Causes of Red, Swollen Eyes in Cats: Possible Reasons
Red and Swollen Cat Eyes: Causes and Treatment Methods
1. Conjunctivitis as the Culprit
Conjunctivitis is a common eye condition in cats, especially kittens. Its telltale signs include red, watery eyes that are difficult to open, along with excessive tearing, discharge, and swollen conjunctiva. In some cases, cats may also experience respiratory infections, leading to symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.
Treatment for Conjunctivitis: The treatment for conjunctivitis typically involves the use of eye ointments or drops, subconjunctival injections, and systemic medications. The choice of medication depends on the underlying cause. For instance, if the conjunctivitis is due to chlamydial infection, antibiotic eye drops are recommended. On the other hand, if the condition is caused by herpesvirus, antiviral eye drops and systemic antiviral medications are necessary.
2. Diet Issues
Improper diet can also be a common reason for a cat's red, swollen, and watery eyes. If the cat's food contains high levels of oil and salt, or if the owner inadvertently feeds the cat too much human food, it can lead to internal heat, causing the eyes to swell and become difficult to open. Therefore, it's crucial for owners to ensure their cats consume lowoil and lowsalt foods, with a preference for a light and healthy diet. It's also important to encourage the cat to drink plenty of water to alleviate the burden on its digestive system. Owners should never underestimate the impact of small amounts of food, as even a little bit each day can accumulate over time. Cats have sensitive digestive systems, and improper feeding can lead to various gastrointestinal issues. It's essential for owners to take their cat's diet seriously.
3. Foreign Body Irritation
Cats' eyes can become uncomfortable and red due to foreign body irritation. This can occur when cats are too close to cooking activities, exposed to strong food odors, or when there's too much dust in the air. Additionally, if there's a foreign object in the cat's eye, it can cause discomfort. It's advisable for owners to keep cats away from cleaning and cooking areas to minimize exposure to irritants. If such an incident occurs, owners can help clean the cat's eye and apply gentamicin sulfate eye drops (Langduoqing) to alleviate redness, swelling, and excessive discharge.
This summary by Oxygen Pet Doctor provides potential causes for a cat's red and swollen eyes, hoping to offer assistance to cats suffering from eye infections.
