Cat’s eye is one of the most attractive characteristics. And these are the best-known indicators and can tell us if they are feeling fearful, curious, or blissfully relaxed. In the same way, a kitten’s eyes can warn us about the signs of cat eye infections. The kitten eye infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and even parasites. But the cure of eye infection is not the same for all. Some clear up quickly, and some take a lot of time. Understanding the symptoms and signs of cat-eye infections will help you prevent your cat in a better way. Let explore how can i treat my cats eye infection at home guide for some simple remedies.
Why do cats suffer from an eye infection?
Infections of the eye can have different causes. The cure of a cat’s eye infections is not the same for all. Understanding the symptoms and signs of cat-eye infections will help you better prevent them. Let’s know about the most common ones.
Feline Herpes Virus in Cats
If your cat squinting one eye or both eyes, it can indicate an infection. It is caused due to viruses and can spread easily from pets to pets. This is one of the major causes of upper respiratory infections or cat flu in cats. Your cat can get this virus through different means:
- Direct touch with saliva or the nasal discharge of another infected cat.
- Sniffing the sneeze droplets.
- Sharing the food containers or kittens trays of infected cats
- From the environment, mainly by the bedding or grooming aids.
Once your cat is infected, your cat will have the virus forever and become a lifelong carrier. However, the good news is it can inactivate the virus and stop it from damaging the body. Once the body can do that, your cat will look healthy and happy again.
Feline Herpes Virus Symptoms
- Fever
- Upper respiratory problems- Sudden, repetitive sneezing, losing the sense of smell.
- Corneal ulceration- This is a very serious problem that requires immediate attention.
Keratitis Eye Infection in Cats
Keratitis is a bacterial infection, however, the most common cause of cat weeping eye is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the tear-producing gland in the eye. Tears are essential for maintaining a healthy eye as they provide lubrication, wetting, and nourishment to the cornea. They also have antibacterial properties.
Tears mostly consist of water and some amount of oil and mucus. But, when the tear production becomes less, the oil and mucus increase, the eye becomes irritated, and a thick yellow to greenish discharge will develop. Also, when the eyes become dry and the cats blink their eyes, they will have friction caused on the surface, resulting in more pain and inflammation. If this infection gets severe, there is a possibility of vision loss.
Keratitis Symptoms in Kittens
- Extreme blinking
- Reddish and enlarged eyes
- Yellow or greenish discharge from an eye
- Hyperpigmentation: A thick layer covers the eyes.
Conjunctivitis in Cats
Can cats get pink eye? The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane that covers the inside of the cat’s eyelids, both sides of the third eyelid, and even some parts of the eyeball. The most common cause of conjunctivitis includes physical irritation due to dust, inward growth of eyelashes, and allergic reactions.
Conjunctivitis Symptoms
- Eye discomfort or eye drainage.
- Reddish to the pinkish color of the eye
- Puffed conjunctiva
What are some common allergens of cats?
Cats often deal with allergies. But, the majority of allergic reactions can be easily defined, treated, and ultimately prevented. Some common allergens cat faces are:
- Flea hopper
- Dust mites, mold, and a variety of other triggers.
- Food
- Plastic serving bowls
- Perfumes
- Medications
- Pollen grains
- Cigarette smoke
Symptoms
- Increased wheezing
- Chronic scratching
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Chewing base of the tail
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Harsh vocal tones
- snoring
How Can I Treat My Cats Eye Infection at Home?
#1 Remove the puss
Use a clean damp cloth to wipe the kitten eye discharge and any hard crust. And also, use a separate cloth for each eye to don’t spread the infection. Continuing this process often is needed to heal your cats faster.
If the crust is hard, hold a warm wet compress over the eye until it softens, and you can wipe it away. If excess pus is stuck inside the eye that won’t wipe out, then hold your cat’s eye open with your fingers and flush room temperature distilled water over each eye. Repeat this until the puss has been discharged.
#2 Black Tea Bag
Don’t you know how to get rid of pink eye in cats with simple remedies. All you need is a black tea bag and half a cup of hot water. Let that tea steep for a full ten minutes, and then cool down as it’s comfortable to touch your skin. The cat eye infection treatment is; now three to four drops four times a day for five days. Make sure you make the tea fresh daily.
#3 Honey
It is one of the best cat conjunctivitis home remedy. To make the honey into eye drops, take one teaspoon of honey and add half a cup of warm water. Mix this mixture until the honey dissolves and let it cool. And, make sure the warmness of the honey water is comfortable to your skin before you use it for your cat’s eye. Ensure that you make the honey drops fresh daily.
#4 Antibiotic Eye Drops for Cats
Once your cat’s eye is free from puss, then you can apply ointment or antibiotic eye drops for kittens that are available prescription-free in the pharmacy. Make sure to use safe antibiotic drops for cats eyes, do not use Neosporin or hydrogen peroxide in a cat’s eye. Hold the eye gently and drip it into the eye to apply for the medicine. If you use the eye ointment for cats, then apply it with a clean fingertip. The medicine must go into the eye where the infection is, not over the eyelids. Now, remember that a visit to the vet and antibiotics are always the best solution for a cat with any infection. But, for those of you who cannot do that, these tips might help.
How to prevent cats from eye infections?
- Make sure your cat’s eyes are cleaned every day.
- Do not let your cats into fights as it may hurt their eyes.
- Keep your environment clean.
- A proper diet that has good nutrients for their eyes.
- Lastly, the caretaker of the cats must also be clean.
Conclusion
A cat suffering from an eye infection is a common issue. Their eyes are too sensitive to any change around. It causes irritation, fluid discharge, or a formation of a thick layer that later might lead to loss of vision. If you find any severe symptoms such as bleeding and hard puss, it is better to rush to your vet. Antibiotics help your cat cure better than natural methods.