Eye Infections in Cats

By Chandramita Bora |

October 11, 2010

Cats too can get eye infections, and feline eye infections can be considered as one of the common eye problems in cats. Feline eye infections can be caused by various infectious agents like, bacteria, viruses and fungi. Even trauma or injury to the eye tissues can result in infection. Cat eye infections can produce a number of uncomfortable symptoms like, redness and inflammation, eye discharge, itching and pain. Below here is a brief discussion about the causes of feline eye infection, as well as the symptoms and treatment of this cat health problem.

Causes of Eye Infections in Cats

As mentioned already, feline eye infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses and also by fungi. One of the common eye problems in cats and dogs are pink eye. Pink eye in cats and dogs is also known as conjunctivitis, which causes the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is the membrane that covers the eyeball and the under surface of the eyelid. Pink eye or conjunctivitis causes the conjunctiva to appear red or pink in color. This type of eye infection can be caused by allergens, bacteria and virus. The bacteria that is more commonly found to cause eye infection in cats is chlamydia.

The viruses that are usually found to be associated with feline eye infections are, calicivirus and herpesvirus. Herpes eye infections in cats are very common and are usually caused by the feline herpes virus 1. Eye infections in kittens are also commonly caused by this virus. Eye infections caused by fungi are rare in cats. Fungal eye infections usually affect cats with weakened immune system. Such eye infections are usually caused by the fungi, cryptococcosis. Apart from theses, allergies and injury to the cornea too can manifest in feline eye infections.

Symptoms of Eye Infections in Cats

The symptoms that are usually observed in feline eye infections are:

Inflammation of the conjunctiva and the cornea
Redness of the eye or conjunctiva
Inability to blink the eye
Eye discharge, which can be watery or thick, yellow or greenish in color
Squinting
Excessive tearing
Eyelids sticking together
Development of sores or ulcers on the cornea
Sneezing and nasal congestion
Itching, which compels the cats to paw or rub their eyes frequently
Eyeballs stuck to the eyelid

The consistency of eye discharge can help to identify feline eye infection caused by allergens from the infections caused by bacteria and other infectious agents. Clear and watery eye discharge indicates eye infections caused by allergies, while thick and yellow or greenish yellow discharge is associated with bacterial or fungal eye infections. Fungal eye infections can produce symptoms that can be a bit different from the symptoms of other types of feline eye infections. These symptoms include:

Dilated eyes
Pupils not responding to light
Inflamed retina
Peripheral blindness
Changes in cat behavior
Treatment for Eye Infections in Cats

Treatment of feline eye infections depend on the causative agent, as well as the severity of the infection. If eye infection is caused by bacteria, then physicians can recommend antibiotic eye drop and ointments. Severe bacterial eye infections can however, require the use of oral antibiotics, along with topical antibiotic preparations. On the other hand, topical antiviral medications are employed for treating eye infections in cats, caused by viruses. These medications are usually used when the infection affects the cornea. For fungal eye infections, physicians may prescribe fungicidal ointments or solutions. Anti-inflammatory medications like, hydrocortisone are also used for treating pink eye or conjunctivitis caused by allergies. However, hydrocortisone should not be used, if corneal ulcer is present.

Along with the above treatment options, many pet owners opt for some home remedies for treating cat eye infection. Warm compress is one of the most frequently used home remedies for reducing eye irritation. To wipe away eye discharge and crusts, one can use a wet warm cloth or towel. However, be sure to discard the used cloth or towel or use only fresh cloth for every cleaning session. Some other natural or home remedies for eye infections in cats are, chamomile, calendula and eyebright. But, pet owners should better confirm with a veterinarian before using these herbs for treating feline eye infections. With proper treatment and cat care, feline eye infections resolve within a few weeks. Therefore, on observing any symptoms of eye infection, pet owners should get the condition evaluated with the help of a veterinarian and then treat the infection accordingly.

Category: Cat Health