January 10, 2023
Let’s just face it. Eye infections aren’t fun. Swelling, a gritty feeling in the eye, light sensitivity, and a slew of other symptoms plague you. If you’ve ever experienced an eye infection you understand why it may be that much worse for your kitty. They are much smaller and affected by infection more than us. So, what are the symptoms of eye infections in cats? Before we jump into symptoms, let’s talk about what an eye infection is and what causes them.
In the most basic terms, an eye infection is, well, an infection of the eye. But it’s more than that, really. Conjunctivitis, colloquially known as pink eye, is an eye infection that cats often catch. These eye infections may be either bacterial or viral, so let’s see what causes them.
Conjunctivitis in cats is caused by a bacterial infection or viruses, like herpes. Just as some people develop cold sores every now and then, some cats come down with eye infections. Eye infections can be contagious and to find the cause, there are a few places to look.
First and foremost is cross-contamination from cat to cat. If an uninfected cat is in the proximity of an infected one, it is possible they may contract an eye infection. More often than not, an infection like this occurs between cats that are kept close together, similar to kennel cough.
Other common causes are environmental irritants, air pollutants, or allergens that your cat is allergic to. Oftentimes, cats with compromised immune systems due to conditions, like feline leukemia virus, experience frequent eye infections.
As you can see, the list is long, and it goes on and on. The best way to determine the exact cause is to visit your veterinarian.
Just like any other illness or infection, there are some signs and symptoms of eye infections in cats to look out for when trying to diagnose an eye infection.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
Depending on the cause, which only a veterinarian can determine, the treatment options will vary. It is important to make sure that there is not a scratch or ulcer affecting the eye, so specific testing may be done for this in order to determine the best and safest route of treatment. If the infection is the result of herpes, no treatment may be necessary. Now, if it is severe and viral, an antiviral medication may be prescribed. If the infection is bacterial, antibiotic eye drops may need to be administered. After beginning antibiotic treatment, you should see improvement within a few days.
At the end of the day, the best thing to do if you suspect your kitty has an eye infection is to take them to a veterinarian as soon as you can. They will be able to provide a proper diagnosis, identify the cause, and provide safe treatment options for you. At Care First Animal Hospital, we are proud to provide premier care for your pet. Give us a call today!
Back to Blog