Home Remedies for Red, Swollen Cat Eyes & Excessive Tea
After three years of being a dedicated cat sitter, I've gained quite a bit of experience in handling my feline friends' minor ailments at home. This means I can avoid the pricetag of frequent vet visits for most issues.
With two cats, Pidan and Doupao, under my care, they often engage in playful scuffles that lead to injuries or illnesses. I've encountered feline conjunctivitis four times, and since the symptoms are usually similar, I've accumulated a wealth of athome treatment knowhow.
What to Look Out For: Feline conjunctivitis typically presents with red, swollen eyes that won't open, constant tearing, and puslike discharge. Cats may frequently scratch at their eyes, and if left untreated, it could lead to corneal damage.
The first case of conjunctivitis was with Pidan. I took him to the vet, where he underwent fluorescence staining and slit lamp examination, leading to a diagnosis of conjunctivitis and mild corneal injury. The visit cost me 110 yuan, and the medication, including eye drops and ointment, added another 180 yuan. After returning home, I had to administer eye drops every five minutes and apply the ointment five times a day, which took a week to show improvement.
When Doupao developed conjunctivitis, it was likely due to a playful skirmish. The symptoms were less severe, but the red, swollen eyes and constant tears were there. This time, I skipped the vet and simply flushed his eyes with saline solution. I then applied Bailangming (neomycin sulfate eye drops) three times a day and gave him Ke Nuo Jia (amoxicillin clavulanate potassium) orally once a day. The total cost was around 100 yuan, and he recovered within a couple of days.
Subsequent cases with Pidan and a foster kitten in my care were treated similarly.
In Summary: For red, swollen eyes and excessive tearing, use neomycin sulfate eye drops and erythromycin ointment. If the symptoms persist, consider adding amoxicillin clavulanate potassium. However, please note that this method may not be effective for feline rhinitis!
Be aware that I shared this treatment method with another cat owner, who reported that it didn't work. The vet diagnosed her cat with feline rhinitis and prescribed acyclovir eye drops and antiviral oral medication. If home treatment doesn't show improvement within three days, it's best to seek veterinary care.
Additionally, during the treatment of conjunctivitis, it's crucial to fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent scratching and ensure a faster recovery. Without it, your cat's scratching could hinder healing or even worsen the condition.
