Click on another answer to find the right one... You're not wrong, but there's a better answer! He may prescribe a different treatment. ", "My kitten has gunk in his eye and now I know where to go get info. I think sometimes nature has to run its course and heal naturally. If a secondary systemic problem is suspected, the veterinarian may recommend additional testing or bloodwork to make sure there is not a larger problem that needs to be addressed. There are many reasons why your cat may squint or hold one eye closed. These two pathogens are the most frequent causes of feline conjunctivitis. The examination will evaluate the eye for signs of trauma, look for systemic signs of an upper respiratory infection, and evaluate all the structures of the eye. Eye health is important to the overall health of cats and should be assessed by cat owners on a regular basis. In cats with conjunctivitis, the conjunctiva becomes swollen and red. Repeatedly wipe the damp cotton ball over the eye, wiping from the inside corner to the outside. Conjunctivitis is by far the most common type of eye infection. Kittens usually develop discharge when they get eye infections, but if you are gentle and observant, you can care for them at home. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If the infection is secondary to another problem, such as FIV, neoplasia or anatomic defect, the long term prognosis depends on the severity of the disease. BSAVA Manual of Small Animal Ophthalmology. An eye problem can be caused by infection, an outside irritant, or an injury, but if your cat is showing any of these symptoms it's better to get them to the vet! Conjunctivitis: If your cat has conjunctivitis (more commonly known as pink eye), the pink membrane or conjunctiva that covers the inside of her eyeball and the inside of the inner eyelids is inflamed; signs include swelling and redness, and discharge may be present. These disorders include cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-2.jpg\/aid6881075-v4-728px-Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. If the eyelids are gummed shut, soak a clean ball of cotton wool in some previously boiled (and cooled) water. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 212,090 times. Discharge from the eye: All cats develop gloop in the inner corner of the eye, especially when they wake and haven't yet washed themselves. Definitely not! Conjunctivitis, or Conjunctiva, is the inflammation of the thin mucous membrane on the outer surface of the eye. If your cat's eyes don't clear up, ooze yellow or green liquid, or develop enlarged blood vessels on the surface, seek medical attention. Approved. While cats don't generally suffer from the type of allergies that result in itchy, watery eyes, … After visiting 2 different vets and 2 lots of eye drops, improvement was really slow. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Discharge is usually a sign of infection-- pay attention to it, because if it is yellow or green, it could be more serious. In younger cats, both bacteria and viruses can cause eye infections. Eye infections are quite common in cats and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and even parasites. Chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats is an infection caused by a bacterial organism. Enlarged blood vessels on the surface of the eye. Almost! My cat's infection hasn't gotten better with antibiotics. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Eye infections are commonly caused either by bacteria or viruses. But, since many kitties can be very private—even more so when they’re not feeling well—having an idea of what could go wrong and how to fix it can be very helpful. After 6 weeks things are looking normal again. Close! These infections give your pet a lot of discomfort and most pets will show signs like watery eyes, thick eye discharge, redness and inflammation of the eyes, and itchiness of the eyes. Yep! In people, this condition is commonly known as pink eye and has a variety of causes. Black discharge around the eyelid is normal. It is the most common eye problem in cats. The symptoms may help isolate the root of the problem. In fact, most cats will experience conjunctivitis at some point in their lives. This article has been viewed 212,090 times. He could have lost his eyesight, "My cat has shown some irritation to the inner aspect of her eye. If its eyes are stuck shut, soak a clean cotton ball in boiled and cooled water and repeatedly wipe it over the eye from the inside corner to the outside. Try another answer... Support wikiHow by While some infections aren’t contagious, others can be easily transmitted from one pet to the other. However, this is usually a general sign that the eye is infected or highly irritated. Eye Infection / Damage. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the inner pink membrane of the eye. Known as the pink eye among humankind, the most common eye infection among pets is the pink eye, which medical term is named conjunctivitis. If they do, make sure you have your cat take the full round of medication (usually 5 days). What do I do? Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, usually in the form of a topical ointment or drops. The third eyelid may be protruding and covering part of the irritated eye. Bacterial infections usually respond well to appropriate treatment, and viral infections are often self-limiting. Common causes of eye infections in cats are upper respiratory infections (cat flu), chlamydia and trauma. Eye infections in cats can be uncomfortable and may be painful. Some veterinarians will supply topical antibiotics even if a viral infection is suspected, this is because these infections could be mixed with complicating bacteria that cause secondary infections. If your cat has any kind of eye problem, it's best to visit the veterinarian for a complete examination and to rule out anything more complicated. Severe cases may warrant the use of anti-viral medications. Runny, watery eyes are only one of the early signs of eye infection in felines. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. BSAVA publications. This could be the result of trauma (a scratch to the eye) infection, increased pressure within the eye, a foreign body trapped under the eyelids, or inflammation within the eye. The most common signs of chlamydia in cats involve the eyes or the upper respiratory tract (nose or throat), and only when infection is not treated does it spread to the lungs. A bacterial eye infection may be diagnosed through testing a sample of the ocular discharge. A cat eye infection can affect various parts of the eye area and may appear in one or both eyes. Eye infections in cats are viral or bacterial infections that cause cats to develop eye issues and discomfort. What type of medication will your vet probably give you to treat your cat's eye infection? Chlamydia and Mycoplasma are the two commonly diagnosed bacteria. Infections. Oral treatment is not usually indicated. What symptoms mean you should take your cat to the vet? The infection might be caused by viruses, respiratory diseases, and allergies. Choose another answer! It’s actually defined as the inflammation of the eye tissue named conjunctiva, and it can be caused by irritants, not just by actual pathogens. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you’re a cat owner, don’t ignore the signs! Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. Cat eye infection occurs due to the presence of bacteria, viruses and certain fungi in the pet’s body. We've been helping billions of people around the world continue to learn, adapt, grow, and thrive for over a decade. Cats are subject to a host of diseases that can cause permanent damage to any or all of the eye’s components. Clean their eyes consistently with damp, clean cotton balls, and keep your cat's eyes free of any other irritants (like long hair or air fresheners). Treatment is usually given for a minimum of 5 days, and should not be discontinued before this because of the risk of inducing antibiotic resistance. The bacteria that may colonize the eye and cause infection include Staphylococci, E.coli, Proteus, and Pseudomonas. "Thank you for your advice my cat is doing a lot better now after visiting the vet. By using our site, you agree to our. To alleviate discomfort for your cat, try following methods that can easily be done at home. Right! Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Use separate pieces for each eye. A cat with conjunctivitis will often keep its eyelid partially closed and frequently rub its eye against objects, if not with its paws. ", "Gave possible answers and helpful tips.". Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Applying Warm Compress for Cat Swollen Eye What should I do? Do not touch the cat's eye or the red spot as it may spread bacteria, to you from the cat or from the cat to you. Exactly! % of people told us that this article helped them. As with most feline ailments, recognizing when there is a problem is the first step in diagnosing and treating eye infections in cats. The prognosis for uncomplicated infections is excellent. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. While viral eye infections are usually self-limiting, many veterinarians still recommend topical antibiotics as it is common for these felines to have both viral and bacterial infections occurring concurrently. While many disease processes can affect the eyes of cats, infectious agents are one of the most common causes of eye disease in the feline. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. shelters are particularly vulnerable. What do I do if my cat's eye is swollen on the inside and leaking? Whereas serious matters should be handled by a veterinarian, minor irritation—like having something stuck in the eye—can be resolved with a general rinse. Read on for another quiz question. Eye problems due to an infectious agent such as a bacteria or virus are fairly common in cats, so be on the lookout for these clinical signs. There’s a better option out there! ", "Thank you very much. In fact, most cats are likely to experience this mild condition. If your cat has conjunctivitis, her eyes will probably look and feel very uncomfortable. Not quite! Certain breeds have a predisposition for developing conjunctivitis. Not necessarily! Your cat may have other clinical signs common with upper respiratory infections, such as sneezing or nasal discharge. Since bacterial and viral eye infections are quite common in felines, being able to identify the signs and symptoms of a cat eye infection is essential. Last Updated: March 29, 2019 The vet will most likely examine the eye for its general health, for signs of any trauma and possibly detect any other infection related to the eye. Make sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after applying antibiotic ointment to your cat as infections can spread! I will have her checked, thanks for the advice. A suppository wouldn't do much good for an eye infection. If the watering continues for a 1 week or more, consider taking your cat to a vet. Chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats is an infection caused by a bacterial organism. if it weren't for your insight on what to do. Chlamydia and Mycoplasma are the two commonly diagnosed bacteria. Any feline who is in close contact with other cats is at risk of exposure, since these infectious agents can be difficult to control in crowded environments. Both viral and bacterial infections can produce similar symptoms. I washed the area, but now notice some clear, "Gave more information than most about when to see a vet and when you can try things yourself. My cat's eye is swollen shut, and there is a red spot above the eye, but no discharge. The tips are great, on-point and relevant! It is very important to always wash your hands thoroughly after handling a cat with sticky eyes, as these infections can spread. You should take your cat to the local vet as soon as you can. Blocked tear ducts, an overproduction of tears, allergies, viral … Take your cat to the veterinarian so the infection can be assessed and treated. Here are some signs that could indicate that your cat is suffering from an eye infection: Redness and swelling around the outer lids, conjunctiva, and the third eyelid Excessive discharge from the eyeball Home Remedies for Cat Eye Infections. Petersen-Jones & Crispin. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) When you trace the vast majority of ailments back to their root, you'll find … Petersen-Jones & Crispin. If you are TOTALLY unable to get to the vet you could TRY to bathe the eye in a gentle saline solution, if your cat will let you. Definately not! If your cat is showing signs of discomfort or keeping their eye closed more than usual, it is likely that there is something wrong. Click on another answer to find the right one... {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-4.jpg\/aid6881075-v4-728px-Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. A cat infected with the Chlamydophila felis bacteria will usually show eye symptoms, such as the development of conjunctivitis. Not exactly! If you see any signs of an infection or other health concerns about your cat’s eyes, then you must get to … Cat flu and chlamydia are two common causes of eye infections that vaccination can prevent. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-1.jpg\/aid6881075-v4-728px-Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. For more tips from our Veterinary reviewer, including how to keep the cat’s eyes clear of irritants, keep reading! Eye discharge may even cause your kitten's eyelids to stick shut, but as long as you clean them consistently, they will be fine! Moreover, most of the time, this condition is not usually given immediate attention because it looks like nothing more than eye irritation. A good history helps direct the veterinarian to the diagnostic tests most appropriate for your cat. Viral infections are self-limiting and the cat's own immune system will fight the infection. This condition is usually the result of a virus or bacterial infection. A yellow or green discharge is a sign of infection. If your cat is showing any signs of discomfort, don’t treat him or her with leftover antibiotics from another feline before calling the vet: you may be wasting precious time missing the right diagnosis. If is is a rosy pink or there are angry blood vessels snaking across it, this is abnormal and can be a sign of allergy, infection, or glaucoma (increased pressure within the eye.). 1. In some but not all cases, the symptoms of an eye infection — redness, swelling, discharge, rubbing, and/or squinting — are also accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge. Irritation. Eye infections don’t go away on their own. Symptoms of eye infections in cats include squinting, redness, discharge and pain. Is that OK? Even in these cases, the eye infection can be managed separately and treated. Get your cat to the vet as soon as you can to get the proper treatment! Generally it isn't any cause for concern. unlocking this expert answer. This can be an indication of dry eye (not enough tear fluid is present) or an ulcer on the surface of the eye. Knowing what to look for and how to act if you suspect an infection is important to preventing long-term problems with your cat's eyes. If a cat develops it, she will have the pink membrane lining the eyelids red rather than pink, and visibly irritated and swollen. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. But with the arrival of COVID-19, the stakes are higher than ever. My cat had an eye infection and the 3rd eyelid was showing. Unless your cat doesn't respond to other treatments or won't be able to effectively use other treatment methods, your vet probably won't give you a pill. Watery, tearing eyes (epiphora) . Clean their eyes with a damp cotton ball as soon as you notice the discharge to keep them healthy. Chlamydial Conjunctivitis in Cats. You can just wipe it off with a warm, wet washcloth. Unusual blinking, rubbing of the eyes or discharge can be the signs of an eye infection. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Even if the infection is not serious, you should always monitor your cats for discharge and clean it with a damp cotton ball as sooon as you notice it. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Take the cat to the vet, it clearly needs attention - possibly antibiotics, possibly draining. All of the previous answers are good reasons to take your cat to the vet.