The eyes of the cat
You've likely been startled by the reflective eyes of a cat in the dark before. This reflection adds a mysterious aura to cats. Having good vision is essential for them to catch prey and jump from great heights. Therefore, it is important to take good care of your cat's eyes. Pharmacy4pets offers a variety of care products that make your cat's eyes shine!
Eye Problems in Cats
Every cat wakes up with some 'gunk' in their eyes: a thicker, slimy discharge, at times. Fortunately, this is often harmless. An increase in tear fluid: watery eyes, is also commonly seen with eye infections. Besides inflamed eyes, there are many other eye conditions. Eye problems can also be a symptom of an underlying condition, such as high blood pressure. Important symptoms of eye problems include:
- Watery eyes.
- Squinting with one or both eyes.
- Redness of the eyelids.
- Clearly visible blood vessels in the white of the eye.
- Unequal pupils.
- Change in color of the iris.
- The third eyelid becoming visible.
- A protruding eye.
- Sudden blindness.
- A blue/gray/green/red/white haze over the eye.
- Brown spots in or on the eye.
- Dull spots on the eye.
If you notice changes in your cat's eye that go beyond clear discharge and mild redness, it's always recommended to show this to your veterinarian. It's important to intervene early in eye problems.
Eye Infection in Cats
Since there are many eye conditions in cats, it's difficult to discuss them all. One of the most common conditions is inflamed eyes in kittens. Fortunately, you can also do something to clean and care for your cat's eyes.
The Causes of Eye Infection in Cats
One of the most common causes of inflamed eyes is feline calicivirus, often referred to as a cold in cats. Watery eyes in kittens are almost always caused by this. There are also other viral conditions that can cause eye problems.
It could also be that something has been or is still in the eye, causing irritation. A speck of dust, plant particle, or a grain of sand, for example. Another possible cause for an eye infection is that the cornea has been damaged by, for example, a sharp branch or the nail of another cat. Watery eyes without clear inflammation can be caused by a blocked tear duct.
What You Can Do Yourself for Mild Eye Infection
If your cat wakes up every morning with 'gunk' in the corners of its eyes or suffers from watery eyes, you can clean the eyes with a special eye cleaner such as Bogacare Perfect Eye Cleaner or Clean Ocular. These eye cleaners are mild in use and effectively clean the so-called 'tear stains' (discolorations of the fur from the corner of the eye to the nose due to tear fluid).
If your cat suffers from dry eyes (a condition diagnosed by your veterinarian by measuring tear production), you can give your cat artificial tears such as Duodrops or Lacriforte several times a day. This keeps their eyes moist and comfortable.
If the inside of your cat's eyelids is redder than normal or if they have sensitive eyes quickly, a vitamin A eye ointment such as Ophtosan helps protect your cat's eyes.
When to See a Veterinarian for an Eye Infection?
If your cat or kitten's eyes are significantly inflamed, cleaning the eyes often isn't enough. When you see one or more of the following symptoms in your cat, it's very important to go to the veterinarian:
- Your cat is squinting with one or both eyes.
- The eye discharge is yellow-green.
- The pupils are uneven in size.
- The eye looks different than normal (for example, a different color, different reflection, haze, dull or brown spot).
- Your cat also feels unwell or is withdrawing.
The veterinarian will examine the eye with a special magnifying glass and by using a dye (fluorescein) to check for any damage to the cornea. Furthermore, tear production and eye pressure can be measured if necessary. In addition, the veterinarian can prescribe an antibiotic-containing ointment and possibly painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics.
Pharmacy4pets helps you take care of and keep your cat's eyes clean. After all, eyes are the mirror of the soul and deserve the best protection! If you have any questions about our products or about eye infection in cats, please contact us.
