Cat Care: How to Care for Your Cat's Eyes

Cats experience unique health complications that are often not found in humans or in any other type of mammal. There are, however, some very common ailments found in the feline family that is often present in our own children and even among adults. If you are caring for family cats, and if you are concerned about your cat's vision health, it is important to become familiar with the signs of pink eye in cats.

By their very nature, cats are typically extremely clean and often prevent their own disease and illnesses by maintaining a very hygienic lifestyle. In some cases, however, a cat can develop an infection, especially in the eyes, from this excessive cleaning that may spread bacteria and fungi.

Pink eye in cats is quite common. While we typically associate pink eye with the infections in adults and children, our cats can be at risk as well. For many cats, this type of eye infection may begin as a response to an allergen or in response to a bacteria picked up while self-cleaning. The symptoms, however, are typically the same as that found in the human population.

If you notice that your cat has developed signs of pink eye, it is important to seek out veterinary attention as soon as possible. For most cats, the complication of pink eye will need to be treated just as it would in adults and children, using a prescription antibiotic eye ointment or eye drops. But, in cats with pink eye, the prescription will be different so that feline use of human antibiotic drops is not going to resolve the infection.

Pink eye in cats carries symptoms of swelling, itchiness, redness, oozing, and the presence of matting in and around the eyes. These are all typical symptoms of pink eye that we see in our children and spouse. If you believe your cat has pink eye, most likely the infection is present, and treatment can be obtained simply but must be done under the care of a veterinarian. It is never recommended that a cat undergo pink eye home remedies as any delay in treatment may result in greater vision complications in your family cat.

Sources: Complete Cat Care Manual, by Bruce Fogle