How to Treat Eye Infections in Cats

Eye health is a critical aspect of your cat’s overall well-being, and as a cat owner, it's important to stay vigilant. One of the key factors in preventing persistent eye problems in cats is knowing what to look for and what to do if you suspect your cat has an eye infection. Early detection allows you to decide whether to treat the condition at home or seek veterinary care. If in doubt, it’s best to consult a professional, as some serious conditions could lead to vision loss or permanent damage to the eye.

Look for signs of an eye infection. Pay attention to any symptoms indicating that your cat may have eye issues. The symptoms can include one or a combination of the following:

• Squinting or keeping the eye closed: This is abnormal and indicates your cat is in pain or discomfort. It may be a result of an infection due to injury (like a scratched eye), increased eye pressure, foreign objects under the eyelids, or conjunctivitis.
• Swollen eyelids: Puffy eyelids are a clear sign that something isn’t right – often due to an injury, infection, or allergy.
• Eye discharge: All cats produce eye crust, especially after waking up and not cleaning their faces. Normal discharge is clear or rusty in color. However, when the discharge turns yellow or green, it indicates an infection.
• Redness of the sclera (white part of the eye): The white part of the eye should remain white. Pink or bloodshot sclera may indicate allergies, infection, or glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
• Lack of eye shine: A healthy eye surface should reflect light brightly, and you should see smooth, unbroken reflections. If the eye appears dull, lacking reflections, or if the light reflections are jagged or irregular, it may indicate dry eyes (insufficient tear production) or corneal ulcers.

Examine your cat’s eyes under bright light. When you notice an issue, carefully inspect your cat’s eyes under strong light. Compare both eyes to identify which one seems abnormal. Focus on the affected eye and take note of details such as the color of any discharge, inflammation of the sclera, or any ulcers.

Decide if you need to take your cat to the vet. Some eye infections should be treated by a vet rather than at home. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to have your cat checked by a vet:

• Clear signs of discomfort (squinting)
• Yellow or green eye discharge
• Cloudy eye surface
• Enlarged blood vessels on the surface of the eye

Clean the eye discharge. If your cat’s eyes are watery or discharge is present, use a damp cotton ball to clean the eye crust. Do this as often as needed, some cases may require cleaning every hour.

• Dry the eye thoroughly after cleaning.
• Change the cotton ball when it gets dirty, and make sure to use a separate one for each eye.

Be extra careful when caring for a kitten’s eyes. It’s common for kittens with eye infections to have their eyelids stuck shut due to discharge. Cleaning the eyes is critical, as infection under the eyelids could lead to blindness.

• If your kitten’s eyelids are stuck together, dip a cotton ball in cooled, boiled water and gently wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye. At the same time, use your thumb and index finger to gently press the upper and lower eyelids to keep the eye open.

Avoid causing irritation to your cat’s eyes. Trim any long hairs around your cat’s eyes and keep their face clean. You should also avoid using spray products near your cat, as their eyes are highly sensitive and they may start tearing up.

Ensure your cat is vaccinated. You might be surprised to learn that vaccinations can help prevent eye infections. Feline flu and chlamydia are two common causes of eye infections in cats, and vaccination can protect against these diseases.

Take your cat to the vet for evaluation and treatment. Eye infections are typically caused by bacteria or viruses. Viral infections are self-limiting, and your cat's immune system will fight the infection. Bacterial infections are treated with topical or eye drop antibiotics.

• Viruses that cause eye problems include herpesvirus and calicivirus. Some vets may prescribe antibiotics even if a viral infection is suspected, as these infections can combine with bacteria, leading to secondary infections.
• Bacteria that may cause eye infections include Staphylococci, E.coli, Proteus, and Pseudomonas. It’s extremely important to wash your hands thoroughly after touching a cat with eye discharge, as these infections can spread.

Follow the medication instructions carefully. Depending on the formulation, antibiotic ointments may be applied twice a day or as frequently as every hour. Oral antibiotics are typically not used for eye infections unless ointments cannot be administered due to your cat’s temperament.

• Medications are usually prescribed for at least 5 days, and you should never stop the treatment early to avoid the risk of antibiotic resistance.