Possible Health Issues Caused by a Kitten's Closed Eyes

Opening eyes is a task that often leaves our feline friends in tears, a situation that can be quite distressing for cat owners. This issue might stem from a variety of causes, such as foreign objects, eye infections, or abnormalities in the eyelids. If left untreated, it can potentially harm a cat's vision. Let's delve into the common reasons behind a cat's inability to open their eyes and the solutions that can help alleviate this issue.

What's Causing My Kitten's Eyes to Stay Shut and Leak Tears?

1. Eye Infections

Eye infections are a frequent culprit behind excessive tear production, swelling, and difficulty opening the eyes. These infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses. For instance, the Feline Herpes Virus (FHV1) is a common viral eye disease that can lead to conjunctivitis, resulting in a flood of tears and discharge.

2. Foreign Body Irritation

Occasionally, dust, fur, or other tiny particles can find their way into a kitten's eyes, causing irritation. In such cases, you might notice the kitten frequently blinking or attempting to scratch at their eyes with their paws.

3. Eyelid Issues

Problems with the eyelids, such as ingrown eyelashes (eyelashes growing inward and scratching the eye), inversion, or eversion, can also lead to discomfort and excessive tearing. These issues typically require veterinary intervention to resolve.

4. Injuries

Cats may sustain injuries during play or fights, resulting in red, watery eyes and difficulty opening them. If you notice a visible wound or swelling, it's crucial to take your cat to a vet immediately for examination and treatment.

How to Handle a Kitten's Eyes That Won't Open and Keep流泪?

1. Cleaning and Care

● Gently wash your cat's eyes and surrounding area with sterile saline solution to remove any discharge and potential foreign objects.

● If your cat is scratching at their eyes, consider fitting them with an Elizabethan collar to prevent further injury and infection.

2. Medication Treatment

For cats without other significant symptoms, antibiotic eye drops can be used to prevent and alleviate eye infections.

Some commonly used eye drops include:

● Tobramycin Eye Drops: A broadspectrum antibiotic, it is suitable for bacterial corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis, and blepharitis, but should not be used longterm to avoid increased intraocular pressure.

● Ofloxacin Eye Drops: More potent than Tobramycin, it belongs to the fluoroquinolone class and is used for bacterial conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers caused by sensitive bacteria. However, longterm use can lead to corneal damage and vision loss, and is not recommended for kittens.

● Baytril (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Eye Drops): Another aminoglycoside antibiotic, this is a petspecific eye drop that is better suited for a cat's eye anatomy, with fewer side effects.

Should home treatment prove ineffective or if your cat exhibits additional symptoms like a runny nose, loss of appetite, lethargy, or fever, it's important to seek veterinary care promptly. If diagnosed with herpesvirus infection, treatment with ganciclovir or valacyclovir eye drops, along with systemic interferon, antibiotics, and nutritional supplements to boost the cat's immunity, may be necessary.