How do I recognize an eye infection in cats?
Unlike dogs, cats are less prone to eye infections or other eye problems. However, this does not mean that our furry friends are immune to them. Unfortunately! They can also catch an eye infection or inflammation and must be treated accordingly.
To be able to help your cat early, you should watch for the following signs of an eye infection:
- frequently rubbing their eyes
- watery eye
- red eye
- starting to squint with the eye
- squinting of the eye
- swelling around the eye
- unusually frequent blinking
- milky, cloudy appearance of the eye
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, don't hope that it will get better on its own, but go directly to the veterinarian. An eye infection is very unpleasant for your cat and can also be painful. Additionally, there is a health risk if the infection is left untreated.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Kneift deine Katze immer ihr Auge zu, ist das ein Anzeichen, dass etwas nicht stimmt.
Common eye infections in cats
In addition to inflammation, your cat may have something else going on with its eye. That’s why it’s so important to have your beloved pet examined to find out if it is really an eye infection or something more serious. Common inflammatory diseases of the eyes in cats include:
Conjunctivitis or inflammation of the conjunctiva
If it is conjunctivitis (better known as inflammation of the conjunctiva), the mucous membranes of your cat's eye are inflamed. If you have other pets, you should be cautious, as conjunctivitis is contagious among four-legged friends. However, it cannot be transmitted to humans.
Causes and symptoms: The cause of conjunctivitis can be a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms include watery and red eyes with a clear to grayish, yellowish, greenish, or even dark to rusty red discharge. Sometimes the inside of the eye is swollen. Other accompanying symptoms can include →frequent sneezing and nasal discharge.
Treatment: Generally, conjunctivitis is treated with an antibiotic in the form of ointment or drops for the eye. If the examination reveals that the conjunctivitis was caused by the Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1), treatment against the virus will also be initiated.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Tränende Augen sind ein häufiges Symptom für Augenerkrankungen.
Uveitis (inflammation of the inner eye)
The uvea is the vascular layer of the eye and consists of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. All three components are responsible for the blood supply in the eye. Itis is the abbreviation for inflammation, which is why uveitis means "inflammation of the inner eye." Uveitis can be painful and should therefore be treated by a veterinarian immediately.
Causes and symptoms: The causes of uveitis can vary widely. Sometimes the trigger is a blow to the eye or an intrusive foreign body. If the disease occurs in both eyes, infectious diseases (in cats, e.g., FIP, FIV, FeLV, toxoplasmosis) or tumorous diseases are more likely. Typical symptoms include a red eye, a constricted pupil, and sometimes also a cloudiness of the eye. Depending on the location of the inflammation (front or back of the eye), squinting and impaired vision may also occur.
Treatment: Depending on the cause of the uveitis, the inflammation in the eye is often treated with corticosteroid eye drops, pupil-dilating medications, and anti-inflammatory tablets or drops**.
Eye irritations
There may also be an irritation of the eye. Some four-legged friends react sensitively to certain substances, which can lead to inflammation of the eye.
Causes and symptoms: Eye irritations are triggered by various factors such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Initial signs of irritation include squinting of the eyes and frequent rubbing. Other symptoms include redness, swelling, and eye discharge from the affected eye. Accompanying symptoms such as sneezing or nasal discharge may also occur.
Treatment: For a mild irritation of the eye, plenty of rest, a →healthy diet, and adequate hydration can help. Regularly cleaning the eye discharge with a warm cloth can also support the healing process. If there is a severe infection of the eye, ointments, eye drops, and/or antibiotics will be prescribed by the veterinarian.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Der Besuch von Tierärzt*innen sollte bei Problemen mit den Augen nicht aufgeschoben werden!
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Other eye diseases in cats
In addition to inflammation, there are other eye diseases that cats can develop. It is important that you do not wait long and hope that the problem resolves itself. If you notice that your cat shows any of the symptoms listed above, see a veterinarian. Some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, for example, need to be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent serious consequences or even loss of vision or the complete eye.
Other possible eye diseases in cats include:
- Corneal ulcers: Open wound on the surface of the eye
- Glaucoma: Too high intraocular pressure due to excess eye fluid
- Cataracts: Cloudy area on the lens of the eye
- Entropion: Hereditary condition causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea
- Exophthalmos: Eye bulging out of the head
- Corneal necrosis: Disease of the cornea
Eye drops for cats
If you notice that something is wrong with your cat's eye and she shows one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to go to a veterinarian. Eye drops for your cats can help, but they should never be given without veterinary advice. Your cat may have much more than "just" an irritation of the eye and may need special medications, specific eye drops, and/or further treatments.
