The cat’s eyes are festering—this is always an alarming sign that no pet owner should ignore. The condition of a cat’s eyes often reflects its overall health, and the appearance of purulent discharge signals the need for immediate attention. To respond promptly and effectively, it’s essential to understand the possible causes of this issue, recognize the different types of discharge, and take the necessary steps to prevent eye-related diseases. This article will guide you through everything you need to know.
Eye discharge is not necessarily a sign of disease. There are many reasons why the eyes of a cat may be suppurate: from mechanical damage to the eyeball to anatomical features caused by genetics.
Conventionally, we can distinguish 4 categories of causes of eye suppuration: primary (ophthalmological) diseases, secondary, breed characteristics, and infectious diseases.
Primary diseases
The most common diseases of the visual organs that cause purulent discharge include conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, and inversion and eversion of the eyelid.
Conjunctivitis is an inflammatory disease of the mucous membrane of the eye – it may be caused by food allergies in cats, viral or bacterial infections, bruises, injuries, and other reasons. The disease requires timely diagnosis and prompt treatment, which should take place under the supervision of a veterinarian.
This can cause an inflammation of the eyelid’s edges, combined with discharge and itching; however, inflammation of the eyes can also be accompanied by a change in the animal’s behaviour. The disease has been caused by mechanical traumas to the eye; these could be infections or even fungi. Blepharitis sometimes can accompany other diseases- like kidney failure, hence symptoms such as blepharitis at any point should not be slighted.
Keratitis is a disease that develops inside the cornea of an eye because of trauma, infection, or fungi and can also be a breed characteristic of an animal. For instance, brachycephalic cats with flat muzzle- and sphynx breeds are more prone to developing keratitis.
Inversion and eversion of the eyelid feature lacrimation, the presence of purulent discharge, redness of the conjunctiva, and other signs. During the disease, eyelashes and edges of the eyelid of the animal are in unnatural position and lie inward or outward.
Secondary diseases
Secondary diseases of the visual apparatus are associated with various chemical and physical factors: bruises, mechanical injuries, and the entry of foreign objects.
Mechanical injuries
Eye injuries are very common, especially if the cat spends much time outdoors or lives in the same area with other pets.
The most dangerous are injuries caused by other animals: under the claws of cats, there is pathogenic microflora, which, getting into the wound site, begins to actively multiply, causing an inflammatory process.
If you notice that after a walk or playing with another pet, your cat squints its eye or keeps it closed, there is tearing or purulent discharge, contact your veterinarian immediately. The doctor will prescribe the necessary medications for treatment or decide on surgery. You must act immediately: without proper treatment, such injuries can result in the death of the eye or the development of serious diseases of the visual apparatus.
Foreign object
Foreign bodies can damage the cornea or sclera and may be associated with redness, lacrimation, inflammation of the eyes, and mucopurulent discharge. Foreign bodies may include dust and pollen, wool, fluff, sand, and other debris that a pet might encounter in and around the home and outdoors.
In most cases, the structure of the eye allows the cat to get rid of a foreign body without outside interference. When a foreign object gets in, tears are secreted intensively and rapid blinking is observed: such a reaction of the visual apparatus allows the object to be mechanically removed from the surface of the eye.
If you cannot remove the foreign body naturally, contact a veterinarian: he will flush your pet’s eye with a special solution and, if necessary, remove the object with tweezers.
Blockage of the nasolacrimal ducts
Nasolacrimal ducts are used to drain excess tear fluid. Blockage of lacrimal points can occur because of the accumulation of bacteria and dust and can be a result of previous illnesses, such as herpes virus infection and rhinotracheitis.
Obstruction of the nasolacrimal canals leads to the development of chronic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and other diseases of the visual organs. Treatment of the disease should be carried out only under the supervision of a specialist: the veterinarian prescribes local therapy in the form of antibacterial drops and antimicrobial ointments or decides on surgical bougienage of the canal.
Infectious diseases affecting the organs of vision
Purulent discharge often acts as a symptom of infectious diseases but is not their main marker.
Herpesvirus, calicivirus infection, and chlamydia can be accompanied by the appearance of discharge from the eyes. To accurately diagnose these diseases, you need to visit a veterinary clinic. A specialist will assess the condition of the pet and prescribe tests, if necessary.
Breed characteristics
Some breeds of cats are prone to ophthalmological pathologies. This is due to the specific structure of the muzzle and eyelids, as well as other genetic characteristics.
Symptoms of Cat Eye Diseases
Every illness of the visual organ has its symptoms, and without asking a vet, it’s impossible to make an exact diagnosis. However, there are some symptoms by which you will understand that your pet is in danger:
- The cat does not open eyes or keeps them half-closed, and blinks and squints frequently.
- Increased lacrimation and purulent discharge from the eyes.
- The cat does not let the owner approach it and will not even allow him to touch its muzzle.
- The eye changes its shape or increases in size and becomes inflamed and red.
- Damage or other changes that are not normal are visible on the surface of the eye.
- Photophobia or lack of pupillary response to light is noted;
- The pet has a poor spatial orientation.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact a veterinary clinic. A Timely and accurate diagnosis of the disease will help return your pet to normal and avoid possible complications.
Diagnosis of eye inflammation in cats
Let’s repeat: only a veterinarian can correctly diagnose an eye disease. To make the right diagnosis, the veterinarian may require the following tests and procedures.
Ultrasound of the visual organs
Ultrasound of the visual organs allows you to exclude the presence of neoplasms, detect a foreign object, and assess the general condition of the visual apparatus. No special preparation is required for ultrasound, this diagnostic method is safe and painless for the pet.
Fluorescein test
The fluorescein test is to identify corneal damage diagnosis and to let an erosion, or ulcer, and also to assess the presence, size, and seriousness of the disease in corneal keratitis.
During the test, a veterinary ophthalmologist places a couple of drops of fluorescein on the surface of the pet’s eye and then rinses it thoroughly with saline. The “sick” areas of the eye turn green, and based on this, the veterinarian can determine the degree and severity of the disease, its nature, and its location. The fluorescein test allows you to detect eye diseases at the earliest stages.
Measuring intraocular pressure
Measuring intraocular pressure is done when glaucoma and uveitis are suspected. The procedure is performed with a special device, does not take much time, and is painless for the pet.
Lacrimal duct patency test
The test is performed using fluorescein dye. The solution is dropped into the eye, and the animal’s head is tilted slightly downwards. If the canal is normally passable, the nostril area turns greenish in 1-2 minutes; if it is difficult, it takes 5-10 minutes. If there is no coloring at all, this indicates that the lacrimal canal is blocked.
Smear or scraping
Smears and scrapings allow the detection of viral, fungal, and bacterial flora and the examination of the eye for tissue changes.
Types of eye discharge
A healthy pet has a clear liquid secretion coming out of its eyes in small quantities. Thanks to such secretions, the eye is cleared of dust and other small contaminants of the environment. During hygiene procedures, the cat itself gets rid of the remaining secretion.
If the colour and nature of the discharge from the eyes changes and becomes brown, greenish-yellowish or another shade different from normal, you need to carefully observe the behavior of your pet: perhaps its health requires the help of a specialist.
- Brown discharge mixed with pus is a sign of a bacterial infection. If other symptoms join the eye suppuration – lethargy, nasal discharge, or loss of appetite – immediately consult a veterinarian.
- Abundant and thick transparent discharge is often a companion to a viral infection.
- Dark discharge without any pus may appear when the tear ducts are not functioning properly.
- If the discharge resembles normal tears, the cat most likely has an allergy. Allergies can be recognized by swelling and redness of the eyes.
It is also necessary to conduct several tests and studies before making an accurate diagnosis. Treating a cat, without a doctor’s prescription, based only on the color and nature of discharge, is dangerous to the health of the cat.
What to do first when your eyes are festering
If your eyes are festering, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. If you can’t make an appointment quickly, you can consult with your veterinarian remotely to recommend safe eyewash products.
Minor discharge can be removed with saline or an aqueous solution of chlorhexidine. Veteran is also suitable: it has a disinfectant effect and helps to gently relieve inflammation. To remove dirt, soak a napkin or tampon in a room temperature solution and carefully remove the remaining secretion in the direction from the outer corner of the eye to the inner. You cannot move in the opposite direction: dirt can get into the pet’s eye and cause inflammation.
Treatment of diseases
For the treatment to be effective, the veterinarian has to correctly determine the underlying cause that led to the appearance of purulent discharge. The elimination of symptoms alone will only have a temporary effect, while the disease itself will continue to develop, threatening the cat’s health.
- If eye suppuration is associated with mechanical trauma to the eye or the ingress of a foreign object, local therapy in the form of drops and ointments, or even surgical intervention may be required.
- The treatment of ophthalmologic diseases aims to eliminate the underlying infection irritation. These can be due to bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Mild diseases are treated by rinsing the eyes, resting, and a well-balanced diet. More serious infections require antibiotics, ointments, and eye drops.
- If the discharge is a complication of diseases such as chlamydia, herpes virus, and calicivirus infection, treatment will be directed at treating the underlying disease.
- Allergic reactions are treated by taking antihistamines and limiting contact with the allergen.
During treatment, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the veterinarian and pay special attention to the behaviour and well-being of the cat.
How and what to wash a kitten’s eyes with
If the kitten suffers from purulent discharge of the eyes, first, you need to address the veterinarian. Do not decide on the selection of ointments and drops with your own judgment since different drugs have a specific action and are meant for the specific elimination of certain symptoms.
- Antiseptic drops help fight bacteria that cause inflammation and are used to treat purulent discharge.
- Metabolic activate tissue regeneration and are used for keratitis, erosions, and corneal dystrophy.
- Antihistaminic drugs are applied to an allergic reaction of various characters, relieving the suffering symptoms.
- Immunomodulatory agents are used for eye diseases caused by viral and bacterial infections and help improve the general condition.
- Anti-inflammatory drops help relieve inflammation and promote cell regeneration.
- Immunomodulatory agents are used for eye diseases caused by viral and bacterial infections and help improve the general condition.
- Anti-inflammatory drops help relieve inflammation and promote cell regeneration.
Using folk remedies or solutions based on recommendations from friends or the Internet is not advised. The concentration of the active substance can be too weak or too strong for your pet, and its treatment may be delayed. Furthermore, you should not use any alcohol-containing products: these can cause chemical burns and eye injuries.
You should wash your eyes only with a solution prescribed by your veterinarian. To properly perform the procedure, follow these tips:
- Prepare a place where you will not be disturbed by other animals or extraneous sounds and smells.
- Calm your pet down, reward him with a treat, and make him feel comfortable.
- Place the kitten on its side, support its head with one hand, and lift it slightly.
- Additionally, secure the pet with a towel or involve an assistant so that the kitten does not break free.
- Carefully open the eye and drop the drops. Hold the muzzle so that the kitten does not turn its head.
- Make sure the drops are evenly distributed over the surface of the eye. Remove excess with gauze or a swab.
- Reward the kitten with affection or a treat.
Prevention of eye diseases in cats
To ensure your pet has a lesser probability of getting eye diseases, follow the simple rules:
- Perform the rinsing procedure with special solutions as your veterinarian recommends.
- Do not forget to vaccinate your cat on schedule as it lessens the risk of developing infectious diseases.
- Ensure that hygiene is maintained on your pet and remove any crust and residual secretions from the corners of your pet’s eyes using a cotton pad.
- Take your cat to the vet regularly: once a year till the age of 7 and once every six months after the age of 7.
- Examine the surface of your pet’s eyes periodically and contact a veterinary clinic in case of changes.
- Don’t self-medicate; entrust the care of your cat’s health to a specialist.
If the eye condition speaks of something having gone wrong with the cat’s body, then do not hesitate to go to the vet. Only timely reaction and proper treatment will help eliminate the disease and prevent complications.
