Eye swelling is a common issue in cats that can be brought on by a number of different causes. In some cases, swollen eyes can be a mild problem to overcome, but it can also be a side effect of a more serious issue.
One of the most frequent causes of swollen and inflamed eyes in cats is called conjunctivitis. However, other causes like allergies, eye damage, and exposure to toxins may also lead to swelling in the eyes.
If you see any signs of swelling in your cat’s eyes, you must consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Here’s what you should know about swollen eyes in cats.
Symptoms Of Swollen Eyes In Cats
One of the most frequent symptoms of swollen eyes in cats is the appearance of redness.
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. These behaviors may cause your cat to accidentally injure themselves or worsen the issue, so seek treatment quickly if you see these problems.
Some of the most comment symptoms of swollen eyes in cats are:
- A watery or mucus-like discharge from the eye
- A third eyelid that looks swollen
- Eyes that have a cloudy look to them
- Attempting to keep one or both eyes closed for most of the time
Causes Of Swollen Eyes In Cats
When it comes to swollen eyes in cats, infections are a common cause. This could include fungal, bacterial, or viral infections.
Eye swelling can also be a result of feline herpes.
Some other frequent causes of swelling in cats’ eyes include:
- A scratched cornea
- Glaucoma
- Exposure to plants or toxins
- Allergies
Treatments For Swollen Eyes In Cats
If you notice that your cat’s eyes look swollen, consult your veterinarian.
When you call your vet about swollen eyes in your cat, most times they will want to proceed with an eye examination. This will allow them to make sure that some form of injury or foreign body isn’t irritating the eye.
During the eye examination, your vet will also check for tumors and ensure that your feline’s tear ducts are not blocked.
When it comes to treatment, vets often prescribe eye drops for swollen eyes in cats. Remember to always administer any medicines exactly as prescribed and always finish the full course of treatment.
Finally, if your cat’s swollen eyes clear up but then return, make sure to go back to your vet. This way they can look deeper into whether there might be a more serious issue at play rather than just irritation.
Has your cat ever had swollen eyes? How did your vet help you treat the eye issue? Tell us about it in the comments below!
