How do I know if my cat has an eye infection?
Eye infections in cats are very common and may be bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral. Any part of the eye can be affected, but the lining of the lids and eyeball (conjunctiva) is commonly involved. Common symptoms of cat eye infections include red eyes, squinting or holding the affected eye closed, swollen eyelids, a raised third eyelid, watery eyes, thick or discolored eye discharge, and frequent blinking. If you believe your cat has an eye infection, read on to learn:
- How cats get eye infections
- Common signs of eye infections in cats
- How feline eye infections are diagnosed and treated
- What to do if you think your cat has an eye infection
Eye infections in cats are most commonly caused by viral upper respiratory infections, injuries to the eye such as foreign bodies, or bacterial infections directly in the eye. Most eye infections in cats are not emergencies, but prompt treatment is recommended. In a worst-case scenario, untreated eye infections can result in permanent eye damage, blindness, the loss of an eye, or even death. Since the eyes are often affected as part of an upper respiratory tract infection, symptoms of an eye infection are commonly accompanied by nasal discharge and sneezing. It’s important for pet owners to be able to recognize signs of infection in their cat’s eyes.
What is a feline eye infection?
An eye infection occurs when an infectious agent enters and becomes established in part of a cat’s eye and reproduces, causing inflammation and other potential complications. Eye infections can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. Viral and bacterial infections are the most common cause of eye infections in cats. Different parts of the eye can become infected:
- Conjunctiva (conjunctivitis)
- Cornea (keratitis)
- Eyelids (blepharitis)
- Interior structures (uveitis)
Conjunctivitis, which describes inflammation of the conjunctiva, is commonly associated with eye infections in cats. The conjunctiva is the thin membrane that lines the surface of the eyeball and the inside of a cat’s eyelids. Cat eye infections are very common and can range in severity.
How cats get eye infections
Eye infections in cats most commonly occur in association with upper respiratory tract infections, such as those caused by:
- Chlamydophila spp. and Mycoplasma spp. bacteria
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus
A significant number of cats with Feline infectious peritonitis also develop eye infections.
Diseases that suppress the immune system, such as feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), can put cats at increased risk for an eye infection.
A cat may also develop a secondary infection after ocular tissue is damaged due to injury or by exposure to environmental irritants, such as dust or smoke.
While uncommon, histoplasmosis is an example of a fungal infection that can affect a cat’s eyes.
Common signs of eye infections in cats
Symptoms of eye infections can vary depending on the type of infection and what part of the eye is infected. Not all cats will have every symptom, and the severity of each symptom can vary. Symptoms of eye infections in cats may include:
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Red or swollen eyelids
- Watery eyes
- Crusty, thick, or discolored eye discharge
- Excessively blinking or squinting
- Raised, red, or swollen third eyelid
- Holding the eye closed
- Cloudy eyes
- Rubbing or pawing at the eye
Cats have a third eyelid located beneath the other eyelids in the inner corner of the eye near the nose. The eyeball normally pushes the third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, down where it can’t be seen. Anything that causes the eyeball to shrink or be drawn deeper into the eye socket, such as infection, allows the third eyelid to rise up and become visible.
Depending on the underlying cause, a cat with an eye infection may have other symptoms, such as:
Eye infections are commonly caused by upper respiratory infections. A cat with an upper respiratory infection is unlikely to only have symptoms involving the eyes and may sneeze, cough, have nasal discharge, or have other signs of illness.
“Cats are unlikely to experience eye symptoms from allergies the way humans do,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “Eye symptoms combined with symptoms such as sneezing and nasal discharge are likely due to another health condition instead of allergies.”
How to examine your cat’s eyes and evaluate symptoms
Getting a closer look at your cat’s eyes can help identify ocular symptoms. Only attempt to examine your cat’s eyes if it’s safe to do so. Wrapping your cat in a blanket or towel and having someone hold them may help keep them still and allow you to look at their eyes.
To examine your cat’s eyes, use a good light and a magnifying lens to look closely at the eye. Look for scratches, inflammation, discoloration, and foreign bodies. Do not attempt to treat your cat’s eye symptoms without consulting a veterinarian, including removing foreign items or administering eye drops. Misdiagnosis and improper treatment are likely to occur without a trained and experienced professional. While waiting to see a vet, it may help your cat to gently apply a warm compress to the affected eye and clean the discharge from their face before it hardens. Contact a veterinarian promptly for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment so the condition doesn’t get worse. Untreated eye infections can potentially lead to permanent vision damage or loss of the eye.
Other health conditions with similar symptoms
There are various other eye conditions that have similar symptoms but are not infections, such as:
- Eye injuries, such as scratches and corneal ulceration
- Upper respiratory infections
- Dry eye
- Glaucoma
- Cherry eye
- Eyelash and eyelid disorders
- Disorders affecting the tear ducts
- Eye tumors or cancer
Since these conditions may diminish a cat’s ability to fight off an eye infection, infections may occur alongside them. A definitive diagnosis from a vet is necessary because effective treatment varies widely between different types of eye conditions in cats.
What vets do to diagnose eye issues in cats
When a cat presents with eye symptoms, a vet will likely do a physical exam and a thorough eye examination. A full ocular exam may include:
- Using light and magnification in a dark room to examine the entire eye, including the structures behind the iris
- Schirmer’s test to measure tear production
- Fluorescein eye stain to look for scratches and ulcers
- Measuring intraocular pressure with a tonometer
- Microscopic evaluation of a sample taken by swabbing the eye
Some infections can be diagnosed after an eye exam, while others may require additional diagnostic tests to help identify the underlying cause of the infection. Additional diagnostic tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Bacterial or fungal culture
- Cytology
- Biopsy
- Ultrasound
Is a cat eye infection an emergency?
Eye infections in cats are usually not emergencies, but prompt treatment is recommended. Seeking prompt medical care can help determine the diagnosis quickly and prevent infections from getting worse, potentially leading to permanent eye damage or blindness. If a cat has obvious foreign material in their eye or the eye is bulging from the socket, it is a medical emergency.
Cat eye infection treatment options
Treatment for eye infections in cats varies depending on the type of infection, what part of the eye is affected, and any other diseases that may also be present. A treatment plan may include:
- Eye medications with antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or anti-inflammatories
- Oral antibiotics, antivirals, antiparasitics, or anti-inflammatories
- Supportive nursing care
- Pain medication
- Surgery
The length of time it takes for a cat to recover from an eye infection varies greatly depending on the cause. It’s important to continue treatment as instructed, even if symptoms go away quickly. Minor upper respiratory tract infections causing conjunctivitis often do not require specific medical treatment but can benefit from supportive care while waiting for the virus to run its course. Supportive care can include:
- Cleaning eye discharge from the face before it hardens
- Feeding warm, moist food
- Fluid therapy
- Supplemental feeding
- Increased heat and humidity
Never treat your cat’s eyes with anything other than what has been prescribed by a veterinarian. Improper treatment can result in additional damage to the eye.
How to give a cat eye medication
To give your cat eye medication, gently grasp their head and tilt it up toward the ceiling so the eyes make a horizontal surface for the medication to fall on. Hold the medication in your other hand and position it over your cat’s face, bringing the dropper or ointment tube just above the eyes. Be careful not to touch the eye itself when administering the medication.
Administer eye drops in the inner corner of the eye while gently holding the lower eyelid down so the eye stays open. Continue to hold the head back for a few seconds to allow the medication to disperse over the entire eye.
If giving eye ointment, gently pull down the lower eyelid and squeeze a strip of the medication under the eyelid. Allow your cat to blink and gently hold their eye shut while massaging the closed eyelid to help disperse the ointment. A cat’s vision may be slightly impaired immediately after ointment is applied but should go back to normal once it’s been absorbed.
Be careful to close medication properly using the correct cap. Store all medications as directed on the package.
Wrapping your cat in a blanket or towel can help keep them still. Having someone else hold the wrapped cat while you apply medications can also be helpful. An online vet can also offer guidance through a virtual vet appointment.
What to do if your cat has signs of an eye infection
If your cat has signs of an eye infection, connect with a veterinarian promptly and attempt to safely examine your cat’s eyes so you can accurately describe any symptoms. Taking sharp and clear photos of your cat’s eyes to share with the vet can also be helpful. An online vet can help determine if a cat’s symptoms indicate emergency treatment. Clean any eye discharge from the face to help prevent skin irritation, and gently apply a warm compress to the affected eye if it’s safe to do so. Do not treat your cat with any human or animal medications without first consulting a veterinarian. If your cat has symptoms of an eye infection, you can connect with a veterinary professional on the Vetster platform in an online virtual care appointment for advice.
What happens if a cat’s eye infection is left untreated?
Eye infections range in severity. Some heal on their own with minimal help, while others require veterinary care. The best way to learn the cause of a cat’s eye infection and if it requires treatment is to have a vet examine your cat. In a worst-case scenario, an untreated eye infection can result in permanent eye damage, blindness, or an eye needing to be surgically removed. In addition, some eye infections are caused by infectious diseases that, when left untreated, can become dangerous or spread to other cats.
FAQ - How do I know if my cat has an eye infection?
How do you treat an eye infection in a cat?
Cat eye infections are treated in different ways depending on the underlying cause and type of infection. Treatment may involve eye medication, oral medication, and home nursing care. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan from a vet, as there are cat eye conditions that look like infections but are treated differently.
Will a cat eye infection heal on its own?
Some minor eye infections in cats will heal on their own. However, it’s important to get a diagnosis from a veterinarian and follow their advice. Some infections require treatment that targets the specific underlying cause, whether it’s viral or bacterial. In addition, other eye conditions can have symptoms similar to those of infections, so it’s important to know what’s going on with your cat’s eyes before deciding to wait and see if it will heal on its own. Untreated eye issues can potentially lead to permanent eye damage, blindness, or loss of an eye.
How do I know if my cat’s eye is infected?
Clinical signs of cat eye infections include reddened eyes, eye discharge or watery eyes, red or swollen eyelids, an inflamed or raised third eyelid, and squinting or holding the eye closed. Other eye conditions that are not infections have similar symptoms, so it’s best to talk to a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis if your cat experiences eye symptoms.
Should I take my cat to the vet for an eye infection?
It’s important to promptly seek veterinary care if you notice abnormalities in your cat’s eyes. Eye infections can potentially lead to permanent vision damage, blindness, or the loss of an eye. In addition, eye infections can be painful, and prompt treatment helps relieve symptoms. Never give your cat human or animal medication, including artificial tears, without first talking to a vet.
