Conjunctivitis in Cats: Signs, Causes and Treatment
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If you have ever experienced
Symptoms
This condition comes in two varieties — infectious and non-infectious. For both kinds, the Cornell Feline Health Center advises to watch out for the same symptoms:
- Redness around the eye
- Fluid in the eye
- White or yellow discharge at the corners
-
Eye watering excessively - Constant squinting or blinking
Your cat does not need to have all these symptoms to cause concern. If your cat's eye seems irritated in any way, it's time to call to your veterinarian. Only your vet will be able to diagnosis if these symptoms are definitely conjunctivitis or possibly another problem, such as a blocked tear duct. Sometimes upper respiratory infections accompany conjunctivitis. If your cat is sneezing or wheezing and also has red and watery eyes, you should take her to the vet immediately.
Conjunctivitis Causes
The infectious form of conjunctivitis is most often caused by a virus or bacteria. Viruses like feline herpes virus, also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), can be the initial cause of inflammation, according to the journal Today's Veterinary Practice. The most common bacterial antagonist is feline
The non-infectious form of conjunctivitis in cats is often caused by allergens or dust particles irritating your pet's eyes, notes Pet Health Network. Environmental irritants like mold, smoke, or shampoos can also cause redness or discharge. This is why it is important to have your vet diagnose what type of pink eye your cat is experiencing or if the irritation is caused by a disease. Knowing the cause of your cat's pink eye will inform how you can treat and relieve your cat's discomfort.
Conjunctivitis Treatment
Treating your cat's conjunctivitis will take prescription medication, time, patience and probably a little help. Whether your vet prescribes an antiviral or antibiotic will depend on the cause of your kitty's problem, says the ASPCA. Your vet may prescribe eye drops or eye ointment that will need to be applied several times a day for the first few days. It may take two people to help calm your cat and get her into a position to effectively administer drops. Some antibiotics may also come in liquid or pill form.
Though you may be tempted to try a home remedy or just "wait and see," only medication will help keep the condition from getting worse and help your cat start feeling better. As your cat starts to adjust to the treatment and show signs of improving, it is important to keep following the treatment plan as prescribed and have your cat finish the full course of medication.
Can Humans Catch Cat Pink Eye?
The feline viruses and bacteria that cause pink eye in cats cannot be transmitted to humans. If you have multiple cats, however, you can accidentally transmit
You can also prevent pink eye from spreading by using gloves when administering topical medications. Dispose of the gloves and wash your hands immediately after treating your cat's eye, and before touching your body or even surfaces in your home. Your cat may rub bacteria from her eye onto other surfaces in the home without you realizing it, so an extra swipe around the house with a pet-safe disinfectant doesn't hurt.
Preventing Pink Eye
If your cat develops the non-infectious form of pink eye, think about what may have come into your house recently that she could be allergic to. Pollen from open windows? Harsh cleaners? A new cologne or air freshener? Try eliminating new products one by one while you're waiting for your vet appointment, and wipe your cat's eye area with a warm cloth once a day to remove dust from her eyelashes.
The hardest time to keep
Conjunctivitis in cats can come and go. However, if your cat has pink eye frequently, it may be time for your vet to look into more aggressive treatment or see if there is a serious underlying problem. In most cases, the infection will be gone in a few weeks. Seeking treatment as soon as you notice symptoms and following all recommendations from your vet will help your cat overcome conjunctivitis and get back to doing the things she enjoys most.
Contributor
Bio
Chrissie Klinger is a pet parent that enjoys sharing her home with her furkids, two of her own children and her husband. Chrissie enjoys spending time with all her family members when she is not teaching, writing or blogging. She strives to write articles that help pet owners live a more active and meaningful life with their pets.