Pinkeye is another name for conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the thin, moist tissue around the eye and inner eyelid.
Many different things can cause pink eye in cats, but infection is the most common culprit. Treatment and prognosis depend on what is causing the pink eye, and regardless of the cause, veterinary care is recommended to protect the eye from damage.
Here, we’ll discuss what to look for, possible causes, diagnostic tests, and common treatments.
Quick Facts: Pink Eyes in Cats
other names: conjunctivitis
common symptoms: ocular discharge (clear, yellow, white, green) in one or both eyes; swelling of upper and/or lower eyelids; scabbing around eyelids, squinting, rubbing/rubbing eyes, third eyelid elevation, Sensitive to light.
diagnosis: Diagnosed most often during physical examination; other tests often performed on the eye include intraocular pressure, Schirmer’s tear test for tear production, fluorescein stain for detection of ocular surface scratches or ulcers, conjunctiva for microscopic evaluation Swab (cytology).
diagnosed as a cat: frequently
need to continue taking medication: Generally not. If feline herpes virus (FHV) is the underlying cause, L-lysine supplementation may help reduce relapses and the severity of symptoms (if taken regularly).
available vaccines: One cause of conjunctivitis is feline herpes virus (FHV), for which there is a vaccine usually given as part of a combination vaccine for kittens and adult cats.
Treatment programs: Antibiotic drops are very commonly used. Depending on the underlying cause other than a bacterial infection, other treatments may be used, including anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and antiviral drugs. Elizabethan collars (cone shaped) may be needed to keep kittens from scratching or rubbing their eyes.
home remedies: Applying warm compresses to swollen, crusted, or heavily discharging eyes with a damp washcloth may help relieve some discomfort, swelling, and discharge. The discharge can be gently flushed with natural tears.
What Are Pink Eyes in Cats?
“Pinkeye” doesn’t just refer to one condition. It’s a symptom rather than a diagnosis, and it describes the redness, irritation, and swelling that develops around the eyes with conjunctivitis.
So, what is conjunctivitis?
The “conjunctiva” is the thin, transparent to pink tissue lining that covers the inner surface of the eye and eyelids. It creates mucus that helps the eyelid glide across the eye without friction.
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of this conjunctiva that can occur in only one or both eyes for a number of reasons. This inflammation can cause eye pain or discomfort, as well as symptoms such as redness, swelling, and discharge from the eye.
Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is the most common eye disorder in cats, so many cats will experience the condition at least once in their lives.
Symptoms of pink eye
When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, the eyelids can become red, puffy, and even swollen.
This may be accompanied by excessive tearing (epilphora), discharge of mucus or mucus from the eye, squinting, elevation of the third eyelid (the membrane at the inner corner of each eye), or sensitivity to light.
Some or all of these symptoms may appear in one or both eyes. These symptoms are not limited to conjunctivitis—these symptoms can occur with other eye problems, such as corneal ulcers (abrasions or abrasions on the surface of the eye).
Whatever the cause, it’s important to seek veterinary care so eye problems don’t get worse.
If an infection is the cause of pink eye, other symptoms may occur, such as fever, loss of appetite, wheezing, sneezing, runny nose or mouth sores, and drooling.
Causes of Pink Eyes
In cats, infection is the most common cause of conjunctivitis.
Here are some infections that can cause pink eye in cats:
- Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), also known as feline herpesvirus – This upper respiratory infection can also lead to eye ulcers. It’s common in cats — most felines are exposed to the virus in infancy, and many cats carry the virus their entire lives, dormant and asymptomatic. Then, if the cat is stressed (for example, due to changes in the home or illness), the virus can flare up and cause symptoms.
- other virusessuch as feline calicivirus.
- Bacterial infections For example feline chlamydia or Mycoplasma May cause feline conjunctivitis.
- secondary infection Conjunctivitis with bacteria can also be secondary to any cause, making symptoms worse.
Noninfectious causes can also cause pink eye or conjunctivitis. Here are some examples:
- irritantforeign objects such as dust or sand get stuck under the eyelids, or exposure to chemicals.
- seasonal or ambient allergy.
- the tumor or eye cancer.
- Chronic dry eye syndrome.
- A blocked tear duct.
Are pink eyes in cats contagious?
Contagious pink eye is highly contagious among cats!
Affected cats should be isolated in a small room if possible to avoid spreading the infection to other cats in the household.
Wear a smock or smock when caring for a cat with conjunctivitis, and wash your hands before petting or feeding other cats in your home.
Fortunately, viruses tend to be species-specific — meaning you (and your dog) won’t get feline herpesvirus. But some types of bacteria may be picked up by other species, including humans.
While bacterial conjunctivitis transmission from cats to humans is rare, to be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to wash your hands after petting or administering medication to a cat with pink eye.
How is Pink Eye in Cats Diagnosed?
Because pinkeye is a symptom rather than a specific disease, a veterinarian can tell a cat has pinkeye simply by doing a physical exam.
However, it is important to determine what is causing pink eye and to rule out concurrent problems such as eye ulcers that can cause permanent scarring of the cornea (the surface of the central area of the eye) and, in severe cases, even blindness or loss of one eye .
In addition to a physical exam, a veterinarian can perform tear production and intraocular pressure (pressure inside the eye) tests, and use a special stain to check the surface of the eye for ulcers or abnormalities.
If further evaluation is needed, especially if the eye condition is severe or recurs frequently, the next step may be additional diagnostics, such as blood tests, biopsies, or testing for infectious diseases.
Pink Eye Treatment
Treatments vary depending on your cat’s needs, but common treatments for pink eye include:
- antibiotic In the form of eye drops or ointment and/or oral medication. Even with viral infections, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent complications from secondary bacterial infections.
- anti-inflammatory or pain relievers Prescribed as eye drops/ointment and/or oral medication.
- antiviral substance Medical treatment if indicated (usually for more serious infections).
- Elizabethan collar Be careful not to scratch your eyes, which may result in eye injury.
- L-Lysine Supplements Helps the immune system fight viral infections. If a cat is repeatedly infected with feline herpes virus, a veterinarian may recommend lifelong use of this supplement.
- isolation Cats who have contracted conjunctivitis from other cats in the household to prevent the spread of the infection.
- Referrals For severe, complicated or non-improving conditions, see a specialist (veterinary ophthalmologist).
Tip: If you are unsure how to give your cat eye ointment or eye drops, ask your veterinary team to demonstrate.
A word of caution: Using the wrong eye drops can make eye problems worse. Therefore, never drop over-the-counter or previously prescribed eye medications without first checking with your veterinarian.
in conclusion
Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is a very common condition in cats that involves inflammation, redness, and irritation of the tissues around the eyes and the inner surface of the eyelids. Infection is the most common cause, but there can be many different causes.
Fortunately, most cases of pink eye can be cured quickly with medical treatment. But it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible and follow up as recommended to prevent the condition from worsening or causing eye damage.
frequently asked questions
How do you treat pink eye in cats?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but usually includes medications (eye drops/ointments, with or without oral medications) to treat the infection or relieve inflammation and pain. Close monitoring is necessary to ensure healing occurs.
How Long Do Cats’ Pink Eyes Last?
Usually, significant improvement is seen in the first few days. But it may take up to three weeks of treatment. It’s important to complete all medications — even if your cat’s eye looks better — to prevent a recurrence.
Can you get pink eyes from cats?
Fortunately, most contagious causes of feline pinkeye are not transmissible to humans. In rare cases, however, humans can catch bacterial conjunctivitis from cats, so it’s good practice to wash your hands after petting or administering medication to a cat with pink eye.
How do you know if your cat has pink eyes?
If your cat has pink eyes, their eyelids may appear red, inflamed, puffy, or swollen. You may also notice squinting, tearing, tearing, or other symptoms.
These symptoms may also occur with other eye problems, such as eye ulcers or injuries. So if you notice symptoms in your eyes, you need to see your veterinarian.
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