Cat Eye Infections - Symptoms & Treatments

Cat eye infections are a relatively common condition seen by our Long Island emergency vets. In today's post, we share some common causes of eye infections in cats and how they are treated.

Conditions That Can Affect Your Cat's Eyes

Like a person's eyes, your cat's eyes can be affected by a number of different infections and conditions that can be painful or even contagious. Below we list a few of the most common eye problems in cats and the symptoms associated with each.

Cat Eye Infections & Conjunctivitis

Because many feline eye infections are highly contagious, cats that live in close contact with other cats are at particularly high risk of contracting an eye infection. The contagious nature of these infections can also make it challenging to control the spread of eye infections between cats living in crowded environments such as rescue facilities.

Until you have had your feline friend's eye examined by a veterinarian it is essential to keep them at home, away from other cats in the neighbourhood.

Your cat's eye infection could have been caused by any of the following: 

Symptoms of Cat Eye Infections

While the causes of these eye infections vary, the symptoms tend to be very similar in nature. If your cat is suffering from an eye infection symptoms could include:

• Redness around the eye
• Watery eyes
• Discharge
• Swelling
• Pawing at the eye 

As well as those listed above, you may also notice that your cat is displaying cold-like symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing. 

Treatment for Cats Suffering from Eye Infections

Treatment of your cat's eye infection will largely depend on the cause. In many cases, veterinarians prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment to fight infection and ease symptoms. It is also commonly recommended that you clean your cat's eyes gently with a damp cloth to remove discharge and keep your cat safely indoors while they recover.

If your cat's eye infection is the result of an underlying health concern, treatment may focus primarily on treating the root cause.

Other Eye Conditions in Cats

While infections are common in cats, there are other conditions that can lead to symptoms similar to those of an eye infection. Two of the most common eye conditions we see in cats are glaucoma and cataracts.

Glaucoma

As with people, glaucoma in cats is caused by pressure on the eye due to a buildup of excess fluid. Causes of the fluid buildup can include:

If your cat is suffering from glaucoma they will typically show signs of eye pain such as squinting or rubbing at the eye as well as crying. Other signs can include swollen runny eyes or redness.

Glaucoma is very painful and requires immediate attention. Early detection and treatment is key when it comes to treating glaucoma. If your cat is showing symptoms call your vet straight away to make an appointment. 

Treatment for glaucoma typically involves surgery to drain the excess fluid from the eye to relieve pressure and pain. Mild cases of glaucoma may clear up relatively quickly following treatment however, more severe cases will require ongoing treatment, or the affected eye may even need to be removed.

Cataracts

While cataracts in cats can be the result of the aging process, most are the result of inflammation within the eye called uveitis. Other possible causes of cataracts in cats include:

The early signs of cataracts can be difficult to detect by owners but can be spotted by primary care veterinarians during your cat's routine checkups. If the condition is more advanced you will likely notice a cloudy or milky appearance to the eye,

Unfortunately by the time the condition reaches this stage, your cat has likely suffered significant vision loss. Signs of vision loss include a reluctance to jump up and climb stairs, or difficulties finding their water or food bowl. If your cat shows signs of vision loss, contact your vet as soon as possible to schedule an examination.

When detected early, cataracts can often be treated with ocular surgery and vision can often be restored. 

Specialist Care for Your Cat's Eyes

At Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, our ophthalmology department includes a state-of-the-art surgical suite with the finest ophthalmologic, surgical, and anesthesia monitoring equipment available. We are dedicated to providing the most advanced ophthalmology care and ophthalmic surgery for our patients. If your cat could benefit from specialist care from a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist, get in touch. Our team is here when your cat needs us most.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.