Red, Swollen Cat Eyes: Effective Medications & Treatmen

When your feline friend's eyes become red, swollen, and watery, making it difficult for them to open them, it's often a sign of an infection, whether bacterial or viral. The appropriate treatment depends on identifying the root cause. This can be overwhelming for many cat owners, especially when they're unsure about the underlying issue or how to address it. Fear not! Today, we're diving into the specifics of why cats' eyes might swell and water, and we'll also discuss the right medications to use.

Understanding the Common Causes of Red, Swollen, and Watery Eyes in Cats

It's important to know that there can be various reasons behind a cat's red, swollen, and watery eyes, including bacterial or fungal infections, injuries, foreign body irritation, contagious diseases, allergies, and even tumors. However, the most frequent culprits are typically bacterial infections and contagious diseases, which we'll delve into further.

1. Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infections can stem from injuries, foreign objects, or even tear stains. Cats with this condition might exhibit symptoms like redness, difficulty opening their eyes, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, and a tendency to paw at their eyes.

2. Contagious Diseases

These include herpesvirus (feline rhinotracheitis), calicivirus, chlamydia, and mycoplasma. The herpesvirus and calicivirus are viral and often present with additional symptoms such as runny nose, decreased appetite, lethargy, and fever. Chlamydia and mycoplasma, which are somewhere between bacteria and viruses, can also lead to upper respiratory infections along with the eye symptoms mentioned.

What Medications Can Be Used to Treat Red, Swollen, and Watery Eyes in Cats?

1. Bacterial Infection

For bacterial infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis, topical antibiotics are usually the goto treatment. Here are some options:

● Tobramycin Eye Drops: Effective against sensitive strains of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but should not be used for extended periods.

● Baytril (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Eye Drops): Suitable for treating conjunctivitis and keratitis caused by sensitive Gramnegative bacteria, such as Staphylococcus species, Proteus, and Escherichia coli, and can help alleviate redness, tearing, and pain.

● Ofloxacin Eye Drops: A broadspectrum fluoroquinolone with potent antibacterial activity against both Gramnegative and Grampositive bacteria, but longterm use may lead to drug resistance and potential corneal damage, so it's not recommended for kittens.

2. Viral Infection

For viral infections like herpesvirus, antiviral eye drops containing acyclovir or ganciclovir are used. If there's a secondary bacterial infection, alternating with antibiotic eye drops is necessary.

For calicivirus, chloramphenicol eye drops or gentamicin ointment can be applied, along with oral enrofloxacin for inflammation.

Keep in mind that eye drops alone may not be sufficient for viral conjunctivitis. A combination of interferon, oral or injectable antibiotics, nutritional supplements, and other symptomatic treatments may be needed.

3. Mycoplasma/Chlamydia

Eye drops containing tetracycline or azithromycin can help reduce inflammation. If these are not available, you can use a 2%3% boric acid solution to rinse the eyes followed by chloramphenicol eye drops. Additionally, administering Fenbendazole (Doxycycline Hyclate Tablets) to your cat can help control internal inflammation and prevent secondary infections.

In summary, when your cat's eyes are red, swollen, and watery, it's crucial to pinpoint the cause before selecting the right medication. If symptoms persist or worsen, it's essential to seek veterinary care promptly to avoid complications.