Help, I’m really worried about my cat, Mittens. I put a cone on him because he recently had a minor surgery and we’re trying to prevent him from bothering the stitches. But now, he’s somehow managed to scratch at his eye while the cone is still on. I’m completely stumped about how he’s able to do this. I could really use some advice on how to keep him from hurting himself like this. I’ve tried adjusting the cone to make sure it’s on securely, but he seems like a furry little Houdini. I’m not sure if this is normal, or if I should be rushing to the vet. He seems uncomfortable, and it’s breaking my heart to see him like this. Has anyone else ever dealt with this? What would you all suggest I do to help keep him safe and comfortable until he heals? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for reaching out about your cat's situation. It sounds like your kitty is feeling uncomfortable, and it's great that you're keeping an eye on it. When a cat scratches at its eye, even with a cone on, it can point to a few different issues. It could be due to an irritant like dust or an eyelash, or it might be a sign of an infection or injury. Allergies are another possibility that can cause itching.
At home, you can gently rinse your cat's eye with sterile saline solution to help remove any potential irritants. Just be sure to handle them carefully and keep the cone on to prevent further scratching.
Keep an eye on any signs that might indicate a more serious issue, such as redness, swelling, persistent tearing, or noticeable changes in your cat's eye appearance. If your cat is squinting or if there's a discharge, these could also be signs of infection or injury that require attention.
If your cat's eye scratching continues or worsens, it's important to consult a veterinarian for a thorough examination. I recommend scheduling a video consult with a vet on Dial A Vet so we can take a closer look and provide more personalized advice.
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