Pinkeye is usually caused by conjunctivitis. Many different things can cause red eyes in cats, but infection is the most common culprit. Treatment and prognosis depend on the cause of red eyes, but regardless of the cause, it is recommended to take your cat to the doctor to protect the eyes from damage. Here, we’ll discuss the possible causes, diagnostic tests, and common treatments for red eye in cats.

What is cat pinkeye?

A "red eye" doesn't just refer to one condition. This is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and describes the redness, irritation, and swelling that occurs around the eyes with conjunctivitis. So, what is conjunctivitis? The "conjunctiva" is a thin, clear to pink tissue lining that covers the inner surface of the eye and eyelids. It produces mucus that helps the eyelids slide over the eyes without causing friction. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva that can occur in one eye or both eyes at the same time for a variety of reasons. This inflammation can cause eye pain or discomfort, as well as symptoms such as redness, swelling, and eye discharge.

Red eye or conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease in cats, so many cats will have it at least once in their lives.

Red eye symptoms:

When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, the eyelids may look red or even swollen. This may be accompanied by excess tears, mucus, or drainage from the eye, strabismus, raised third eyelid, or sensitivity to light. Some or all of these symptoms may occur in one or both eyes. These symptoms are not limited to conjunctivitis, they can also occur with other eye problems, such as corneal ulcers. Regardless of the cause, it is important to seek veterinary care so the eye problem does not worsen. If infection is the cause of red eyes, other symptoms may occur, such as fever, loss of appetite, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, mouth sores, and drooling.

Causes of red eyes

In cats, the most common cause of infection is conjunctivitis. Here are some infections that can cause red eyes in cats:

Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), also known as feline herpesvirus - this upper respiratory tract infection can also cause eye ulcers. It is very common in cats, most cats are exposed to the virus during childhood and many cats remain dormant throughout their lives without any symptoms. Then, if the cat becomes stressed out (for example, due to changes in the home or illness), the virus can break out and cause symptoms.

Other viruses, such as feline calicivirus.

Bacterial infections, such as Chlamydia felis or Mycoplasma feline, can cause feline conjunctivitis.

Secondary bacterial infections may also occur secondary to anyConjunctivitis of any cause worsens symptoms.

Red eye or conjunctivitis may also occur due to non-infectious causes. Here are a few examples:

Irritants, such as foreign objects such as dust or sand getting stuck under the eyelids, or exposure to chemicals.

Seasonal or environmental allergies.

Tumors or cancer of the eyes.

Chronic dry eye syndrome.

Tear duct obstruction.

Is cat pink eye contagious?

Contagious pink eye is a serious pink eye disease that can be passed between cats! If possible, infected cats should be isolated in a small room to avoid spreading the disease to other cats in the household. Wear a smock or covering when caring for a cat with conjunctivitis, and wash your hands before petting or feeding other cats in the home. Fortunately, viruses tend to be species-specific, meaning humans or other animals cannot be infected with feline herpesvirus. But certain types of bacteria can be infected by other species, including humans. While it's rare for bacterial conjunctivitis to be transmitted from cats to humans, it's best to err on the side of safety by washing your hands after petting or giving medication to a cat with red eyes.

How is pinkeye diagnosed in cats?

Because red eyes are a symptom rather than a specific disease, a veterinarian can declare that a cat has red eyes with just a physical examination. However, it is important to determine what is causing red eye and to rule out concurrent problems, such as eye ulcers, which can lead to permanent scarring of the cornea or even blindness or loss of an eye if severe. In addition to a physical exam, your veterinarian can perform tests of tear production and intraocular pressure, and use special stains to look for ulcers or abnormalities on the surface of the eye. If further evaluation is needed, especially if the eye condition is severe or reoccurs frequently, the next step may be additional diagnostics such as blood tests, biopsies, or testing for infectious diseases.

Treatment of pink eye in cats

Causes, symptoms and treatment options for red eyes in cats

Treatment varies depending on the cat's needs, but common treatments include:

Antibiotics and/or oral medications in the form of eye drops or ointments. Even if the infection is viral, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent complications from secondary bacterial infections.

Anti-inflammatory or pain relievers, such as eye drops, ointments, or oral medications.

Antiviral drugs,.

An Elizabethan collar used to prevent scratching of the eyes, which could otherwise lead to eye injuries.

Supplementing lysine helps the immune system resist viral infections. If your cat has recurring feline herpes virus infections, your veterinarian may recommend lifelong use of this supplement.Charge.

Isolate a cat with conjunctivitis from other cats in the home to prevent the spread of infection.

Refer serious, complex, or non-improving cases to a veterinary ophthalmologist.

Tip: If you don't know how to give your cat eye ointment or eye drops, ask your veterinary team to show you.

A word of warning: giving the wrong eye drops can worsen eye problems. Therefore, never take over-the-counter or previously prescribed eye medications without checking with your veterinarian.