Understanding the Causes of Red Eyes in Cats
If your cat's eyes look red and irritated, you're right to be concerned. Red eyes in cats are a common symptom that can signal anything from mild irritation to serious health problems. Knowing what might be behind this symptom helps you act quickly and keep your feline friend comfortable and safe.
Common Causes of Red Eyes
A cat's eye turns red when blood vessels in the eye tissues dilate or the conjunctiva becomes inflamed. This can happen for several reasons:
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye): The clear tissue lining the eyelids and part of the eyeball gets inflamed. Viruses (like feline herpesvirus), bacteria, allergens, or irritants can trigger it. Expect discharge, squinting, frequent blinking, and itching.
- Corneal injuries: Scratches or ulcers on the cornea may result from play, fights, or foreign matter. These cause tearing, redness, and squinting.
- Eye infections: Viral or bacterial infections—sometimes tied to upper respiratory illness—bring redness, discharge, sneezing, and lethargy.
- Allergies: Dust, pollen, mold, or environmental irritants can make your cat’s eyes red and itchy with watery discharge. Sneezing often goes hand-in-hand.
- Irritants: Cigarette smoke, cleaning agents, perfumes, or chemicals may irritate the eyes and cause redness.
- Glaucoma: This serious condition involves increased pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve. Look for cloudiness, dilated pupils, vision changes along with redness.
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the eye's middle structures due to trauma, infection, immune disorders or systemic disease. Symptoms include redness, squinting, tearing, light sensitivity and sometimes iris color changes.
- Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca): Insufficient tear production leads to dryness, redness and thick sticky discharge.
- Trauma: Injuries from other animals or rough play can cause swelling or bleeding around one or both eyes.
- Obstructions/foreign bodies: Dirt or grass stuck in the eye will irritate tissues and cause redness.
Sings to Watch For
You might notice more than just redness if your cat has an eye problem. Other symptoms include:
- Discharge (clear to yellow/green/bloody)
- Swelling around the eye
- Squinting or frequent blinking
- Trouble opening the eye
- Mucus buildup (thicker secretion)
If chronic diseases like cancer or autoimmune disorders are present (for example with uveitis), ongoing inflammation may lead to persistent redness as well.
The Diagnostic Process
Your vet will start with a physical exam and close inspection of your cat’s eyes. They might use tests such as:
- Fluorescein staining (to check for corneal injuries)
- Tear production assessment
- Intraocular pressure measurement (for glaucoma)
- Bood work and imaging if a systemic issue is suspected
If only one eye is affected it could point toward injury; both eyes suggest infection or a broader health issue.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on what's causing those red eyes but may include:
- Topical ointments/drops: antibiotics for infections; antivirals for viral causes; steroids for inflammation (but only under veterinary direction).
- Oral medications: sometimes needed for deeper infections or immune-related issues.
- Cleansing: gently cleaning away discharge with moistened gauze/cotton ball helps comfort your cat.
- Surgery: required for severe injury or certain diseases like glaucoma that don’t respond to medication.
If allergies are at fault you’ll need to reduce exposure to triggers like dust or smoke. Quarantining may be necessary if an infectious cause is suspected—especially if you have multiple cats at home. Never use human eye drops unless specifically told by your vet; some substances are toxic to cats!
When Is It an Emergency?
- Painful swelling around one/both eyes
- Your cat can't open its eye(s)
- You see vision loss or drastic behavior changes
If symptoms don’t improve within 24–48 hours after starting treatment—or if they get worse—seek immediate veterinary attention. Waiting too long risks permanent vision loss or more severe health problems.
Caring For Your Cat’s Eye Health
- Examine your cat’s eyes regularly in good lighting for signs of trouble: redness; swelling; cloudiness; excessive tearing; pupil size changes.
- Stay current on vaccinations.
- Avoid exposing your pet to known allergens.
- If you spot any unusual symptoms—especially sudden ones—make a vet appointment promptly.
Your vigilance keeps your cat’s vision sharp and its life comfortable!
