Introduction
Feline eye infections are common issues that affect many cats. While some eye infections may resolve on their own, most require veterinary treatment to prevent permanent eye damage or vision loss. Ignoring the signs of an eye infection and allowing it to go untreated can have severe consequences for a cat’s ocular health and quality of life.
Cats’ eyes are delicate organs that are prone to various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. These infections often result in inflammation, discharge, pain, and irritation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is key to managing eye infections before they can spread and cause lasting harm. Allowing an infection to worsen unattended increases the risks of ulceration, scarring, blindness, and loss of the eye itself.
This article will provide an overview of the most common causes of feline eye infections, their symptoms, diagnosis, and compelled reasons for pursuing treatment instead of hoping the infection resolves on its own. Understanding the importance of managing eye infections will help cat owners make informed decisions regarding their pet’s ocular health.
Types of Eye Infections
There are several types of infections that can affect a cat’s eyes, including:
Viral Infections
Viral infections are a common cause of eye issues in cats. The most prevalent viral infection is the feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), which causes conjunctivitis, ulceration of the cornea, and inflammation of the eyelids (source). This extremely contagious virus is spread through nasal and eye secretions. Most cats contract it as kittens and then carry the virus for life. Stress can trigger reactivation of the virus leading to infection.
Bacterial Infections
Bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pasteurella can infect the eyes. They may infect the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis), cornea (keratitis), eyelids (blepharitis), or tear ducts. Bacteria can enter the eye through contaminated fingers, clothing, or other materials that come into contact with the eyes. Bacterial eye infections often produce yellow or green discharge.
Fungal Infections
While less common than viral or bacterial infections, fungi can also infect cat eyes. Dry eye disease and eye trauma increase the risk of fungal infections. Signs include eye redness, discharge, swelling, and corneal ulcers.
Parasitic Infections
Parasites like ear mites can occasionally spread from the ears to the eyes. When they infect the eyes, they cause irritation, redness, and discharge. Other parasites like toxoplasma and roundworms may also, in rare cases, infect the eyes if the cat ingests the eggs.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a cat eye infection include:1
- Discharge from the eyes – This can range from clear and watery to thick and purulent.
- Redness in the whites of the eyes – The eyes may appear bloodshot.
- Swelling around the eyes – The eyelids and tissue surrounding the eyes may become puffy.
- Squinting or blinking – The cat may squint or blink frequently due to irritation.
- Pawing at the eyes – The cat may rub or scratch at the eyes due to discomfort.
Discharge, redness, and swelling can vary in severity depending on the type of infection. Mild infections may result in subtle symptoms while severe infections can lead to significant eye irritation and visual impairment if left untreated.
Causes
There are several potential causes of eye infections in cats, including:
Bacterial infections – Common bacteria that can cause eye infections in cats include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Pasteurella species. These bacteria may enter the eye through contaminated fingers, grooming tools, or other objects. Bacterial conjunctivitis often results in swelling, redness, and discharge from the eyes.[1]
Viral infections – Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is one of the most common viral causes of conjunctivitis in cats. It is highly contagious and causes inflammation and ulceration of the cornea. Other viruses like calicivirus can also result in eye infections.[2]
Fungal infections – Fungi such as Cryptococcus or Aspergillus can infect the eyes, especially in immunocompromised cats. Fungal eye infections often cause corneal ulcers and blindness if left untreated.[3]
Injury or trauma – Foreign objects like plant materials, dirt, or cat hair can get lodged in the eye and cause irritation, infection, or corneal scratches. Blunt trauma to the eye may also introduce infection.
Blocked tear ducts – Tear duct obstruction prevents normal flushing of irritants and bacteria from the eye, allowing infections to develop more readily.
Risk Factors
Certain cats may be more susceptible to developing eye infections than others. According to Drgoodvet.com young kittens, senior cats, and immunocompromised cats tend to be at a higher risk. Kittens have an underdeveloped immune system that makes it harder for them to fight off infections. Senior cats have a natural decline in their immune function due to aging. Cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), or other conditions that suppress the immune system are also at increased risk.
Cats that live in crowded, unsanitary conditions are also prone to eye infections since germs can spread more easily. Certain breeds with flat faces and protruding eyes like Persians and Exotics can have anatomy that makes the eyes more vulnerable to infection. Injury, trauma, or eye surgery can also make it easier for bacteria to enter the eye.
Keeping cats up to date on vaccines and providing proper nutrition supports immune health. Good hygiene and reducing exposure to contagious cats can lower risks. Promptly treating minor eye issues may prevent them from becoming more serious infections.
Diagnosis
To properly diagnose a cat eye infection, a veterinarian will need to perform a comprehensive eye examination. This involves looking at the eyes under magnification with an ophthalmoscope to check for signs of infection, injury or other abnormalities. The vet will look for redness, swelling, discharge, corneal ulcers, and foreign bodies. They may put dye in the eye (fluorescein stain) to check for ulcers or scratches.
The vet may also conduct diagnostic tests on a swab of eye discharge to identify the exact type of infection. Common tests include bacterial culture, fungal culture, PCR testing, ocular cytology, and parasite evaluation. These tests help determine whether the cause is viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic. Blood work may also be recommended to check for underlying illnesses contributing to eye infections.
According to https://www.greensboro.carolinavet.com/site/greensboro-specialty-veterinary-blog/2020/07/13/cat-eye-infection, a thorough eye exam and diagnostic testing are crucial for identifying the root cause and proper treatment of feline eye infections.
Treatment
Cats with eye infections require prompt veterinary treatment. The treatment prescribed will depend on the underlying cause and type of infection. Common treatments include:
Antibiotics: Eye infections caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment, such as neomycin, gentamicin, or oxytetracycline. The medication is applied directly to the cat’s eye. The antibiotic treats the bacterial infection and prevents further damage to the eye.
Antivirals: Feline herpesvirus is a common viral infection in cats. Antiviral medications like trifluridine and idoxuridine can be prescribed. These antiviral eye drops help control the virus and reduce symptoms.
Antifungals: Fungal eye infections are less common but may require prescription antifungal eye drops containing medications like miconazole or natamycin. This treats the fungal infection.
Surgery: If an eye infection has resulted in extensive damage to structures of the eye, surgery may be needed. This may involve procedures like eyewash, corneal debridement, or partial eye removal. Surgery aims to remove infected tissue and improve eye comfort.
In addition to medication, keep the eye clean by gently wiping away any discharge using warm water on a soft cloth. An Elizabethan collar may be needed to prevent pawing at the eyes. Follow up appointments are crucial to monitor healing.
Complications from Lack of Treatment
If a cat’s eye infection goes untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as permanent vision loss, eye removal, facial deformity, and spreading infection. Some of the key complications include:
Vision Loss – Many types of cat eye infections, especially conjunctivitis, can cause scarring of the cornea if left untreated. This scarring can lead to partial or complete vision loss in the affected eye. According to one source, “Cats with untreated conjunctivitis may develop corneal scarring, corneal ulcers or rupture of the eye” (source).
Eye Removal (Enucleation) – If an eye infection is very severe and threatens the cat’s overall health, the vet may recommend complete removal of the eye (enucleation). This is done to prevent the infection from spreading to the bone and tissues around the eye socket.
Facial Deformity – Untreated eye infections can cause the eye to bulge out or sink in, leading to an abnormal appearance of the face. The infection can also spread to the tissue around the eye socket, causing swelling, pain and asymmetry of the face.
Spreading Infection – Bacterial and viral eye infections can spread from the eye to the sinuses, mouth, and upper respiratory tract if not treated promptly. Upper respiratory infections secondary to eye infections can be serious and life-threatening for cats if not managed quickly.
In summary, lack of treatment poses a major risk to cats’ vision and overall health. Pet owners should closely monitor their cats’ eyes and see the vet promptly at the first signs of infection.
Prevention
There are several ways to help prevent eye infections in cats:
Cleaning
Gently wipe your cat’s eyes daily with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge or crust. This helps prevent bacteria from building up. Avoid using cotton balls, which can leave fibers behind (Source).
Medication
If your cat is prone to eye infections, your vet may prescribe an eye ointment containing antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication to use preventatively. This can help stop infections before they start (Source).
Nutrition
Feed your cat a high-quality diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E to support eye health. Taurine is an amino acid that helps prevent eye problems in cats (Source).
Veterinary Care
Take your cat to the vet regularly for wellness exams. This allows early detection and treatment of any eye issues before they become serious infections.
When to See a Vet
It is important to have your cat’s eyes examined right away if you notice any symptoms of a potential eye infection. According to BluePearl Pet Hospital, you should call your veterinarian immediately if your cat has red, watery, and itchy eyes.
Some signs that indicate a veterinary visit is needed include:
- Persistent symptoms that do not improve within a day or two
- Changes in your cat’s vision, such as squinting or inability to open their eyes
- Significant redness, swelling, or discharge coming from one or both eyes
- Cloudiness or other abnormalities of the cornea or lens
- Ulcers on the eye
VCA Animal Hospitals notes that conjunctivitis should be examined by a veterinarian right away. Left untreated, conjunctivitis and other eye infections can worsen or even cause permanent damage. It’s important not to delay seeking veterinary care if your cat is showing concerning eye symptoms.