My cat has hair stuck in its eye after grooming itself, and it seems irritated, what should I do?

Earlier today, I noticed my cat grooming itself, and now it seems to have some hair stuck in its eye. The eye looks a bit irritated, and my cat keeps pawing at it. I'm worried it might scratch its eye in the process. What should I do to help remove the hair and relieve the irritation?

Answer

Your cat might have some hair stuck in its eye, causing irritation and discomfort. It’s important to address the issue promptly to avoid further irritation or potential scratching of the eye.

  • Check your cat's eye gently for any visible hair.
  • Use a moistened, soft cloth to carefully try and remove the irritation if you can see it.
  • Monitor your cat's behavior and eye appearance for signs of improvement or worsening.

When a cat's eye seems irritated due to hair, it may try to paw at the area, which can lead to further irritation. Gently inspect its eye to see if you can safely remove the hair. If you’re unable to remove it or if the irritation persists, a visit to the vet is recommended to prevent any potential damage to the eye.

Book a consultation with a licensed vet at Dial A Vet for just $49 AUD if you're unsure or symptoms are getting worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if I can't see the hair or remove it myself?

    If you cannot see or safely remove the hair, or if your cat continues to show discomfort, it's best to consult a veterinarian to ensure there's no further damage to the eye.

  • Why does my cat have hair stuck in its eye?

    Cats often groom themselves extensively, and it's not uncommon for loose hair to get lodged in their eyes, leading to irritation.

  • How can I prevent this from happening again?

    Regular grooming, especially for long-haired cats, can help reduce the amount of loose hair they might accidentally get in their eyes during self-grooming sessions.

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