HOW CAN I TREAT MY CAT'S EYE INFECTION?

Depending on the potential causes of cat’s watery eyes, there can be several viable treatments for cats and eye infections, and can be cured with over-the-counter ointments and eyedrops. However, any medication, such as antibiotics should only be administered once suggested by the veterinarian.

WILL A CAT EYE INFECTION HEAL ON ITS OWN?

Common cats and eye infections such as conjunctivitis are generally harmless and resolve on their own within days without any residual damage. However, serious cases of cat cats and eye infections must be treated adequately with eye ointments, antibiotics and drops suggested by a veterinarian.

WHEN SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT MY CAT'S EYE INFECTION?

Cats and eye infections are exceedingly common in our furry felines, and although not all cases of cat with an eye infection warrant immediate worry, cases when the cat’s eyes water, or there is prominent eye discharge, continuous blinking, squinting or sensitivity to light can call to worry.

WHY DO CATS GET EYE INFECTIONS?

Cats are adventurous by their nature, and can come in contact with hazardous agents and physical irritants that are potential causes of cat’s watery eyes. In addition, health issues such as upper respiratory infections and conjunctivitis can also cause cat with an eye infection.

HOW TO CLEAN CAT'S EYES?

Cat eyes can be cleaned at home using sterile water and cotton balls. However, if your feline furry is suffering from cat with an eye infection, their eyes must be regularly cleaned with special medicated wipes designed for feline use to avoid the risks of bacterial accumulation.

Fluffy British Shorthair cat rubbing its eye with its paw.

CAT EYE INFECTION: CAUSES & TREATMENT

Although feline fur kiddos generally enjoy a long, healthy lifespan, these adorable furballs are still susceptible to certain health concerns that can cause cat parents to worry. Of the health issues cats are vulnerable to, cat eye infections are one of the most common and must be immediately treated to avoid any lasting pain and discomfort for your feline munchkin.

Cat eye infections are usually characterised by discharge from the eye, unusual blinking, itchy eyes, and constant rubbing. Since eyesight is precious for every cat, it is crucial to notice if something is not right and get them started with appropriate treatments at once.

SIGNS OF CAT EYE INFECTIONS

British Shorthair cat with an eye problem wearing a protective cone.

Cat eye infections can be a result of several different causes of cat eye issues characterised by:

Swollen eyelids
Runny or weepy cat eyes
Squinting or a sensitivity to light
Rubbing and scratching their eyes
A lump near their eyes
Bumping into things or looking more clumsy
Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) more visible than usual
Change in eye colour

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF CAT EYE INFECTIONS?

There can be several causes of cat eye issues that often lead to cat eye problems. Some of the potential causes of cat eye issues are mentioned as follows:

Upper respiratory infections
Cat eye inflammations or when the cat’s eyes water is a tell-tale sign of upper respiratory infections caused by viruses like the feline calicivirus. And although the upper respiratory infection in cats is a comparatively rare occurrence, it can grow severe over time if left untreated, and is characterized by symptoms of cat eye issues like runny nose, sneezing, cat eye inflammation and even discharge from the eyes.
Often similar to respiratory infections that affect humans in terms of its symptoms, upper respiratory infection is more likely to affect younger cats and kittens with a weaker immune system, as well as those exposed to high-stress environments, and requires immediate treatment for cat eye issues.
Conjunctivitis
Cat eye inflammations that also cause the cat’s eyes water can be because of conjunctivitis, a common condition that causes the conjunctiva or the eyelid to become infected or inflamed. Conjunctivitis in cats causing the cat eye issues is a health issue that can occur several times across their lifespan.
While conjunctivitis in cats is mostly caused by dust, pollen, mites, and fleas, it can also be a result of physical irritants, smoke, chemicals, bacteria, and allergy from eye ointments. Cats suffering from conjunctivitis cat eye infections can have redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes, and be sensitive to light, resulting in blinking, squinting or keeping the eyes closed.
Allergies
In addition to upper respiratory infections and inflamed conjunctiva, cat eye infections that result in watery eyes, discharges from the eye, or frequent blinking and squinting can be commonly be a reaction to coming in contact with an allergic agent present in the cat’s environment. Cats are often vulnerable to allergen such as smoke, pollens and dust that can trigger an allergic reaction, often leading to itchy cat eye problems.
Although there is no failsafe measure to prevent cat skin allergies that causes cat eye problems, making adjustments to your feline munchkin’s lifestyle can reduce their exposure to the particular allergen.
Scratches
Cats are incredibly playful, and often get into rough playing with each other, which includes playful scratches and bites, and often results in accidental injuries. Getting scratched in their eye with a claw or a sharp object is one of the potential reasons behind cat eye injuries, which can also cause watery eye or discharges.
If your cat has been poked or scratched in the eye, it is vital to contact your veterinarian urgently, as any delay can increase the risks of the injury in the eye to get infected, and even lead to the loss of the eye in some rare and serious cases.

HOW ARE CAT EYE INFECTIONS TREATED?

Scottish Fold cat with eyes showing signs of eye discharge and irritation

Cat eye infections are annoying and painful. Since cats are reliant on their eyesight for their everyday activities, cat eye infections can severely impact their lifestyle. So, it is important to consider the following range of treatments if your feline is suffering from cat eye problems that makes the cat’s eyes water.

Cat eye infections can be adequately treated with over-the-counter medications available as eye drops and ointments that must be directly applied to the cat’s eye.
When it comes to how to treat watery cat eyes, it is important to visit a veterinarian to find out what is causing the cat’s eye discharge, irritation, and pain, to help them get the right treatment for cat eye problems.
While cat eye drops, antibiotics, and ointment are effective when it comes to how to treat watery cat eyes, they must only be administered when they have been exclusively suggested by a veterinarian.

CAN CAT EYE INFECTIONS BE PREVENTED?

As a responsible cat parent, knowing how to treat watery cat eyes is always appreciated, but cat parents often wonder if there are any failsafe ways to prevent cat eye infections that causes the cat’s eyes water. And although there can be several preventive ways to keep cat eye inflammations at bay and reduce the risks of your cat getting an eye infection, there is no guarantee to prevent cat eye infections completely.

Instead, mentioned below is the best course of action if you notice something unnatural about your cat’s eyes that might suggest the causes of cat eye problems:

Book regular checkups at the vet.
Keep annual vaccinations up to date.
Check your cat’s eyes at home for signs of cat with an eye infection, such as redness, swelling, watery eyes, eye discharge, sensitivity and squinting.
Avoid overcrowding, especially with young kittens.

FAQS

All Questions 48 Cat Eye Issues: Symptoms & Treatment

HOW CAN I TREAT MY CAT'S EYE INFECTION?

Depending on the potential causes of cat’s watery eyes, there can be several viable treatments for cats and eye infections, and can be cured with over-the-counter ointments and eyedrops. However, any medication, such as antibiotics should only be administered once suggested by the veterinarian.
WILL A CAT EYE INFECTION HEAL ON ITS OWN?

Common cats and eye infections such as conjunctivitis are generally harmless and resolve on their own within days without any residual damage. However, serious cases of cat cats and eye infections must be treated adequately with eye ointments, antibiotics and drops suggested by a veterinarian.
WHEN SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT MY CAT'S EYE INFECTION?

Cats and eye infections are exceedingly common in our furry felines, and although not all cases of cat with an eye infection warrant immediate worry, cases when the cat’s eyes water, or there is prominent eye discharge, continuous blinking, squinting or sensitivity to light can call to worry.
WHY DO CATS GET EYE INFECTIONS?

Cats are adventurous by their nature, and can come in contact with hazardous agents and physical irritants that are potential causes of cat’s watery eyes. In addition, health issues such as upper respiratory infections and conjunctivitis can also cause cat with an eye infection.
HOW TO CLEAN CAT'S EYES?

Cat eyes can be cleaned at home using sterile water and cotton balls. However, if your feline furry is suffering from cat with an eye infection, their eyes must be regularly cleaned with special medicated wipes designed for feline use to avoid the risks of bacterial accumulation.