What to Do If Your Cat's Eye Is Red: Causes and Care
Seeing your beloved cat with a red eye can be concerning. While it may seem like a mild irritation, red eyes in felines can stem from various health issues—some of which require prompt veterinary intervention. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you respond effectively and preserve your cat’s eye health.
Common Causes of Red Eyes in Cats
A red eye in a cat is not an illness by itself but rather a symptom of an underlying problem. Here are common reasons why your cat might have red eyes:
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is the inflammation of the conjunctiva—the clear tissue lining the eyelid and eyeball. Causes include viral or bacterial infections, allergens, or irritants. Symptoms include watery or thick discharge, squinting, frequent blinking, and itchiness.
- Corneal Injuries: Scratches and ulcers on the cornea may result from fights, rough play, or foreign objects. Look for redness, increased tearing, and squinting.
- Eye Infections: Bacterial or viral infections often back up into the eye via the respiratory tract. Common signs are discharge, lethargy, sneezing, and red eyes.
- Allergies: Your cat may be allergic to dust, pollen, or mold. Symptoms include sneezing, red, itchy eyes, and clear watery discharge.
- Irritants: Chemicals, cigarette smoke, or strong fragrances can irritate a cat's eyes, leading to redness and discomfort.
- Glaucoma: This occurs when pressure inside the eye increases and damages the optic nerve. In addition to redness, look for cloudy eyes and changes in pupil size. This condition is serious and requires immediate treatment.
- Uveitis: Inflammation in the eye’s internal structures may indicate infections, immune disorders, or trauma and is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and color changes in the iris.
- Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): Insufficient tear production can make eyes dry, red, and sticky due to thickened discharge.
- Trauma: Physical injury from another animal or an object can lead to visible redness, swelling, or even bleeding in or around the eye.
- Foreign Bodies: Small items like grass, seed casings, or dirt can get stuck in the eye, causing irritation and redness.
Symptoms to Watch For
When assessing your cat’s condition, pay attention to the following symptoms which may accompany red eyes:
- Clear, yellow, green, or bloody discharge
- Swelling around the eye area
- Squinting or blinking frequently
- Change in behavior (lethargy, hiding)
- Inability to open the eye
- Pupil size irregularities
- Light sensitivity
- Apparent vision loss
Diagnosing Red Eyes in Cats
A veterinarian will perform a thorough physical and ocular examination. Diagnostic tests may include:
- Fluorescein staining: Highlights corneal injuries or scratches
- Tear production test: Evaluates for dry eye
- Intraocular pressure measurement: Screens for glaucoma
- Ophthalmic imaging: Helps identify structural damage or hidden foreign materials
- Blood work: Detects systemic diseases or infections
Whether one or both eyes are affected can help differentiate between localized injuries (usually one eye) and systemic or infectious diseases (often both eyes).
Treatment Options
Treatment will depend on the exact cause. Common treatments include:
- Topical ointments or drops: These may contain antibiotics, antivirals, or steroids
- Oral medications: Prescribed for systemic infections or inflammation
- Flushing: To remove irritants or foreign bodies
- Cleaning the eye: Use a moistened gauze or cotton ball to gently clean away discharge, if advised by the vet
- Environmental management: Reduce allergens or eliminate irritants
- Quarantining: To prevent spread if the condition is contagious, especially in multi-pet homes
- Surgery: For severe injuries or structural complications
Important: Never use human eye drops or leftover pet medications unless prescribed by a vet. Many substances are toxic to cats.
When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
Prompt action is necessary if you notice:
- Severe swelling, pain, or obvious trauma
- Persistent squinting or inability to open the eye
- Changes in vision or unusual pupil size
- No improvement within 24–48 hours
Delayed treatment could result in permanent vision loss or advancement of the underlying disease.
How to Monitor Eye Health at Home
To support your cat’s ocular well-being, take these preventive steps:
- Regularly check your cat’s eyes in good lighting
- Look for consistent signs like redness, cloudiness, or discharge
- Keep the environment clean and smoke-free
- Maintain routine veterinary visits and vaccinations
- Minimize exposure to outdoor allergens or hazards
In summary, red eyes in cats are often a sign of an underlying issue that ranges from mild irritation to vision-threatening disease. Observing accompanying signs and acting promptly by consulting a veterinarian will help ensure your cat remains healthy and comfortable.
