Cat Eye Infection Treatment

Before going on to explain how to clean an infected cat eye, we must first understand how to identify the symptoms of a cat eye infection. An infection of a cat’s eyes present the following signs;

• It is normal for one or both eyes to appear closed, as a sign of pain and photophobia (sensitivity to light). Sometimes you may notice that the cat’s eyelashes are stuck together by crusts.

• Eye infections produce an intense ocular secretion, which is why a cat’s eyelashes will sometimes stick together. The crust that appears will carry a yellowish color, usually indicating the presence of bacteria. In infections caused by viruses, this secretion may appear due to secondary infections of opportunistic bacteria.

• If you notice your cat’s nictitating membrane or third eyelid is covering its eye, this is a sign of infection.

• Any change in your cat’s eye color, consistency or size: is a matter of urgency.

• In cases where an infection has not been treated, you might notice a mass present itself in your cat’s eye: due to a severe perforation of the cornea.

If any of these symptoms are noticed, we recommend going to your veterinarian immediately for an eye or ophthalmological ointment. The drugs prescribed by a veterinarian for a cat’s eye infection are usually cheap and very effective. If the problem is not treated, surgery to remove the cat’s eyes may be necessary.

Eye infections are very common in kittens, even if that have not yet opened their eyes. This is because these infections are often cause by the herpes virus which is extremely contagious, specifically among street cats.

Around 8-10 days, if you notice that your little of newborn kittens are all experiencing purulent discharge or swollen eyes when their eyes begin to open, this is commonly due to an infection. To avoid any risks of the infection worsening, you must clean the kittens eyes appropriately and apply an antibiotic prescribed by a professional.

In order to do this, use a gauze or saline moistened piece of cotton, and gently press your kitten’s infected eye. Carefully press from the eyelid to the outside of the eye to expel any pus through the small slit that is its opening. If there are any leftover traces of secretion crust, clean them with another clean gauze or piece of cotton. Remember that this movement is always from the inside to the outside of the kitten’s eyes. Once healed, through the same opening slit, we will apply the prescribed treatment.

For antibiotic treatment to have successful results, it is important to apply it to a very clean eye. Here are some materials you may need in order to clean your cat’s infected eye:

• Cotton (or gauze): which should always be moistened to avoid leaving hairs. Never clean both eyes with the same gauze.
• Physiological serum or water: which can be used cold or, if there are scabs that do not come off easily, warmed.
• Soft paper or gauze: to dry the eye.
• Antibiotic treatment: prescribed by a veterinarian.

These washes should be repeated every time the eye gets dirty, and always before applying any medication.

You can clean an infected cat or kitten eye using the following tips;

• Make sure your cat is calm. To ensure this, wrap your cat in a towel, leaving only its head uncovered. Hold the cat gently to your chest and the the other hand grab its head. This must be done calmly and smoothly to ensure that your cat feels safe.

• Have all of the necessary materials at your disposal so that you don’t have to get up and let go of the animal.

• Start by moistening the cotton or gauze with serum.

• Smooth the cotton or gauze over the inner eye to the outside, several times.

• If there are crusts that are not removed, drain a clean gauze or cotton over the eye so that it is wet. Wait a few minutes until the effect of the liquid softens the crusts. Never rub your cat’s eyes.

• We will pass the cotton or the gauze as many times as necessary so that it is completely clean.

• Make sure that you use new materials for each eye, as you don’t want to accidentally spread the infection.

• Apply the antibiotic onto the clean eye.

• Dry the surplus.

• Make sure to throw away the used gauze or cotton immediately. In addition, wash your hands thoroughly before and after cleaning, as these infections are easily spread between cats.

• As the infection subsides, you can decrease the frequency of this cleaning.

• Even if there is no discharge or swelling, continue the treatment as prescribed by the veterinarian.

All the instructions and tips mentioned throughout this article are suitable for cats of all ages. Remember, however, that in case of doubt or suspicion of a serious infection, consult your veterinarian immediately.

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Cat Eye Infection Treatment, we recommend you visit our Eye problems category.