Preventing and Treating Cat Conjunctivitis: Essential T

What is Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis, simply put, is inflammation of the conjunctiva—a mucous membrane that resembles the moist lining of our mouths and nostrils. This 'mucous membrane' is essentially a layer of epithelial cells that secrete mucus. The conjunctiva is a specific type of this tissue that covers the surface of the eye and eyelids.

Therefore, when we talk about the conjunctiva in this article, we are referring to three main parts:

The palpebral conjunctiva, which includes the upper and lower eyelids (essentially the inside layer of the eyelids, normally a light pink color and not visible unless you flip or pull back the eyelids).

The bulbar conjunctiva, which is the conjunctiva covering the surface of the eye.

The third eyelid conjunctiva, which humans do not have.

When conjunctivitis occurs, these conjunctivae can become red and swollen, leading to puffy eyelids, increased tears, and possibly cloudy discharge. Conjunctivitis can affect just one eye or both.

Causes of Feline Conjunctivitis

Feline conjunctivitis is categorized into two types: infectious and noninfectious, with the majority being infectious:

Infectious Causes of Conjunctivitis

Caused by various viruses, with the feline herpesvirus (also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis/FVR) being the most common.

Can also be caused by bacteria, such as chlamydia, which can lead to eye infections as a complication of upper respiratory infections, causing cats to sneeze and have red eyes or excessive tearing.

Bacteria like streptococcus and staphylococcus can also cause conjunctivitis.

NonInfectious Causes of Conjunctivitis

Noninfectious causes are generally allergies or irritants like dust, pollen, etc., that can affect a cat's eyes.

Other environmental irritants, such as mold, smoke, or unsuitable shampoos for cats, can also lead to conjunctivitis.

Eye inflammation can also result from fighting injuries, sunburn (more common in cats with white fur around the eyes, as the pigmented areas around the eyes offer some protection), or even from a cat's hair brushing against its eye due to a loss of fat in the back of the eye, causing the eyelids to roll inward.

Another possibility is that cats with immunesuppressing diseases, such as feline leukemia virus/FeLV or feline immunodeficiency virus/FIV, have lower immunity and poor health, making them more susceptible to infections.

In addition, cats that rapidly lose weight, or those with significant weight loss due to illness, may develop conjunctivitis due to the deepening of the eye sockets and the inward rolling of the eyelids, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye, leading to irritation and inflammation.

In summary, the causes of conjunctivitis are varied, but they generally involve bacteria, viruses, or factors such as trauma, external friction, or irritation.

Symptoms of Feline Conjunctivitis

The common symptoms of conjunctivitis include red, swollen, and inflamed eyes, possibly with a third eyelid that is more prominent than usual. Cats' eyes may also have white, yellowgreen, or clear discharge.

If a cat has feline influenza, symptoms like ulcers on the tongue and gums, sneezing, lethargy, and loss of appetite may also occur. Additionally, due to inflammation or ulcers (irregularities or abnormalities in the eye surface), the normally bright and clear eyes may appear abnormal.

Treatment of Feline Conjunctivitis

Nonspecific conjunctivitis is generally treated with broadspectrum antibiotics to control secondary bacterial infections and antiinflammatory medications to reduce inflammation, usually in the form of eye drops or ointments.

Herpesviral Conjunctivitis

Although these infections are often mild and selflimiting, infected cats remain carriers of the virus and may experience intermittent recurrences.

Mild cases can sometimes be left untreated.

Antiviral medications may be used for severe or nonresponsive cases.

Llysine can be used to promote healing and can act as an immunostimulant for cats that have recurrent episodes.

Antibiotics are usually used if there is a secondary bacterial infection.

Interferonα can be used as an immunostimulant.

Chlamydial or Mycoplasma Conjunctivitis

Tetracycline ointment for the eyes.

Oral azithromycin as an antibiotic.

Eosinophilic or Allergic Conjunctivitis

Topical corticosteroid ointments or drops.

Local medications to stop or reduce allergic reactions.

It is important to note that the specific cause of a cat's conjunctivitis should be diagnosed by a veterinarian before treatment. Owners should not use eye drops or ointments recommended by 'online friends' without consulting a professional, as these may not be suitable and could worsen the condition.

Prevention of Feline Conjunctivitis

Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis can be transmitted to other cats, so it is important to isolate the affected cat. Additionally, owners should wash their hands and disinfect after handling the sick cat to prevent transmission.

Vaccination

Maintaining uptodate vaccinations, especially for feline herpesvirus, can help reduce the risk of conjunctivitis. Since feline influenza is a common cause of conjunctivitis, vaccinations can significantly lower this risk.

Play Safety

Remove any sharp objects that could cause injury during play, as cats may injure their eyes while jumping or playing. If there are two cats, be aware that fighting can also be a factor, as cat claws can be quite damaging.

Stress Reduction

Stress can lead to recurrent viral conjunctivitis. When cats are stressed, their immune systems often respond first—lowering their immunity.

Cleaning the Cat's Eyes

Use a clean, gentle, and nonirritating cloth to wipe the cat's eyelashes to prevent dust from entering the eyes.

Other factors, such as pollen carried in through open windows, perfumes, or air fresheners used in the home, should also be considered as potential irritants.