By Brittany Schlesener, DACVO
Cats are masters of disguise (like the kitty above) when it comes to illness, and eye problems are no exception. But subtle changes, such as watery eyes, squinting, or eye color changes, can point to serious conditions that need veterinary care.
Common Cat Eye Problems
- Herpesvirus keratitis: A viral infection that causes recurrent ulcers and scarring, even respiratory issues. Stress often triggers flare-ups.
- Uveitis: Inflammation inside the eye that may be linked to infections like toxoplasmosis or other systemic diseases (e.g., feline infectious peritonitis, bartonellosis, cancer, etc.).
- Glaucoma: Less common in cats than dogs, but just as serious, blinding, and painful. Unfortunately, it’s harder to recognize the subtle signs cats can have at home (i.e., pupil changes only) and feline glaucoma can be a real challenge to treat compared to dogs.
- Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the pink tissue around the eye, often from viral or bacterial causes.
- Retinal detachments: Usually an ocular manifestation of possible life-threatening systemic diseases (e.g., systemic hypertension secondary to conditions like kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, etc.). Although blinding, this can be the first sign that other organs, like the brain, heart, or kidneys, are also being damaged.
Signs Cat Owners Shouldn’t Ignore
- Squinting or keeping one eye closed
- Excessive tearing or discharge
- A cloudy, bluish, or red appearance to the eye
- Unequal pupil sizes
- Sudden blindness (cats may appear disoriented or bump into objects)
Diagnosis & Treatment of Feline Eye Problems
A veterinary ophthalmologist may use:
- Staining to detect ulcers
- Tonometry to measure eye pressure
- Blood tests to rule out systemic disease
Treatments vary from antiviral or antibiotic drops to long-term anti-inflammatory therapy.
Why Prompt Care Matters
Cats often hide discomfort until the disease is advanced. Early intervention not only saves vision but also provides clues to other underlying health problems.
Take-Home Message
Even small eye changes in cats are worth checking out. With timely veterinary care, many feline eye conditions can be successfully managed, keeping your cat comfortable and able to enjoy life on their own terms.
About Us
Fetch Specialty & Emergency Veterinary Centers is a family-owned practice providing elevated specialty care, emergency medicine, and critical care in three convenient locations throughout Florida and South Carolina. Our board-certified veterinarians and highly skilled support staff all share a deep appreciation for pets, people, and the human-animal bond. We recognize how much you love your pet as a part of your family, and that’s why we love what we do!