for a cat eye infection to heal on its own since there is no guarantee that it will happen. Moreover, the longer it is left untreated, the higher the likelihood of the infection impairing your pet’s eyesight.
