Cat Eye Inflammation: Don't Rely on Self-Healing - Risk
Cat eye inflammation is not something that will heal on its own!
Many pet owners, after their cats fall ill, often assume that animals have a strong ability to heal themselves, thinking that they might recover after some time.
However, what many overlook is that cats are incredibly stoic creatures. By the time we notice they are sick, the condition is often quite severe.
Most often, cat eye inflammation does not resolve on its own and can actually worsen over time, potentially leading to more serious complications such as corneal ulcers, vision loss, and even blindness.
Therefore, if you notice symptoms of eye inflammation in your cat, such as redness, inability to open the eyes, excessive tearing, or an increase in eye discharge, it's crucial to administer medication promptly.
Part 1: Causes of Cat Eye Inflammation
Cat eye inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
• Bacterial Infections: Such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
• Viral Infections: Like the Feline Herpesvirus (FHV1) and the Feline Calicivirus.
• Allergic Reactions: Allergies to pollen, dust mites, or other substances in the environment.
• Foreign Body Irritation: Items like dust particles, hair, bathwater, or disinfectants entering the eye.
• Eye Injuries: Scratches or blows to the eye that can lead to secondary bacterial infections.
• Immune System Issues: Certain autoimmune diseases can also cause eye problems, such as eosinophilic keratitis.
Part 2: How to Treat Cat Eye Inflammation
1. Clean the Discharge
Firstly, gently flush your cat's eyes with sterile saline solution to remove any discharge and foreign objects. Be cautious not to directly spray the saline onto the eye; instead, use a syringe without a needle, draw up the saline, and slowly administer it as you would with eye drops, ensuring a gentle and hygienic approach.
2. Use Antibacterial Eye Drops
After cleaning the eyes, apply Beranming (Neomycin sulfate eye drops) three to five times a day, one to two drops per session. Typically, after one to three days of consistent use, general eye inflammation should show significant improvement. If the condition does not improve, apply a layer of erythromycin ointment after 10 minutes following the eye drops.
If there is no improvement after three to five days of treatment, it's important for parents to be vigilant. The infection may be severe, or the cause may be more complex. To prevent further deterioration, it's best to seek veterinary care for examination and treatment.
Additionally, if your cat exhibits symptoms beyond eye inflammation, such as sneezing, a runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, fever, or lethargy, it may indicate that the eye infection is related to feline rhinotracheitis or feline calicivirus. In such cases, prompt veterinary attention is necessary.