Eye Infections

Eye infections are very common in cats, especially in in young kittens. The most commonly seen eye infections in cats are Conjunctivitis, Glaucoma, Cataracts, Keratitis and Third eyelid protrusion. Although all of these conditions are slightly different, the measures to prevent them from occurring are very similar. 

 

Causes:

• Exposure to infectious agents

• Viruses and bacterial infections 

• Weak immune system

• High stress environments

• Excessive hair in or around the eyes

• Debris caught in the eye

• Dust caught in the eye

 

Symptoms:

When a cat has an eye infection they usually present with the following behavioural and physical symptoms.

 

Behavioural:

• Squinting of the eye

• "Winking"

• Itching of the eye area

• Other signs of upper respiratory infections (Such as sneezing)

• General discomfort 

• Frequent closing of the eyes

 

Physical:

• Swelling around the eye(s)

• Red or white inner lining of the eye

• Clear, yellow or green ocular discharge

• Watering eyes

• Ocular cloudiness

• Change in eye colour

• Excessive debris in the corner of the eye

 

Prevention:

• Check your cat's eyes for any early physical symptoms of eye infection.

• Reduce stress in your cat's life to build up their immune system.

• Frequently visit the vets for check ups and virus shots.

• Keep your cat's environment clean and dust free.

• Wipe away crusts from the corner of your cat's eye with a clean damp cotton ball daily.

• Inspect your cat's eyes frequently and cut away any protruding long hair.