Symptoms Of Cat Eye Infection
Conjunctivitis is defined as inflammation of the conjunctiva. The universal signs of inflammation are redness, heat, loss of function, swelling, and pain/ discomfort.
So when the conjunctiva is inflamed, the symptoms reflect these changes:
- Red eyes or pinkness of the eye
- Heat around the eye
- Loss of function
- Swelling of the conjunctiva
- Pain/discomfort which may be seen as itchiness, with the cat rubbing at the eye with their paw, or rubbing their head along the ground
- Watery eyes, sometimes with yellow or green discharge, may be noticed
If the cause of the eye infection is a virus such as Calicivirus or Herpes virus, there may be other signs of an upper respiratory infection such as sneezing and/or nasal discharge. Sometimes the eyeball itself may appear abnormal, with cloudiness or increased pigment on the surface of the eye.
What Are The Clinical Signs Of Conjunctivitis
If you see excessive tearing or watering from one or both eyes, abnormal discharge , or reddened conjunctival membranes, your cat may have conjunctivitis. Your cat may also squint or keep her eyes closed because of either discomfort or photophobia . In severe cases, the conjunctival tissue or the third eyelid may be so swollen that it may partially or fully cover the eye. If your cat exhibits any of these signs, she should be examined by your veterinarian immediately.
What Causes Conjunctivitis In Cats
Conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. Sometimes there may have been some trauma to the eye such as a scratch from another cat that introduces the infection. There can be other causes too, such as allergies or irritation from environmental causes, however these are less common.
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Conjunctivitis In Cats Faqs
Will conjunctivitis in cats go away by itself?
No. True conjunctivitis has an underlying cause that must be treated.
Can conjunctivitis in cats cause blindness?
Yes. If left untreated, conjunctivitis in cats can progress and lead to necrosis of the cornea and blindness.
Is conjunctivitis painful for cats?
Absolutely! This condition is quite painful, which is why you may notice your cat squinting.
How can I treat my cats conjunctivitis at home?
You cannotand should notattempt to treat this condition with anything other than what your veterinarian has prescribed.
How long does it take for conjunctivitis to clear up in cats?
Many simple cases of conjunctivitis resolve in seven to 14 days with veterinary-prescribed treatment, but chronic cases require prolonged treatment . Cat pink eye will not clear up on its own.
Is conjunctivitis in cats contagious?
The most common causes of conjunctivitis in cats are highly contagious to other cats. However, viruses such as FHV-1 and calicivirus are not contagious to humans and other animals.
Eye Conditions In Cats
- Conjunctivitis – This inflammatory condition also called pink eye is the most common eye issue in cats. If only one eye is affected, it may be caused by an allergen or an environmental irritant, dry eye or inflammation of the tear sac. If both eyes are involved, it could be a bacterial or viral infection.
At NHV, our natural remedies for cats with eye infections can help restore the eye to a healthy state and soothe uncomfortable itching.
Causes of Conjunctivitis in Cats
- Feline Herpesvirus 1 is a prevalent ailment in cats.
- Environmental irritants such as airborne allergens
- Infection due to bacteria or virus
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Cats
- Pink or red eye
- Excessive blinking
- A mucous or clear and watery discharge
- Dry Eye – This condition occurs when there is an inadequate amount of natural tears to keep the eye moisturized and functioning correctly.
- Watery Eyes – This ailment will cause the fur around the eyes to become matted due to an overproduction of tears and could indicate feline allergies or an underlying medical condition.
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A Note About Homemade Eyewash
Although you may encounter recipes for DIY or homemade eyewash for your cat on the internet, it is best to skip these recipes and go with an eyewash that is specially formulated for cats and one that is veterinarian-approved such as those that are sold online or in stores.
Most sterile saline solutions will have proper instructions detailed. It is important to follow them carefully. Some may only require you to use the drops, while others may recommend rinsing them with a gentle ophthalmic wash after. Eyewashes should always be sterilehence, the term “sterile saline.”
Your vet may prescribe a medication you can use at home on your cat.
Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Certain types of respiratory infections can spread, causing eye infections. Usually, these additional eye infections secondary to upper respiratory infections are from viruses, bacteria, or parasites. The common signs and symptoms of these infections include squinting and rubbing. Other symptoms that might indicate that your cat has these infections include swelling, nasal discharge, redness, sneezing, and eye discharge.
And when you notice any of the above symptoms in your cat, seek veterinary care for treatment. The type of treatment given to your cat depends on the underlying cause of the infection. For instance, vets treat mild infections using some home remedies. This includes ensuring the eyes are clear from the discharge, providing rest, plenty of hydration, and a healthy diet. However, severe infections require treatment that includes eye drops, topical ointment, and systemic antibiotics.
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What Kind Of Eye Conditions Are There
Eye conditions are a result of bacteria, fungi, or viruses that penetrate the eyeball or eyelids. Eye issues are broken down into two categories issues in the clear front of the eye and issues in the thin layer lining the eye and eyelids . An eye condition in a cat can signify several different things.
Typically, eye conditions and eye discharge are caused by feline upper respiratory problems. Pink eye, is also a common culprit. Conditions can be caused by bacteria or viruses and may indicate a secondary ailment connected to something much larger.
How To Prevent Future Occurrences Of Eye Infections
Frequent visits to the vet can help diagnose signs of imminent or existing health conditions in your feline pet.
Cats with allergies or those that have a history of hayfever are more prone to an eye infection. Since eye infection is contagious, outdoor kitties are at higher risk of acquiring bacteria from other affected animals.
Early detection of the symptoms is crucial to stop the infection before it can spread further and get worse.
Keep in mind all the home remedies for eye infection in cats and use them immediately at the early signs of eye infection.
If you act quickly and successfully eliminate the bacteria right before they can reproduce, you may not need to go to the vet anymore.
Of course, nutritious diet that contains lots of vitamins A and C can maintain your pets optimal ocular health.
Our cat’s health and overall well-being is our responsibility to take good care of. Moreover, this also includes their ocular health.
One of the most notable features of felines is their pair of fierce-looking eyes that even glows in the dark.
Unfortunately, their stunning eyes are prone to infection caused by bacteria, virus, and fungi that can be acquired anywhere.
Proper diagnosis is the first step to make sure that we stop the infection before it can get worse. Home remedies for eye infection in cats can significantly alleviate the symptoms and eliminate the harmful microbes.
Plus, it can help you save much money on veterinary bills.
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Natural Home Remedies To Treat Conjunctivitis In Cats
Now, the question you were waiting for “How can I treat my cats eye infection at home?”. Here are some tips for things that you can do at home to care for your cats conjunctivitis. These are not magic recipes for treating acute conjunctivitis, however, they can be of great help at the first signs of an eye infection such as discharge, swollen or pink eye.
Should I Clean My Cat’s Eye Boogers
If your cat has discharge from one or both eyes, it can be carefully cleaned. It is best to simply use cooled boiled water and cotton wool. Wipe the eye gently in one direction to remove any debris. Throw the used cotton wool away and always use a new piece of cotton wool if you need to clean the other eye. If your cat has persistent discharge from one or both eyes, it is best to seek advice from a vet.
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How Will I Know If My Cat Is Having Eye Problems
A healthy cats eyes are clear, bright, the pupils are both the same size, and theres no excessive discharge, redness, or puffiness. When you look at your feline friends eyes, there should be no cloudiness and you should not see the third eyelid. If your kittys eyes dont look as healthy as they should, they could be suffering from an eye infection.
Lets look at some common types of eye infections in cats, and their causes.
How To Prevent Conjunctivitis In Cats Or Speed Up Its Treatment
If you know that your cat has feline herpes, it might be worthwhile adding a daily L-Lysine supplement to their food, available from your vet. Its an essential amino acid that slows the progression of infection by a virus, and may even prevent its recurrence.
As silly as it sounds, putting a cone on your cat’s head will also help speed up the effectiveness of this treatment. This will prevent the cat from rubbing its eyes with its paws, which puts new bacteria in its eyes.
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Why A Cat Eye Infection Occurs
One way your cat can get an eye infection is if he contracts feline herpesvirus , otherwise known in humans as pinkeye. You can prevent this disease by getting your cat vaccinated with the FVRCP vaccine, which protects against several viral diseases, including feline herpesvirus. Other possible causes for your cats eye discomfort include autoimmune disease, allergies, eye trauma and feline leukemia.
Monitor Your Cats Progress
While your cat is recovering from their ear infection, watch for these signs that your cats ears are responding to the treatment:
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Improved redness, odor and discharge while cleaning
If you are noticing any of the following warning signs, discontinue treatment and contact your vet:
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Your cat is fighting harder against the cleaning and application of medication
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Red discharge from the ear
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Red and white blisters in the ear or ear canals
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An increase in odor or debris in the ear
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Increased temperature or swelling of the ear
While its not common, some cats can develop sensitivities to the medication, and the above signs may be indicative that your cat has developed an allergic reaction.
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Can Cat Eye Infections Go Away On Their Own
Cat eye infections can come and go independently in some cases, but others, like those caused by viruses, occur repeatedly. They usually come and go with time, meaning they will occur, start improving, go away for some time, and later come back again. Even though these infections can go away independently, diagnosing and treating them is essential to ensure they do not return.
What Is The Treatment
If your cat has conjunctivitis but the specific cause is unknown, your veterinarian will prescribe a general treatment that contains antibiotics to control any secondary infection and/or anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling. These will come in either drops or ointment that needs to be applied to the eye. If you have not ever applied eye medication, please ask your veterinarian to demonstrate how to apply your cat’s eye medication.
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Can Upper Respiratory Infection In Cats Cause Eye Problems
When kittens or adult cats are exposed to URIs, they frequently develop an upper respiratory infection that affects their nose, eyes, mouth, and throat region. As a result, if left untreated, this can result in poorly positioned, matted, and/or blocked eyes, as well as, potentially, blindness in the clear surface of the eye .
Our Greensboro veterinarians treat cat eye infections at a high rate. It can be painful for cats to develop eye infections, and depending on the cause, it can be contagious. The causes of eye infections vary, but they usually come in the same family. A board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist from Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro specializes in the treatment of animals. Your cats primary care veterinarian and we collaborate to provide treatment for eye diseases that may be affecting your pet. If your cat requires emergency veterinary eye care, please contact us at 1-877-8-OPT-AID for immediate assistance.
When To Take Your Cat To The Vet
Here are some signs that you should take your cat to the vet:
If you have administered the extra strength treatment and the eye infection hasnt cleared, or you think its beginning to get worse, its time to call your veterinarian for professional assistance.
If your cat is experiencing a loss of appetite or is lacking energy and these symptoms last for more than a couple of days, its time to get fluffy checked out by a vet.
While the above home remedies will cure ALMOST 90% of eye infections, there are some cases in which something stronger is needed only your vet has access to these and will prescribe them for you. Also, if you started treatment in an advanced stage of the eye infection, something stronger may be needed to clear it up.
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Remember You Can Help Your Cats Eye Infection
Fortunately, most eye infections arent serious or life-threatening and go away quickly with the right treatment. We hope you found the information in this article helpful and are able to help your cat feel better. Remember, if your cat is showing any more serious symptoms, and youre not seeing any improvement, its time to talk to a veterinarian.
If you have any questions or comments, please let us know!
Blepharitis: Theres A Reason For Those Puffy Eyes
Blepharitis is an inflammation and infection of the eyelids. It can also involve the muscles, connective tissues, and glands of the eye. Its more common in flat-faced cats like Persians and Himalayans, but other breeds of cats can get it, too. It can be caused by allergic reactions tumors, trauma to the eyelid, and other conditions like diabetes. Your cats own hair can also cause Blepharitis if it irritates their eyes. In addition, if your cats eyelid rolls in or out, that can also cause inflammation.
Symptoms:
- Rubbing or scratching at the eyes
- Dry or crusty areas around the eyes and discharge
- Hair may come out leaving leathery or bare areas around the eyes
Diagnosis & Treatment:
- Examination of the eyelids and surrounding areas to determine the presence and extent of inflammation, plus the cause of the infection
- Blood or urine tests and possibly cultures or biopsies to detect if an infection is present
- Clean aroundtheeyes while theyre healing with cotton balls wet with warm water
- Apply warm compresses to the area to help soothe the eyes
- Get an Elizabethan collar to protect the eyes during the healing process
- Topical ointments and eye drops may be prescribed to treat inflammation or infection
- Oral antibiotics for bacterial infections, in these cases the underlying cause still needs be addressed for a longer-term solution
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Do Antibiotics Help With Upper Respiratory Infection In Cats
There is no definitive answer to this question as each case is different. Some antibiotics may help to clear up an upper respiratory infection in cats, while others may not be as effective. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment for your cat.
Most upper respiratory infections in cats can be treated with patience and care. Pets suffering from more severe infections may require hospitalization, medication, or even treatment. If your cat is still eating, active, and feeling well, you may want to keep an eye on him for a few days. If your cats mouth is not open, you should take him or her to the veterinarian. Antibiotics can be given to cats to treat primary bacterial infections or secondary bacterial infections. The canned cat food and warm water in a gravy can help entice your cat to consume the food. The majority of upper respiratory infections run their course in a few days to a week. Chronic infections can sometimes cause cats to experience flare-ups or ongoing congestion in their lungs. The vast majority of cats recover quickly if diagnosed and treated appropriately when they become ill.
Have You Noticed Your Cat Pawing At Their Eye Which All Of A Sudden Has Become Red And Swollen Your Feline Friend Might Suffer From Cat Conjunctivitis Find Out What It Means Whats Causing It And What You Can Do To Help This Uncomfortable Eye Condition Go Away
If youve just discovered your cat has a sore-looking eye or they are trying to rub their eye with their paw, on furniture or along the floor, chances are your pet is suffering from a case of cat conjunctivitis. While youre waiting for your vet appointment, find out more about this eye condition and what to expect when you visit the vets.
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Symptoms Of Eye Infections
Symptoms of eye infections include:
- Redness and inflammation around the eye
- Your cat may rub his eye frequently, either with his paw or against objects
- Thick mucus-like discharge from the corner of the eye the discharge could have a slight green tinge to it
- Inability to completely open his eye
- If your cat has pink eye, the symptoms may be more severe and include a pink coloration around the eye