Cat Eye Inflammation: Medication & Causes to Consider

Oh no, your feline friend's eyes are inflamed! Don't worry; we're here to guide you through what to do and which medications might help.

Remember the key points!

The right approach is to first understand the cause and location of the inflammation before considering any medication.

What Causes Cat Eye Inflammation?

Cat eye inflammation can stem from a variety of factors, such as bacterial infections, viral infections, allergic reactions, foreign body irritation, eye injuries, and more. Depending on the type of infection, there are primarily three categories:

▶ Bacterial Infection: Often starts as a single eye infection, which may spread to both eyes if scratched. Generally, there are no systemic symptoms.

▶ Allergic Reaction: May be triggered by food, pollen, dust mites, or other environmental allergens, often accompanied by symptoms like watery eyes, sneezing, and skin swelling.

▶ Viral Infection: Commonly seen with herpesvirus infections, which can include symptoms like runny nose (starting with clear discharge and progressing to pus), fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

Additionally, the location of the inflammation can influence the choice of medication.

Here are some common types of eye inflammation:

1. Conjunctivitis: Characterized by red conjunctiva, blurred vision, difficulty opening the eyes, watery eyes, increased eye discharge (either serous or purulent), photophobia, and frequent blinking.

2. Corneal Ulcer: Features cloudy cornea, photophobia, conjunctival injection, increased discharge, blurred vision, and eye pain.

3. Lid Margin Inflammation (Blepharitis): Includes redness around the eyes, hair loss, increased discharge, and conjunctival injection.

What Medications Can You Use for Cat Eye Inflammation?

1. Saline Solution: Ideal for cleaning the cat's eyes, it helps remove inflammatory secretions, alleviate discomfort, and prevent infection from worsening.

2. Baytril (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim): Effective for treating bacterial conjunctivitis and mild corneal ulcers, it's gentle and safe for kittens.

3. Levofloxacin Eye Drops: Offers stronger antibacterial properties, suitable for more severe conjunctivitis and mild corneal ulcers, ideal for adult cats.

4. Acyclovir Eye Drops: Used for conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers caused by herpesvirus infections, it should be used in conjunction with oral antibiotics and antiviral medications, as treating the eye inflammation alone may not fully control the condition.

5. Corticosteroid Eye Drops: Such as Olopatadine, Tobramycin/Dexamethasone, and Prednisolone Acetate, are used for noninfectious conjunctivitis caused by allergies or autoimmune diseases.

6. Erythromycin Ointment/Gentamicin Ointment: Used for blepharitis, applied directly to the eyelid area. It can also be used with Baytril (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim) eye drops to relieve bacterial conjunctivitis and blepharitis.

How to Administer the Medication

● Conjunctivitis: Gently pull the cat's eyelid open and place the drops directly onto the inflamed conjunctiva.

● Corneal Ulcer: Apply the drops directly onto the eye surface.

● Blepharitis: Apply the ointment to the eyelid area, and the eye drops into the eye. Gently massage the eyelids to ensure even distribution of the medication.

Important Considerations

• Avoid Human Medications: Never give your cat human medications without consulting a vet, as some ingredients safe for humans can be harmful to cats.

• Monitor Your Cat's Symptoms: Keep a close eye on whether there's improvement. If the condition doesn't improve or worsens, contact your vet immediately.

• Prevent Scratching: Keep your cat from scratching the affected eye. If necessary, consider using an Elizabethan collar to protect the eye.

In summary, when your cat's eyes become inflamed, it's crucial to understand the cause and type of infection before administering any medication. If you're unsure about the diagnosis, it's best to seek veterinary care.