Why do cats get conjunctivitis

Aug 11,2024
2Min

Causes of feline conjunctivitis:

1. Non-infectious causes: foreign matter enters the eyelids, causing accidental damage to the conjunctiva; external injuries to the eyes, such as bumps and scratches etc., causing conjunctival inflammation; cat eyelashes grow inverted, and long-term friction in the eyes causes inflammation.

2. Infectious causes: conjunctivitis due to bacterial and viral infections. Common bacteria and viruses include: feline herpes virus, chlamydia, mycoplasma, feline infectious rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus, streptococci, and staphylococci.

Symptoms of feline conjunctivitis:

1. The conjunctiva is red, swollen and congested, tearing, reluctance to open eyes, and increased eye secretions.

2. Eye secretions may range from white mucus to yellow-green mucus.

3. Some cats will scratch their eyes, further causing eye discomfort. Sneezing and nasal discharge sometimes occur simultaneously with eye lesions. Severe infection can cause permanent damage to the cornea and conjunctiva. Sexual scars, some may affect the drainage pathway of tears, eventually leading to long-term epiphora.

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