Common Feline Eye problems
While cats don’t have as lots of eye problems as dogs, feline eye issues tend to be chronic and frequently require a lifetime of care. Detecting problems early can make treatment a lot more effective.
Healthy cat eyes must be clear and bright. The pupils must be of equal size, and the area around the eyeball must be white. any changes in the eye’s appearance or the area around the eye can be an indicator of a health problem.
If you notice any of the following signs, take your cat to your veterinarian.
Blinking or squinting
Frequent blinking or squinting is always a sign of discomfort. causes may include an infection, a foreign body in the eye, or a scratch or break in the cornea. Corneal ulceration is one of the most common eye problems in cats.
Discharge, watering or crusty gunk in the corner of the eyes
Discharge from the eyes can range from clear and watery to thick and yellow or greenish. Some cats with chronic viral infections may have occasional or permanent discharge. Frequently, eye discharge will accumulate as a crusty substance in the corners of the eyes.
Visible third eyelid
Cats have an extra eyelid at the inner corner of their eyes. also known as the nictating membrane, it can protrude as a result of pain or infection. It looks like a whitish or translucent film that moves over the surface of the eyeball.
Red or swollen eyes
Redness and/or swelling in one or both eyes can be a sign of conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” a contagious inflammation or infection of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a virus, exposure to chemicals or allergens, or trauma. treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Cloudiness of change in eye color
If your cat’s eyes appear cloudy, it may be the result of an inner eye or corneal problem. Cloudiness can also be an indicator of cataracts, although they are rare in cats. A dramatic change in eye color in an adult cat can be a sign of a severe medical problem.
Caring for your cat’s eyes
Cats do a pretty good job of grooming themselves and keeping their eyes clean, but sometimes, they may require some assistance. If your cat has frequent eye discharge, use a soft tissue moistened with warm water to wipe the area clean.
Some cats have long hairs around their eyes that may bend toward the eye and scratch the cornea. even tiny scratches on the cornea can be painful, and cause severe problems if left untreated. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can trim these hairs back, but be very careful!
Never use eye products created for humans on your cats.
Ingrid King
Table of Contents
Blinking or squinting
Discharge, watering or crusty gunk in the corner of the eyes
Visible third eyelid
Red or swollen eyes
Cloudiness of change in eye color
Caring for your cat’s eyes
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9 comments on common Feline Eye Problems
Bonnie says:
March 4, 2020 at 9:54 am
My friend told me about chamomile tea. I use Krinos. You can look online and humans can use it.
Reply
Anne Springer says:
June 27, 2017 at 2:24 pm
I adopted a two year old cat last year with copper colored eyes. I didn’t know at the time that it can be a sign of severe health problem & neurological problems. He nearly died soon after from what we believe to be Hepatic Encephalopathy from a Liver Shunt. The copper in his eyes indicated an excess of ammonia in his system that his body was unable to break down. It led to severe neurological problems and his body was shutting down. Thankfully we found a treatment plan and he regained his health a couple of months later. He still has days where a little brown collects, but a lot of of the time now his eyes are green. I like to pass this tidbit along, because it is a rare but normally fatal condition in cats. I recommend if people see changes in their cats eyes, to take them to a vet immediately.
Reply
Ingrid says:
June 28, 2017 at 5:47 am
Thank you for sharing your experience, Anne, and I’m so thankful your kitty recovered.
Reply
JB says:
June 19, 2017 at 4:39 pm
Our cat has had eye infections considering that Day One as she has feline herpes. I kept having to take her to the vet just to get antibiotic eye drops, which gets expensive. Plus, the problem would return nearly immediately following a course of drops–every. dang. time. I’ve battled cold sores a lot of of my life so am well-acquainted with the benefits of Lysine supplements in stopping cold sore outbreaks. So, I made a decision to try mixing Lysine (500 mg) into the cat’s food. She gets half in the morning and half at night, so 250 mg twice a day. After several weeks with no a lot more eye infections, I thought maybe the Lysine was no longer needed and quit giving it to her for a fewnull