A big, Summer is here and hotter temperatures, along with corresponding drier periods, means an increase in wildfires. Squinting is also a symptom of eye disease. Generally, though, a cat with an eye infection may have any of the following: Redness in the white of the eye. Recovery time largely depends on the type of injury and its severity. Cat eye irritation and swelling can mean several thingsfrom the presence of a bacterial infection to simply a sign of aging. This can be due to irritation, and it might also cause your cat to blink a lot more than usual or try to rub their eye. My cat got into a fight, and another cat scratched her eye. Most importantly, it can prevent future bacterial infections by cleaning ocular discharge and preventing bacteria from re-entering your cats eyes. The cat will squint or close the affected eye shut. This could include fungal, bacterial, or viral infections. These, in turn, can result in swollen or irritated eyes. Is the discharge sticky or yellow? In some cases, the conjunctiva (the tissue surrounding the eye) can be so swollen that it is not even possible for you to see your cats eye itself! Cats that are allergic are highly prone to reactions and inflammation provided theres an irritant. My Cat's Eye is Swollen, What Does This Mean? | Vetericyn Causes of Eye Injuries in Cats Infections often wax and wane over time, appearing to improve or go away, only to come back again later. In many circumstances your cat may not allow you to investigate these points thoroughly if the eye is also painful, and your cat may shy away from letting you touch any sensitive areas. In most cases, these conditions may not produce a swollen head. Swollen eyes are usually painful and full of discomfort. It is very important to always wash your hands thoroughly after handling a cat with sticky eyes, as these infections can spread. A cat's eye may become swollen for a variety of reasons, including infection, injury, or an underlying health condition. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. High blood pressure can lead to ruptures of the small blood vessels in the retina, which then can cause the retina to detach and result in blindness. Is their breed prone to tearing? Additionally, some topical ointments can cause further discomfort to a cat. Cat Eye Discharge and Eye Problems - WebMD Pet Health Center How did your vet help you treat the eye issue? Glaucoma occurs when there is increased pressure within the eye due to the accumulation of fluid. When a cats cornea becomes too dry, it will sometimes go on to develop severe ulcerations. Ointments and eye drops: If the cause of the swollen eye is Conjunctivitis, you may be able to treat it with ointments or eye drops. Take your cat to your vet. Cataracts are not as common in cats as in dogs. There are various possibilities that can lead to swellings on the head and eye area the cat. Blepharitis is the veterinary term for the swelling of the eyelid in one or both eyes. Cornell Feline Health Center, 2016, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/conjunctivitis. One of the most common causes of swollen eyes in cats is congenital allergies. Depending on the cause, the swelling could affect small areas, one side of the face, or the entire face. If in both eyes, theres likely to be an infection. Feline Herpes Virus can also cause infections of the upper respiratory tract. The inflammation can be severe if the pet suffered a scratch to the cornea. Most of the time that does not happen, although a scar may form on the cornea. Drainage from the eye may . Swollen Eyes In Cats: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments Swollen Eyes in Cats - The Spruce Pets Finally, if you have a cat with bulging eyes that are more at risk for injury, take extra precautions when handling them to minimize pressure on their necks and heads, and try to limit their fall risks as these can lead to eye injuries in vulnerable breeds. This is different from clouding of the cornea, where you cant even see into the eye. Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians. Here is what you can do before you take her to the vets office. Just like in humans, swelling can occur for many different reasons, and it is important to distinguish between different kinds of swelling to help determine the root cause. Unfortunately, cats have many of these over the course of their lifetimeoften brought on by stress or other diseases. Sometimes, they can get injured while exploring the environment. For the most effective treatment, gently flush the affected eye 3 to 4 times a day. Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (or KCS), dry eye in cats is a condition in which the body doesnt produce enough tears. Cats have so many amazing features and their eyes are no exception. For example, if the cats eyes are red and swollen it might be a sign of conjunctivitis. Another sign to look out for if your cats eye is swollen is the size of their pupils. Can the eyelid close normally over the eyeball or is the eyeball protruding abnormally? Common skin infections may be due to bacterial, fungal, or parasitic organisms and similar signs may also occur with certain autoimmune diseases. Cat's Third Eyelid Showing & Other Cat Eye Injuries | PetMD Repeatedly wipe the damp cotton ball over the eye, wiping from the inside corner to the outside. Some veterinarians will supply topical antibiotics even if a viral infection is suspected, this is because these infections could be mixed with complicating bacteria that cause secondary infections. If your cat's eyes are watering it likely means that the eye is attempting to fight off some form of health threat such as a virus or a foreign body. For example, keeping your cat indoors will reduce the risk of trauma from vehicles, fights with other cats or wildlife, as well as avoiding eye injuries from plants and thorns. Even if blindness occurs, cats can adapt quite well in a home environment. As a cat owner, youre probably used to seeing a swollen belly on your cat after theyve happily chowed down on that ever-so-coveted bowl of wet food. . A warm or cool compress may help to provide comfort as well if your vet approves. How to Treat Cat Eye Infection: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow Antibiotics: If the swelling is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary to treat it. Eye Injuries in Cats - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery There are specific medications for cats, and using human eye drops may damage the cat's eye further. Fortunately, this is much more common in dogs than in cats, and it is treatable in both species. Get any eye cloudiness examined by a vet as soon as possible. Your cat needs veterinary attention as well as prescription medicine such as pain relief and anti inflammatories. Ointments and eye drops: If the cause of the swollen eye is Conjunctivitis, you may be able to treat it with ointments or eye drops. Normal gloop is usually clear or rust-colored. The cat will squint or close the affected eye shut. The eyeball may also be pushed forward if there is swelling in the space behind the eye. I have discussed it one of them in a little bit of detail below. One of the most common causes of swollen eyes in cats is congenital allergies. Causes of eye injury in cats include: Injuries to the eye constitute a medical emergency. If your cat is holding one eye shut, avoiding light, squinting, pawing at their eye, or seems to have an excessive amount of eye discharge, there is likely an underlying problem. Does the swelling seem to involve just the eyelids, or is the eyeball itself swollen? Behind The Eye. There are so many things that could cause this. Worried about the cost of Eye Injuries treatment? As the cotton wool become soiled, switch to a fresh piece. The biggest worry with injury to the eyes is loss of vision. Even so, you can do something to relieve her pain at home. Eye injury Physical abnormalities Inflammation Tumors If your cat is suffering from glaucoma they will typically show signs of eye pain such as squinting or rubbing at the eye as well as crying. Check out our products online or in-store, and go the extra mile to keep your cat happy, healthy, and well. Dr. Louis Gotthelf. CAT FIGHT CAUGHT ON CAT COLLAR CAM CATS EYE POINT OF VIEW RAW - YouTube This will allow them to make sure that some form of injury or foreign body isnt irritating the eye. Politics Hub - Sky News Customer: Another cat scratched him Above the eye and maybe below. Remove the foreign body from the cats eye. While your vet can help you determine the specific allergen causing swollen eyes in your cat, its important to keep a watchful eye out for an allergic reaction if you switch laundry detergents, air fresheners, or your cats food. After proper diagnosis, your vet will choose the proper course of action. Blepharitis and conjunctivitis are common conditions that can cause swollen eyes in cats. If it only happens on occasion or disappears again when your cat is alert, you can probably monitor it at home. After surgery, your veterinarian will recommend antibiotics and pain relievers as needed. With keen observation and proactive treatment, you can make sure to keep those sparkling eyes looking and feeling their best. Heres what you should know about swollen eyes in cats. Loss of a shiny surface: The healthy eye has a highly reflective surface, and when you look carefully any reflections are have smooth edges and are unbroken. These injuries can be caused by play, fighting with other cats,a foreign object that has either penetrated or fully punctured the eyeand even projectiles like fireworks. Conjunctivitis: The conjunctiva of the eye is a mucous membrane that surrounds the eyeball, and sometimes becomes infected. Just like humans, cats are sometimes born with a sensitivity to environmental or food allergens that can cause watery, swollen, or irritated eyes.3. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye in Cats. Perforating: The wound or foreign object has passed through the cat's cornea or sclera. Therefore, look for the following symptoms that may accompany the inflammation: The most important question to ask yourself after observing the cat is: is the swelling in one or both eyes? Signs of an upper respiratory tract infection include:5. Glaucoma in cats is a condition that causes more pressure in the eyes, which can result in vision loss over time. Treatment for your cats eye injury will be recommended based on the severity of the injury and which part of the eye was affected. Your vet will want to perform a thorough full body examination as well as specialized eye tests to determine the cause for your kittys swollen eye. It is not intended to serve as medical advice or to take the place of advice from, or treatment by, your veterinarian. Also, some anti-inflammatories can help with the pain. When this happens, we call it conjunctivitis, or pink eye. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. While eye problems are common to all cats, some cats are more at risk for certain kinds of eye problems due to their conformation. It is, however, common to notice inflammation if your pet is prone to bacterial and viral infections such as conjunctivitis. Flush it out using this a few times a day. One of the most frequent symptoms of swollen eyes in cats is the appearance of redness. A yellow or green discharge is a sign of infection. If your cat is suffering from glaucoma they will typically show signs of eye pain such as squinting or rubbing at the eye as well as crying. Steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be given to relieve the inflammation and pain as the cat recovers from the injury. Typically, small scratches and ulcers to the cornea will heal with topical medications. It occurs when the eyelid rolls inward so the hair on the eyelid rubs the eye, causing irritation and ulcers. During the exam, the veterinarian will first look for the presence of a foreign object. In many cases, the . When did the cat scratch himself? Find the pawfect plan for your pet in just a few clicks! In addition to swollen eyes, cats experiencing an allergic reaction may scratch themselves excessively or rub against furniture or the floor to itch the irritated area. It occurs when the tissues surrounding the eye become inflamed and irritated. Tumors. Eye injuries in cats can be expensive to treat. These typically are more serious injuries. Squinting Watery eye Eye inflammation (especially along the eyelid) Blepharitis can also present in tandem with symptoms of conjunctivitisan infection you may know better as "pink eye."2 Aside from swelling, the other accompanying symptom would be cats eyes watering. "Disorders of the Eyelids in Cats" Merck Veterinary Manual, 2018. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/eye-diseases-and-disorders/ophthalmology/eyelids. Often, it begins with pigment changes that may not be noticed, but over time, it gets larger and more aggressive. Chief Staff Veterinarian. Even indoor cats should be watched closely when interacting with other pets as claws or bites can occasionally cause traumatic eye injuries. This can occur if there is a sealed off infection called an abscess, or if there is a tumor growing behind the eye. It's heartbreaking to think about why a mama might abandon her babies. My cat has a swollen face | FirstVet Thats a different story. I will have her checked, thanks for the advice. You can use an OTC ointment called Terramycin Antibiotic eye ointment. (Incidentally, this eye drop can also be used for dogs. Discharge from the eye: All cats develop gloop in the inner corner of the eye, especially when they wake and haven't yet washed themselves. For more tips from our Veterinary reviewer, including how to keep the cats eyes clear of irritants, keep reading! Some of the more common tests performed on the eyes include: Treatment will depend upon the specific condition that is diagnosed as there are a number of very different conditions that can all cause swelling of the eyes. Facial Swelling in Cats - Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery Swelling is a sign of inflammation, which occurs whenever there is damage to normal tissue. For example, Persian cats and other breeds with large, bulging eyes are more at risk for trauma to their corneas, the surface of their eyes, as well as proptosis, or displacement of the eye from the socket. You should do this three times per day. Cats with a short flat face or prominent facial folds are more prone to develop this condition, especially if the cat also has lagophthalmos (bulging eyes). After shadow minister Pat McFadden criticised Just Stop Oil, one of the group's backers, Dale Vince, justifies recent action by the group by saying "arguing" about it on TV is "evidence of success". Treating a Cat With a Swollen Eye - Vetinfo.com Why are my cats eyes red? How do I Treat? To treat a cat with an eye infection at home, use a dampened cotton ball to wipe away any gunk around its eyes as often as needed. So if you were wondering, . This article has been viewed 314,540 times. Both blepharitis and conjunctivitis are usually the results of a bacterial or viral infection, both of which are treatable. Cat Top Eyelid Red And Swollen On One Eye | TheCatSite Before you attempt to help your cat at home it is important that you know the best way to take care of her is to see a veterinarian. Other signs can include swollen runny eyes or redness. If both eyes are affected, it is more likely due to infection or other illness: Most traumatic injuries to the eyes are from fights, foreign objects in the eyes, or other similar events. Tell your veterinarian if you feel the injury is getting better or worse. Early detection allows you to decide if you can manage the problem at home or if a trip to the vet is essential. However, you should still take your cat to the vet within a few daysparticularly if the bump grows/changes, causes inflammation in the eye, has any pigment to it, or seems to bother your cat. Swollen Left Eye, Third Eyelid Half Showing With What Looks Like A Scratch On Top,Mucus. The eyeball may also appear swollen if there is a tumor growing within the eyeball itself. Can Cats Eat Chicken Broth? The vet may also stain the eye to check for any ulcers. Upper respiratory infections and other illnesses can cause changes to the eyes that are similar to traumatic injury. Privacy Policy. Cat Eye Watering and Squinting - Veterinary Specialty Center Tuscon When you call your vet about swollen eyes in your cat, most times they will want to proceed with an eye examination. However, other causes like allergies, eye damage, and exposure to toxins may also lead to swelling in the eyes. When it comes to treatment, vets often prescribeeye dropsfor swollen eyes in cats. A viral type will soon clear on its own. Cloudy eyes can be a serious symptom of cat eye diseaseparticularly when the clouding is on the cornea (the outer surface of the eye). Winking or holding the eye closed: This is not normal and is a sign the cat has pain in that eye or is uncomfortable. If the eye is out of its socket (prolapsed eye), keep it moist with saline solution and cover it with a damp cloth. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-1.jpg\/aid6881075-v4-728px-Treat-Cat-Eye-Infection-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"