People take it for granted how much their eyesight does for them or their pet cat, but the eyes are indeed one of the most important organs for everybody. So it’s not a surprise then that diseases of the eyes can be very serious! But, according to Vetster, “Cats can develop cataracts within their lens for many reasons, having a genetic predisposition is the most common.” While humans and dogs may suffer from eye problems more often than cats, the same basic issues can also affect your feline friend.
Excessive blinking or squinting
Excessive blinking or squinting is another sign of an eye infection, especially if it occurs after cataracts in cats have been removed. If you notice this behavior in your pet, it may be time to schedule a visit with the veterinarian. Additionally, any discharge from the eyes should also be checked out by a vet as soon as possible. This can also indicate an eye infection or other issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
Pawing at the eyes
If your cat is pawing at his eyes, it may indicate pain or irritation. It’s also possible that a foreign object is lodged in the eye. In some cases of an infection or inflammation, your cat will paw at his eyes because it’s painful to him. If there’s an issue with the eyelids (such as entropion or ectropion), this can cause similar symptoms and result in pawing at the affected area of your kitty’s face.
Rubbing of the face and eyes
If you notice that your cat is rubbing her face and eyes, this can be a sign of irritation, infection or parasites. Your vet will need to examine your cat’s eyes and determine the cause of the discomfort. If it is an allergy, many prescription medications are available for treatment. However, if you notice that your pet has a discharge from one or both eyes or has redness in them, take him to see his veterinarian immediately, as these are signs that he may have an internal infection requiring antibiotics.
Mucus discharge from the eyes
If your cat’s eyes are red and watery, it could be a sign of conjunctivitis or “pink eye.” Cats can get conjunctivitis from another animal or human who has the disease. If your cat sneezes and has red and watery eyes, it could also be a cold or an eye infection.
Other symptoms include excessive tearing, squinting and rubbing of the eyes. If you notice your cat having trouble with its vision because they keep bumping into things around them, then this may be a foreign body in its eye—such as a piece of grass seed or twig.
Swollen eyelids in your cat could be a symptom of one or more eye diseases. The lids are the thin skin covering the eye, which protects the eyeball and provides hydration to keep it moist. Allergies, trauma, or inflammation can cause swelling due to an underlying condition.
Other common symptoms of swollen eyelids include:
- Redness and discharge from one or both eyes.
- Pain when opening or closing them.
- Sensitivity to light.
If your pet shows any of these signs, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately. You may not be able to diagnose your cat’s eye disease, but a vet can do it quickly and accurately. The sooner you treat the symptoms, the better your chances of avoiding permanent damage.