Cat Eye Infection: Its Signs and Treatment
If your cat’s eyes appear unnaturally red, puffy, gunky, or dry, they may have an eye infection.
Here we will discuss different kinds of cat infections as well as their signs and treatment. This will allow you to recognize them so you can get your cat treated in a veterinary clinic without delay.
1) Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a very common condition that affects a cat’s eye. It’s caused by the inflammation of the tissues around the eye.
As a result, it will appear that your cat has red eyes, which is painful. You may also notice that your cat is squinting a lot.
The causes of conjunctivitis can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. To be sure, you have to get your pet to a trusted vet.
Symptoms
- A red eye and eyelid
- Frequent rubbing or blinking of the eyes
- Coughing and sneezing
- White, yellow, or green eye discharge
- Third eyelid covers a part of the eye
Treatment
- Eye drops or topical ointment
- Surgical removal of foreign particles
- Oral antibiotics or anti-viral medicines
2) Keratitis (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)
Keratitis is also known as dry eyes for cats. Though a seemingly minor issue, it can make their eyes itchy, which if scratched or rubbed, can lead to swelling, inflammation, or worst of all, blindness.
Aside from that, it can be caused by the Feline Herpesvirus or FHV-1 and appear alongside its symptoms like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and coughing.
Symptoms
- Frequent blinking
- Crusty, red, and swollen eyes
- Green discharge around the eyes
- Eyelid inflammation
- Your cat may be reluctant to open their eyes
- Light sensitivity
- A dry appearance to the cornea or area around the eyes
Treatment
- Eye drops
- Using a humidifier
3) Blepharitis
Blepharitis is the swelling and inflammation of a cat’s eyelid. A lot of things may cause this, such as flea allergies, diabetes, tumors, and trauma, among other conditions.
Depending on the case, it can affect the muscles, connective tissues, and glands of the cat’s eye.
Symptoms
- Red or swollen eyelids
- Eye itchiness
- Dry and crusty areas around the eye
- Discharge from the eye
Treatment
- Clean around the eyes with wet and warm cotton balls
- Warm compress on the affected eye area
- Use an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching their eyes
- Eye drops or topical ointment
- Oral antibiotics
4) Feline Herpesvirus
It’s an infectious disease that affects a certain cat species, whether wild or tamed. It’s caused by the feline herpesvirus type-1 (FHV-1).
The disease has several signs, including the swelling or redness of the outer lining of the eye and cornea ulcerations as well as respiratory symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Sadly, there’s no known cure for this. However, its effects can be mitigated and controlled through medications, supplements, and reducing stress.
Symptoms
- Upper respiratory symptoms—coughing, sneezing, and the common cold
- Conjunctivitis or having red, swollen eyes
- Corneal ulcers
Treatment
- Eye drops or topical ointments
- Reducing stress level
- Oral antibiotics or anti-viral medicines
- Lysine vitamins
And those were the different types of cat eye infections. Be vigilant and take care of your feline friend, and if you notice these symptoms, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.
Also, it will help if your pet is covered by one of the top pet insurance companies in Malaysia. That ensures that their eye infection will be treated without you having to spend a lot.
Articles on Caring for the Human Eye
Aside from your pet’s eye problem, you may want to have your eye checked as well. If so, you can try these links below: