Treating Eye Conditions In Cats And Kittens
The eyes are the windows of the soul. This is clearly true for our furry companions as well, so if you have a sixth sense that there is a feline eye problem, it is best to see the doctor.
While it often does not appear to be a big medical issue if your cat’s eyes are watering, or infected, or perhaps dry, the issue may result in problems such as cornea scarring, which causes sight issues. If you see anything that is irritating your cat’s eyes, don’t wait to determine on your own what is happening; take a trip to see the vet as soon as time allows as some eye problems are related to other underlying conditions going on for your cat. For example, some cats with neoplasms or malignancies, will show eye diseases, because of cancer, since this influences their immune response and areas such as the eyes.
What other diseases present as cat eye problems? While the list is very long ones seen most often are:
- Conjunctivitis neonatorum (herpes virus)
- Entropion (eyelids roll inwards)
- Eyelash disease (lashes irritate the eyes)
- Genetics
- Buldging eyes
- Retinal degeneration
- Iris melanoma
- Cloudy eyes
- Glaucoma
- Hyperactive tear drainage system
- Watery eyes
- Third eye bump (nictitating surface)
- Crossed eyes (may be due to paralysis)
- Soft or hard eyes (thanks to changes in eye pressure)
- Lid irritation
- Abnormal eye movements (jerking up and down or sideways)
Be on the look-out for indicators of eye infection. It will save your cat’s eyesight if you diagnose any issues in time. You will notice squinting, a watery or mucous-like discharge, red and swollen eye membranes, a clouded cornea, a dull iris or one when comparing the two a different color than the other eye. Also bear in mind that eye infection may be present in either or two eyes at the same time. You will also hear frequent bouts of sneezing and notice dribbling. This likely signals a respiratory tract infection. The bottom line is, if you think something isn't normal with your cat’s eyes, get them looked at by a vet.
Treatment for cat eye issues varies, because it depends on what the issue actually is. As an example, illnesses caused by Feline Chlamydia or Feline Mycoplasma would require topical antibiotics, and probably topical antiviral medicine. If the infection is due to FHV-1, you will be having a long discussion with the vet, as this doesn’t respond to topical antibiotics. The vet will counsel you what other approaches are available. Talking generally, these sorts of contagions may be controlled, although not cured.
If you want to try the homeopathic, holistic approach, there are plenty of remedies to be found that could be successful as part of a treatment plan prescribed by your vet. The most notable eye remedies that are widely used are those with meadowsweet, rosemary, burdock and chelidonium majus.
You may notice these ingredients are also designed to boost the natural immunity mechanism of the cat’s body. This isn’t a coincidence. Illness is a consequence of a weakened immune system. In this case you might want to raise your cat’s natural immunity and in turn their health can be improved. If you select the homeopathic route, be sure the vet is aware, as natural options and conventional medicine do not work as a substitute for one another.
Cathy Doggins is the editor of the Cat Health Guide, a leading online reference for cat eye problems. When not paying attention to her 2 cats, Cathy is a frequent auithor, editor and researcher of a variety of pet health subjects and an advocate for many feline related causes.
