Why is my cat squinting?

Disclaimer: This article, its content and related references, does not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care.

Temporarily squinting one or both eyes is normal for cats in some situations, but persistent squinting or remaining reluctant to open one or both eyes is a sign of eye irritation, injury, infection, or an underlying health condition affecting the eyes. It’s important for pet parents to be able to recognize normal and abnormal squinting and what to do if they notice their cat is squinting a lot. Read on to learn:

• What does abnormal squinting look like?
• Why is my cat squinting?
• How do vets diagnose and treat the cause of abnormal squinting in cats?

Eye injuries and upper respiratory infections are common causes of eye irritation that makes a cat squint and keep their eyes at least partially closed. Other eye conditions can also lead to excessive squinting. It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from a vet, as many eye conditions have similar symptoms and an accurate diagnosis is necessary to know what kind of treatment will work.

Abnormal squinting, or blepharospasm, describes repeated, spasmodic closing of the eyelids. Blepharospasm may affect one or both eyes, and it occurs when the eye is exposed to irritants, such as:

• Bright light
• A foreign object (something in the eye)
• Airborne particulates (e.g., smoke)
• Inflammation from eye diseases or injury

It’s important for cat owners to be able to distinguish between normal squinting, blinking, and blepharospasm.

Abnormal vs. normal squinting in cats

“Briefly squinting one or both eyes is normal when a cat is exposed to bright light or other potential threats to the eye such as a moving object,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on Vetster. “The main difference with blepharospasm is that the cat keeps doing it and seems unable to fully open the affected eye.” Blepharospasm is involuntary and lasts as long as the eye is irritated. Repeatedly blinking, squinting, or holding one or both eyes closed are signs that something is wrong with or irritating a cat’s eye. These actions may be accompanied by other symptoms.

Repeatedly squinting, blinking, or holding the eye closed can indicate something is irritating a cat’s eye. Blepharospasm in cats most commonly occurs due to an eye irritant, injury, infection, or other eye condition.

Eye infections

Pain and inflammation from an eye infection can cause a cat to abnormally blink, squint, or hold their eye closed. All parts of the eye can become infected, but the conjunctiva is most commonly affected in cats. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, or outer mucous membrane of the eye. While it’s true that a cat can get an eye infection from any disease-causing organism, including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, or fungi, most cases of feline conjunctivitis occur in association with feline upper respiratory tract infections, such as:

• Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1)
• Chlamydia infection
• Feline calicivirus

A fungus called cryptococcosis can also cause eye infections in cats, as can mycoplasma and roundworms.

Since eye infections occur so commonly as part of an upper respiratory tract infection, additional symptoms often include:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Eye or nasal discharge
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Vomiting or diarrhea

Eye injury or irritant

Injuries or irritants in the eye can cause pain and inflammation that make a cat squint or blink excessively. Common eye injuries in cats include:

• Scratches and bite wounds from fighting
• Corneal ulcers
• Foreign material in the eye

Airborne irritants can also lead to eye injuries, irritation, and discomfort. Examples include:

• Dust
• Smoke
• Grass seeds
• Airborne chemicals
• Air pollution

Very bright UV rays, including reflection off snow and light-colored pavement, can also cause eye irritation in cats. In addition to blepharospasm, eye injuries and irritants may lead to other clinical signs, such as:

• Eye discharge
• Red eyes
• Rubbing or pawing at the eyes

Other eye conditions

Cats can have other conditions that cause eye irritation and lead to abnormal squinting in one or both eyes, such as:

• Dry eye
• Eyelid or eyelash disorders
• Eye cancer or tumors
• Allergic conjunctivitis

Blepharospasm is a common symptom in cats with many potential causes. To determine the cause of a cat’s abnormal squinting, a vet will likely perform a full physical examination, including an eye exam. Some common eye issues in cats can be identified simply by looking at the eye with a light and magnifying lens in a darkened room. Others may require additional diagnostic tests, such as:

• Fluorescein eye stain to look for scratches and ulcers
• Schirmer tear test
• Intraocular pressure test (tonometry)
• Bloodwork and testing for infectious diseases
• Bacterial or fungal culture
• Cytology
• Biopsy
• Diagnostic imaging

Diagnostic testing is used to look for or eliminate common eye conditions as well as to pinpoint the cause of any symptoms. A definitive diagnosis is needed to determine an effective treatment plan.

Not all eye issues require treatment, and some may heal on their own or with supportive care. Other problems may require veterinary care, which can include:

• Eye drops or ointment with antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories
• Oral medications, such as antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatories, or pain medication
• Allergy treatment
• Removing foreign bodies from the eye
• Wound repair
• Surgery

If your cat has an upper respiratory tract infection, additional supportive care may also be recommended to alleviate symptoms and encourage healing at home, such as:

• Applying a warm compress to the eye
• Cleaning eye discharge from the face
• Increasing heat and humidity in your cat’s environment
• Feeding warm, moist food and encouraging your cat to eat

Talk to a veterinarian any time you notice changes in your cat’s eyes, including excessive squinting of one or both eyes. Don’t ignore eye symptoms, even if the cat seems otherwise fine with no other obvious symptoms. Most eye conditions are not life-threatening but should be treated promptly to:

• Prevent symptoms or infections from getting worse
• Relieve discomfort
• Check for underlying conditions and infectious disease
• Avoid risking eye damage or vision loss

If your cat has obvious eye trauma, a foreign object stuck in the eye, or if an eye has dislodged from the socket, it’s an emergency, and immediate veterinary intervention is needed.

If you’re unsure if your cat’s squinting is abnormal, you can talk to a veterinary professional in a virtual vet appointment on the Vetster platform to have your cat seen and to learn what your best next steps are.

Why does my cat keep squinting at me?

It’s normal for cats to briefly squint one or both eyes when they’re exposed to bright light or are trying to protect their eyes from a nearby moving object. Excessive squinting such that your cat appears unable to hold the affected eye or eyes open is a sign of an underlying problem affecting the eye, such as an irritant, injury, infection, or other disease.

Does squinting mean a cat is in pain?

Abnormally squinting one or both eyes can be a sign of discomfort due to an eye irritant, injury, or other health condition that’s affecting the eyes. Other signs of pain include pawing at the eyes, increased vocalization, loss of appetite, hiding more than usual, and abnormal irritability or aggressiveness.

What should I do if my cat keeps closing one eye?

It’s best to talk to a vet if a cat keeps squinting, blinking, or holding an eye closed. When a cat is unable to hold their eyes open normally, this is a sign of eye irritation, pain, or other health issues. Prompt treatment relieves eye discomfort, allows for identification of any underlying conditions, and minimizes the risk of eye damage or vision loss in the affected eye.