There’s nothing quite like the eyes of your cat. Whether your furry friend sports the captivating clear blue of a seeing those captivating colors dart along after their prey—even if it’s just their toy they’re stalking!—are mesmerizing. From their vertical pupils to the fascinating third eyelid that slides across like a curtain (called the nictitating membrane), and even the magic of cats with two different colored eyes (known as heterochromia iridis)—cat’s eyes are easily one of their most distinctive features.
That’s why it can be particularly worrisome as a cat owner to see your favorite feline’s eyes change from crystal clear. Cloudy eyes, or eyes that become watery or show discharge, and even an increase in blinking or squinting can mean your cat could have an eye infection—or something worse.
“It’s wise to seek veterinary advice with any new discharge from the eyes, regardless of what it looks like or if the cat is acting painful,” says veterinary ophthalmologist Mark Bobofchak, DVM, DACVO, with “Cats are very good at hiding discomfort and will often act normally even with serious eye conditions.”
Keep your own eyes peeled for trouble in your cat’s eyes, and learn to recognize common conditions that may cause infections, discharge, pain, and damage so you can get your cat treated quickly and effectively with help from your vet. Here’s a rundown of six common cat eye problems and what to do if your cat is exhibiting symptoms.
KTAYLORG / GETTYConjunctivitis aka Pink Eye
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in cats is an inflammation or infection of the outer layer of the eye or the inner surface of the eyelids. The eye appears red and swollen, with a discharge of a variety of colors. In most cases, cats cannot get eye infections from humans, or vice versa. But some causes of eye infections can be spread from cat to cat.
An eye exam by a veterinarian is crucial for diagnosing the condition properly. Your vet may prescribe antibiotics for your cat’s eye infection, and other eye drops or ointment for inflammations. Veterinarians do recommend that if conjunctivitis shows up again, you don’t reuse old eye drops or other medicine.
“Simple artificial tears that can be obtained from any pharmacy will almost never cause harm,” says Bobofchak. “However, sometimes the delay in seeking veterinary advice because of wanting to treat at home for a few days can result in a mild condition having time to progress to a more serious one.”
Causes can include upper respiratory infections; fungal, viral or bacteria; infections; environmental irritants like cleaners and other household chemicals; or even just a physical injury to the eye.
Blepharitis: Irritated Eyelids
The technical name for “inflammation of a cat’s eyelids,” blepharitis is most commonly caused by entropion—when an eyelid folds inward and rubs against the eye. Some cats can be especially prone to this condition, in particular kinds who have flat faces and more prominent folds of skin (think: Persian or Himalayan breeds). Other common causes that your veterinarian would need to diagnose can include infections, abnormalities from birth, allergic reactions, tumors affecting the eye, and inflammatory disorders. According to treatment for blepharitis in cats can range from warm compresses and eye drops, all the way to immunosuppressant drugs or even surgery. Your cat’s prognosis all depends on what’s causing the irritation of the eyelid, but it usually becomes manageable once the underlying condition is treated.
Cats are very good at hiding discomfort and will often act normally even with serious eye conditions.
— MARK BOBOFCHAK, DVM, DACVO
Cat Cataracts: When Older Cats’ Vision is Clouded
Just like people, cats can get cataracts, although it’s rare and usually seen in geriatric felines. The lens in the cat’s eye becomes cloudy and light has trouble getting in, impairing vision and sometimes causing blindness.
Veterinarians can diagnose the underlying problems that might be causing the damage and may be able to slow or stop worsening of the existing cataracts. Many cases are caused by eye inflammation or injury to the eye, but sometimes cats—just like people—are genetically predisposed to the condition. In some cases, cataracts can be removed with surgery.
