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Have you noticed your cat’s eyes looking red, swollen, or watery? Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” is a common eye condition in cats that can cause discomfort and worry for both you and your feline friend. The good news is that with the right care and attention, conjunctivitis is often treatable. Let’s explore what to watch for, possible causes, and how you can help your cat feel better.
⚠️ What to Watch For
Cats with conjunctivitis often show clear signs of discomfort. Recognizing these symptoms early can help you get ahead of the problem and seek appropriate care.
- Red or swollen eyes
- Excessive tearing or watery discharge
- Thick, green, or yellow eye discharge
- Frequent blinking or squinting
- Rubbing or pawing at their eyes
- Crusty build-up around the eyes
- In more severe cases, sensitivity to light
In many cases, the symptoms may start in one eye and spread to the other. While mild conjunctivitis can sometimes resolve on its own, untreated cases can lead to more serious complications.
🔍 Possible Causes
Conjunctivitis in cats can occur for several reasons, ranging from infections to environmental irritants. Understanding the underlying cause is key to effective treatment.
- Viral Infections: Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis in cats. It’s a lifelong condition that can flare up during times of stress.
- Bacterial Infections: Bacteria like Chlamydophila felis or Mycoplasma can also lead to conjunctivitis, often alongside other respiratory symptoms.
- Allergies: Environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, or smoke may irritate a cat’s eyes.
- Foreign Objects: Dirt, debris, or even small scratches on the eye’s surface can cause inflammation.
- Dry Eye: A condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) can lead to chronic irritation and conjunctivitis.
- Other Eye Conditions: Issues like glaucoma or corneal ulcers may also result in conjunctivitis as a secondary symptom.
Determining the cause often requires a veterinary exam, so it’s important to monitor your cat closely and seek help if the symptoms persist.
✅ What You Can Do at Home
For mild cases of conjunctivitis, there are steps you can take at home to help your cat feel more comfortable while monitoring their symptoms.
- Gently clean discharge: Use a clean, damp cotton ball or soft cloth to wipe away any crust or discharge around your cat’s eyes. Always use a new cotton ball for each eye to avoid spreading infection.
- Keep their environment clean: Dust-free, smoke-free, and allergen-free spaces can reduce irritation.
- Prevent scratching: If your cat is pawing at their eyes, consider using an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) to protect their eyes from further damage.
- Provide hydration and rest: Ensure your cat has access to fresh water and a quiet place to recover.
While these steps can help alleviate discomfort, they are not substitutes for professional veterinary care if the symptoms persist or worsen.
💡 When to Call a Vet
Some cases of conjunctivitis require immediate veterinary attention. Call your vet if:
- The symptoms last longer than a few days without improvement
- Your cat’s eyes are swollen shut
- The discharge is thick, yellow, or green
- Your cat is experiencing other symptoms like sneezing, nasal discharge, or lethargy
- You suspect a foreign object or injury to the eye
- Your cat is in visible pain or appears distressed
During a vet consultation, your veterinarian may perform an eye exam, take swabs to test for infections, and prescribe treatments like antibiotic or antiviral eye drops, anti-inflammatory medication, or lubricating ointments.
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to eye health, as untreated conditions can lead to vision loss or other complications.
FAQs
Q: Can I use human eye drops for my cat’s conjunctivitis?
A: No, human eye drops are not formulated for cats and may cause more harm than good. Always consult a veterinarian before using any medication on your pet.
Q: Is conjunctivitis contagious between cats?
A: Yes, conjunctivitis caused by viral or bacterial infections can spread to other cats, especially in multi-cat households. Isolate affected cats and wash your hands thoroughly after handling them.
Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.
