Pink Eye in Cats: Proven Treatment Methods

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common condition in cats that can cause discomfort and irritation. While it’s not usually life-threatening, untreated pink eye can lead to more severe issues. Understanding how to recognize and treat pink eye in cats is essential for ensuring your furry friend’s health and well-being. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of pink eye in cats, its causes, symptoms, and the best treatments available.

What is Pink Eye in Cats?

Pinkeye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye disease in cats that manifests itself as an inflammation of the conjunctiva (the white part of the eye). This disease can be caused by a variety of reasons, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, as well as secondary infections from allergies, trauma, or other eye diseases.

Related: Cat Conjunctivitis Home Remedies: Easing Feline Eye Irritation Naturally

How to Tell if Your Cat is Infected with Pink Eye?

I. Eye Appearance

• Redness of the eyes

The white part of the eye of a normal cat is white or light blue. If the cat is infected with red eye, the white part of the eye will be obviously congested and red, which is the most intuitive symptom.

• Swelling

Your cat's eyelids may become swollen, making the eyes look smaller than usual or changing shape. The swelling may be unilateral or bilateral.

II. Discharge

• Types

Watery discharge: In the early stages of infection, there may be a clear, watery discharge from the cat's eye. This may be an early sign of eye irritation or infection.

Purulent discharge: As the condition develops, if it is a bacterial infection, etc., there will be yellow, green or white purulent discharge, and the discharge may cause the hair around the cat's eyes to stick together.
Amount

Under normal circumstances, a cat's eyes have only a small amount of clear tears to keep them moist. If you find that there is more discharge around the eyes and it is constantly produced, it is likely to be infected with pink eye or other eye diseases.

III. Behavioural manifestations

• Blinking frequency

Cats infected with red eye will blink more frequently than usual due to eye discomfort. Frequent blinking is a sign that the cat is trying to relieve eye discomfort.

• Squinting or half-closed eyes

Cats may squint or half-close their eyes frequently due to eye pain, itching, or sensitivity to light. This may be more pronounced when there is more light.

Also Read: Uncovering the Reasons for Your Cat's One - Eye Squint

• Rubbing or scratching the eyes

Due to eye discomfort, cats will try to rub or scratch their eyes with their paws. If you notice this behaviour in your cat, you need to examine it carefully for eye problems. However, it is important to note that cats scratching their eyes may aggravate eye damage, so if you notice this, stop it and have it checked.

IV. Third eyelid

• Protruding third eyelid

A cat's third eyelid is less visible under normal circumstances. When infected with pink eye, some or all of the third eyelid may protrude, which is a sign that there is a problem with the eye.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your cat, you should take your cat to the vet promptly for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How to Treat Pink Eye in Cats?

1. Cleaning the eyes

Use warm water or a special pet eye wash to gently wipe around the eyes to remove discharge. This will help reduce eye discomfort and prevent the infection from worsening.

2. Use of medication

Depending on the cause of the disease, your veterinarian may prescribe different medications such as antibiotics, antiviral medications or anti-allergy medications. Common medications include:

Antibiotic eye drops: e.g. chloramphenicol eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops for treating red eye caused by bacterial infection.
Antiviral medications: such as ganciclovir eye drops, which are used to treat red eyes caused by viruses (such as feline herpesvirus).
Anti-allergy medication: If the red eye is caused by allergies, antihistamines may be needed.

Eye Drops for Dog Allergies and Cats Conjunctivitis

For the treatment of conjunctivitis in cats and dogs, neomycin eye drops for dogs and cats can reduce the harmful effects of conjunctivitis, and early use of the medicine can control the development of the disease and reduce eye congestion and photophobia, and other uncomfortable manifestations.

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3. Wearing an Elizabethan collar

In order to prevent your cat from scratching its eyes and aggravating the condition, you need to wear an Elizabethan collar for your cat. This can effectively prevent the cat from touching the eyes with its claws and reduce the risk of secondary infection.

4. Nutritional supplementation

During the treatment period, the cat can be supplemented with nutrients that contribute to eye health, such as vitamins A, C and E, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients can help reduce eye inflammation and promote eye repair.

5. Avoid irritation

Try to avoid exposing your cat to substances that may irritate the eyes, such as smoke, dust, and chemical gases. Keep the indoor air fresh to reduce the irritation to your cat's eyes.

6. Surgical treatment

In rare cases, surgical intervention may be required if the red eye is caused by an eyelid problem or a foreign body. However, this is relatively rare and in most cases the symptoms can be relieved by medication and care.

When treating red eye in cats, it is important to follow your veterinarian's advice, administer medication on time, and closely monitor changes in the condition. If the symptoms do not improve or worsen, the cat should be taken back to the hospital for review. Meanwhile, in order to prevent the occurrence of red eye disease, it is recommended to give the cat regular eye examinations, maintain environmental hygiene and avoid the cat coming into contact with possible sources of infection.

How to Prevent Pink Eye in Cats?

In order to prevent cat red-eye disease, you can take the following measures.

• Maintain environmental hygiene

Clean your cat's living environment regularly to reduce the possibility of bacteria and viruses breeding. 

• Avoid irritation

Avoid exposing your cat to irritants such as strong chemicals or spicy food. 

• Proper Cleaning

Gently wipe your cat's eyes with a clean, wet towel, being careful not to use too much force. 

• Regular medical check-ups

Take your cat for regular health checks to detect potential health problems in time. 

• Balanced Nutrition

Ensure your cat has a balanced diet to strengthen its immune system and prevent diseases. 

• Effective management rights

Provide cats with appropriate play areas to minimise the impact of the external environment on them. 

• Use of Elizabethan rings

To prevent cats from cleaning their eyes with their hands, causing cross-infection between the two eyes, and to avoid cats from accidentally ingesting medicine or ointment in the process of washing their faces, it is recommended to wear an Elizabethan collar. 

By taking these precautions, you can greatly reduce your cat's risk of developing red eye. If your cat shows any symptoms of eye discomfort, you should take her to the vet promptly for professional diagnosis and treatment.

When to See a Veterinarian

Seek veterinary care if:

• The symptoms persist for more than 48 hours.
• The discharge is thick or has an unusual color.
• Your cat shows signs of severe discomfort, such as pawing at the eyes excessively.
• Other symptoms like fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite accompany the eye issue.

FAQs

Does cat pink eye go away on its own?

If the cat's red eye is caused by a minor irritation (e.g. a small amount of dust getting into the eye) and the cat's own immunity is strong, it is possible for it to go away on its own. The cat's eyes have a certain self-cleaning and repair ability, and tears can flush out some foreign bodies, and minor inflammation may slowly subside over time.
However, if the red eye is caused by an infection such as a virus (e.g., feline herpes virus), bacteria (e.g., staphylococcus), or fungus, it usually does not go away on its own. The multiplication of these pathogens in the eye will continue to cause an inflammatory response, and if left untreated, the condition tends to worsen and may lead to serious consequences such as corneal ulcers and impaired vision.

Can you put salt water in a cat's eye infection?

It is not recommended to use homemade saline drops into cat eye infections. Although saline (0.9% sodium chloride solution) is commonly used in medical treatment for cleaning wounds, etc., it is difficult to ensure the exact concentration of homemade saline. If the concentration is too high, it may cause further irritation and damage to the cat's eye; if the concentration is too low, it may not achieve the effect of cleaning or relieving the symptoms.
It is best to use pet-specific eye washes. These eye washes are specially developed to meet the physiological characteristics of the pet's eyes and are less irritating to the eyes, and can be used to clean the secretions around the cat's eyes and alleviate eye discomfort.

What human eye drops are safe for cats?

Direct use of human eye drops for cats is generally not recommended. This is because the ingredients in human eye drops are designed for human eye physiology and common conditions, and may not be an exact match for the cat's ocular needs.
Chloramphenicol eye drops may be relatively safe in certain emergency situations, such as when pet-specific medications are not readily available, but they need to be used with caution. And, before use, it is best to consult your veterinarian, who will judge whether it can be used as well as the dosage and frequency of use based on your cat's specific condition (e.g., type of infection, etc.).

Should I clean my cat's pink eye?

If your cat has red eye with secretions building up around the eyes, proper cleaning is beneficial. A pet-specific eye wash or a moistened cotton ball (gently dipped, not wiped) can be used to clean the discharge around the eye, which will reduce the cat's discomfort and help prevent the discharge from drying out and further irritating the eye or interfering with the medication.
Special care should be taken when cleaning to avoid touching the eyeballs to prevent additional damage to the eyes. If the cat is very resistant to cleaning, do not force the process to avoid aggravating the condition by causing a stress reaction in the cat. Wash your hands before and after cleaning to prevent cross infection.
If your cat shows symptoms of red eye, it is best to consult your veterinarian or bring your cat to the pet hospital for examination and treatment to ensure proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Conclusion

Pink eye in cats is a common but treatable condition. By understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, you can ensure your cat receives the care they need to recover quickly. Whether through home remedies or veterinary care, taking prompt action will prevent complications and keep your feline friend healthy and happy.