Eye infections in cats are viral or bacterial infections that cause cats to develop eye issues and discomfort. They’re quite common in cats and often very contagious.
If you see any signs of an infection or other health concerns about your cat’s eyes, then you must get to a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for eye infections in cats.
Symptoms Of Eye Infections In Cats
Symptoms of eye infections in cats can usually be noticed by examining the eyes for any signs of irritation of discomfort.
Some of the common symptoms include:
- A reddening of the whites of the eyes
- Excess rubbing or winking of the eyes
- Eye discharge
- Noticeably inflamed third eyelid
Causes Of Eye Infections In Cats
The causes of eye infections in cats are usually bacterial or viral. Due to the contagious nature of these infections, cats can quickly spread them to each other, especially in living situations with multiple cats.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Feline herpesvirus (viral)
- Mycoplasma (bacterial)
- Chlamydia (bacterial)
Treatments For Eye Infections In Cats
If your vet suspects that your cat is suffering from an eye infection, they’ll carry out a thorough and detailed examination of your cat’s eyes. They’ll also ask about your cat’s medical history. They may carry out blood tests or swabs of cells from any infected areas for laboratory analysis.
Once the vet determines whether the cause of the eye infection is bacterial or viral, they prescribe appropriate medication. If the vet prescribes a course of antibiotics, make sure to follow the dosage instructions in a precise manner.
If your vet recommends medicated eye drops, they’ll show you how to administer the medicine to your cat at home. Always stick to your vet’s guidelines and continue to administer medication until they instruct you to stop.
Continue with any recommended follow up vet visits to make sure your cat is recovering and healthy.
Because eye infections can spread between cats easily, it’s best to keep any infected felines away from other cats in the household. Try to keep them isolated and as comfortable as possible until the infection clears up.
Has your cat ever had an eye infection? How did your vet treat it? Let us know in the comments section below!