Home Remedies for Cat's Eye Infection [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 eye infection can make some pet owners nervous as they gently wipe each tear duct. Not to worry though, there are several home solutions for your cat's eye infections.

 

 

What is an Eye Infection?

Eye infections in cats 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.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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 Eye Infections

It's rather difficult to prevent a kitten 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.

 

 

Home Solutions for Eye Infection in Cats

Because bacteria has been a common affliction throughout the world, there are several home solutions to deal with cat eye discharge or infections. 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 cat eye boogers 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 as a home remedy. 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.

 

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.

 

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 solutions to assist you in such a predicament