How To Treat An Eye Infection In A Cat
Introduction
Cats are actually pretty good at keeping their eyes clean, but sometimes they need a little help. If you notice your cat pawing at his or her eyes or squinting, there may be an eye infection that needs to be treated. In this guide, we’ll walk through the different supplies and methods you can use to treat and clean your cat’s eyes.
Gather your supplies
- Eye wash solution. This can be purchased at a pet store or pharmacy and usually comes in a bottle labeled “eye wash” or “conjunctivitis.” You should have ointment to apply after the eye is cleaned, as well as clean towels and clean, damp washcloths you can use to wipe your cat’s face with.
- Tweezers for removing foreign bodies from the eye (such as grass seed), if necessary.
- Antibiotic ointment for treating infection.
Tell if your cat has an eye infection
It can be difficult to tell if your cat has an eye infection, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions such as conjunctivitis.
- Your cat’s eyes may appear red and irritated. The pink tissue that lines the inside of their eyelid (conjunctiva) will also be inflamed and swollen.
- Your cat may have a discharge from their eyes that is either clear or slightly yellowish in color. This will be more noticeable when blinking, but it can also occur at other times during the day too depending on how severe the condition is.
- If you notice any scratching of their face around their eyes or excessive rubbing against furniture, this could indicate discomfort with something irritating them around their eyes. It’s important not to use any kind of cleaning product in these cases as they could worsen any existing irritation by causing further irritation through chemical burns or direct contact with broken skin tissue on an already infected wound site—so always seek professional help instead!
Try Medical Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment
As the name suggests, an ophthalmic ointment is a cream that’s used to treat infections in the eyes. It usually works by killing bacteria, fungi and viruses that can cause an eye infection.
Ophthalmic ointments are also available over-the-counter and may be less expensive than prescription antibiotics. However, you should always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat any medication or supplement without first consulting with them.
Try Veterinary Pet Eye Wash
If your cat has an eye infection, you may be able to clear it up with a good disinfecting eye wash. A veterinarian will usually recommend this treatment for cats that have a history of chronic infections or who have had more than one episode of conjunctivitis (pink eye) in their lifetime.
Once you’ve purchased the product, follow these steps:
- Open the bottle and hold it at arm’s length while you pour some drops into each eye—one drop per eyelid is enough
- Close both eyes and massage them gently with your fingers for 30 seconds or so
- Allow any excess liquid to drip out naturally; don’t wipe it away
Take your cat to the veterinarian
- If you notice your cat has a red eye or discharge, take him or her to the veterinarian. The vet will know how to treat the infection and whether your cat needs hospitalization.
- If you are unsure of what to do, call the vet’s office. You can also call 24-hours if you are in an emergency situation with your cat and need assistance right away.
Eye infections can be painful for cats, so it’s important to treat them quickly.
If your cat has an eye infection, do not delay in seeing a veterinarian. Cats cannot talk and clearly tell you that they are in pain or discomfort. You need to be vigilant about checking for any changes in their eyes on a regular basis.
Eye infections can range from mild redness of the eyelids with no discharge, to full-blown conjunctivitis (inflammation of the white part of the eye). Eye infections can also be caused by bacteria, allergies or trauma.
Conclusion
With these steps and supplies in mind, you should be able to treat your cat’s eye infection without too much trouble. If you can’t seem to get their eyes clean and the redness doesn’t go away, however, it may be time to call your vet. This can help ensure that the infection doesn’t worsen or spread, while also getting your cat back on their feet and feeling better!