Cat Eye Infection Home Remedies [6 Easy & Simple Solutions]

 

Has your cat's eye been winking at your excessively? Is your pet stuck in a perpetual blinking motion? Is there discharge and redness coming from your cat’s eye? Do they have swollen eyes? Unfortunately, it sounds like your cat has an eye infection. An eye infection for cats is much like an eye infection for humans.

 

It may be a bacterial or viral infections. A cat's eye infection can make some pet owners nervous as they gently wipe each tear duct. Not to worry though, there are several home remedies for cat eye infections. An infection in cats' eyes are typically caused by foreign agents such as bacteria or fungi invading the eye.

 

Many times, a cat eye infection can be a secondary ailment caused by a much larger underlying medical issue. Because many cats are extremely adventurous, it’s very likely that you will have to deal with an eye infection in your pet at one time or another. Before we discuss a remedy, and all the ways you can combat and hopefully prevent cat eye infection, let's break down what it is and how it can affect your furry friend.

 

 

What is an Eye Infection?

Cat eye infections are the result of bacteria, fungi, or viruses that penetrate the eyeball or eyelids. Viral infections break down into two categories, infections in the clear front of the eye (cornea) and infections in the thin layer lining the eye and eyelids (conjunctiva). An eye infection in a cat can be a number of different things.

 

Typically, eye infections and eye discharge are because of feline upper respiratory infections. Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is also a common culprit. Infections caused by bacteria or viruses, and may be a secondary ailment connected to something much larger.

 

 

Common Causes of Eye Infection in Cats

Eye infections in cats can stem from various causes, many of which are highly contagious and can spread rapidly between cats during interactions. However, these infections cannot be transmitted from cats to humans. Cats are also more susceptible to eye infections after spending extended periods in communal pet areas, such as kennels.

 

There are various causes for eye infections in cats. Many infections are highly contagious and are passed from cat to cat within seconds of interaction. A cat cannot transfer their eye infections to humans. Your cat is also more likely to contract an eye infection after spending extended periods of time in communal pet areas such as kennels.

 

 

Conjunctivitis

More commonly called Pink Eye ( can either be a bacterial infection or a viral infection), cat conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the lining around your cat’s eye. Much like pink eye in humans, this condition will cause swelling and red eyes. A cat with conjunctivitis along with fever, diarrhea, and labored breathing can point to potentially fatal diseases.

 

To treat conjunctivitis in your cat, it is crucial to speak to your vet immediately if you notice symptoms such as redness, swelling, discharge from the eyes, or your cat frequently pawing at or squinting their eyes. They may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments, depending on whether the conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection, and they might also recommend anti-inflammatory medication if needed.

 

Additionally, your vet will assess whether the condition is due to other underlying issues such as allergies or a viral infection, which may require a different treatment approach. It's also important to note that conjunctivitis in cats is not contagious to humans. So while it's essential to maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection to other animals, there is no risk of you contracting pink eye from your cat.

 

 

Feline Upper Respiratory Infections

Many times, your cat's eye infection is the result of a feline upper respiratory infection. Contagious respiratory diseases may include feline calicivirus, pneumonitis, bacteria, and protozoa. Symptoms can include a pus-like eye discharge that affects the vision of your cat.

 

 

Corneal Disorders

The cornea can become overcome with bacteria or fungi which will make it inflamed or ulcerated. A cat with corneal disorders may excessively blink, be subject to inflammation, prolonged tear production, and cloudiness.

 

 

Dry Eye

Dry eye is a serious condition. A prolonged lack of tear production can lead to an inflamed cornea in a cat. Pus-like eye discharge and red eyes typically accompany dry eyes.

 

 

Uveitis

This painful condition is the inflammation of the internal structures of the eye. Uveitis is a common symptom of cats with cancer, immune system deficiencies, and other infections.

 

 

Other Causes

Outside of the things listed above, there are some other reasons your cat's eye infection started such as:

 

• A cat's food
• Feline herpes virus
• Feline conjunctivitis
• Feline immunodeficiency virus
• A foreign body
• Seasonal allergies
• Other pets
• Feline viral rhinotracheitis
• Corneal ulcers
• Environmental allergies

 

 

Symptoms of Eye Infection in Cats

Because eye infections in cats are caused by a number of different causes, the symptoms also vary greatly. The most common clinical signs of eye infections in a cat are among the following symptoms:

 

• Red Eyes
• Excessive blinking or winking
• Swollen eyes
• Inflamed third eyelid
• Rubbing eyes
• Cat eye discharge (green discharge or yellowish discharge)
• Sneezing or nasal discharge
• Vision reduction
• Deep ocular discharge in the cat's inner corner

 

 

Prevention of Cat Eye Infection

It's rather difficult to prevent a cat eye infection outright. If you are aware of another cat with an eye infection, make sure to keep your cat away from it. A cat will typically groom their eyes itself, but owners can help by using cotton swabs to wipe away built-up goo. There are several ways to prevent cat conjunctivitis.

 

Making sure to take care of your cat's immune system will go a long way when it comes to preventative measures. Vitamins A, C, and E are good antioxidants that also assist with eye health. Omega 3 fatty acids, such as fish oils, are also great for eye health. Vitamins and supplements are great for your cat's eyes, but will not prevent infections outright.

 

It's important to make sure they are getting their essential amino acid count as well. Conjunctivitis in cats can be the result of a number of things can result in a affected eye. Owners should keep up with yearly vaccinations to help regulate eye health. Make sure to avoid placing your cat in community pet areas and do daily check-ups at home for irregularities.

 

To clean your cat's eyes, PetMD recommends dipping a cotton ball in water. Owners can then wipe the damp ball from the corner of the eye outward. Grab a fresh, dry cotton ball to dry the eye. Use separate cotton balls for each eye. Conjunctivitis in cats shouldn't make you worry too much but eye irritation can open up the door for secondary infections to enter the affected eye.

 

 

Home Remedies for Eye Infection in Cats

Because bacteria has been a common affliction throughout the world, there are several home remedies to deal with eye infections in cats. Most of these remedies are at your local pet store, in the cat section. Cats suffering from a bacterial infection can find this to be an effective treatment.

 

 

L-Lysine

Feline herpesvirus is a common upper respiratory infection in cats that causes eye infections. L-Lysine is popular among the health community for use in both cats and humans to dispel the herpes virus symptoms. L-lysine is an amino acid that cannot synthesize inside the body, so it is attained through food and supplements. L-lysine is purchased at most pet stores and used at home.

 

 

Distilled Water Rinse

Another great way to handle a cat's eye infection is to moisten a cotton swab with distilled or sterile water. Wipe the goo out of your cat's eyes outward. Repeat this process to help with eye discharge and eyesight, although the infection may still persist. The method is best for getting debris out of your cat's eyes at home. Even though they may get watery eyes, make sure to get both tear ducts.

 

 

Warm Compress

This technique may be difficult to pull off, but it is rewarding. Soak a cloth in very warm water then wring it out so that it is not dripping. Press the cloth to your cat's eyes and hold it there for 60 seconds. You can repeat this process for each eye, separately, until you start to see redness decrease.

 

 

Cat Eye Rinse

There are several commercial cat-eye rinse products for sale at local pet stores for use at home. Make sure that when shopping for eye rinse for your cat, you are buying products that are reviewed and do not try to hide their labels. While not the first choice for viral conjunctivitis in cats, it's a great way to treat the eye infection at home before going to the vet about a possible underlying condition.

 

 

Honey

When topically applied, honey is known to help lessen inflammation and irritation in your eye. Owners can mix two tablespoons of organic honey with 2 tablespoons of distilled or sterile water. Make sure to shake and stir until the honey looks like it disappears. Owners can put 2 to 3 drops of the solution into the infected eye twice a day.

 

 

Oregon Grape

Oregon grape has antibacterial properties that can help fight conjunctivitis. Owners can place two drops of Oregon grape tincture into a half an ounce of distilled or sterile water. After the mix is complete, apply 2 to 3 drops of the solution into the infected eye twice daily.

 

Related Page: CBD for Cats

 

 

Final Thoughts - Cat Eye Infection Home Remedies

Next time you see your cat winking at your too much, it may not be a friendly greeting. Eye infections in cats are common, but can usually be easily remedied. Taking care of a cat's eye infection could is fairly straight forward. It being a viral infection or a result of some bacterial infections will still have the same effect on a cat's symptoms.

 

As an owner, you should be able to take care of your cat's eye infection at home. If your cat has reoccurring eye infections, please see a vet as this may be a sign that there is some underlying cause that might require oral antibiotics. In that case, it will be time to make a vet appointment. Antiviral medications can target a cat's conjunctivitis if there is a severe infection.

 

Veterinary medicine might offer other treatment options in severe cases that can prevent secondary bacterial infections. The root cause could be an underlying condition that could an with topical antibiotics. Feline upper respiratory infections, a bacterial infection, a foreign body, conjunctivitis, corneal disorders, dry eye, Uveitis, and Feline herpesvirus, are the most common causes of eye infections in cats.

 

The best way to prevent these ailments from befalling your pet is to keep a healthy and balanced diet filled with Vitamins A, C, and E and make sure to be cautious of shared pet areas. Thoroughly clean bedding and pillows that may have been infected or shared with infected pets. It doesn't take much to get an eye infection, but luckily there are several home remedies to assist you in such a predicament.