Cats are definitely one of the best pets to share your home with. Not only does petting them feel warm and fuzzy, but you can also take it as an opportunity to keep tabs on their health.

Feline herpesvirus ‍

Herpesvirus is one of the most common eye infections in cats. It's spread through contact with infected pets, which can carry it for life.

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What are the symptoms of feline herpesvirus?

- Eye discharge

- Corneal ulcers

- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

- Sneezing

- Squinting 

- Runny nose

- Congestion

- Fever

- Lethargy

- Decreased appetite

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What are the treatments for feline herpesvirus? 

- Your vet might prescribe antiviral eye medications to you.

- Antibiotics might be recommended for bacterial infections that also commonly occur with herpes.

- L-Lysine supplements are made from amino acids and can help to shorten your cat's cold symptoms. Ask your vet if they would be suitable for you.

- Your cat might be sensitive to certain smells, or have had a recent medical procedure. Make sure their food is not too hot and gently warm it up so it becomes more appetizing. If they don’t want to eat any more, you should immediately contact your veterinarian for advice!

Feline Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a result of the infection caused by an irritant (dust & smoke), bacteria, viruses and ulcers. The condition can also be caused by trauma, uveitis or glaucoma. The conjunctiva, which is the tissue that lines the eye and eyelid, becomes inflamed when this happens. Depending on the cause, symptoms could last 1 to 2 weeks or be a long-term problem.

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What are the treatments for conjunctivitis? 

If your favorite pet is suffering from conjunctivitis, always talk to your vet to get the best treatment possible. The first thing you should do is see your doctor who may prescribe topical medications like antibiotics or steroids.

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Feline Blepharitis

Blepharitis is one condition that can result in redness, swelling and irritation of the eyelids. One cause could be

- Bacteria, virus, parasite or fungus

- Allergy

- Trauma

- Cancer

- Solar dermatitis (skin damage due to prolonged exposure to UVB rays)

- A condition in cats known as Eosinophilic granuloma complex, can present with a variety of symptoms including skin lesions which affect the face or eyelids.

- A disease in which the immune system starts attacking various tissues and organs within the body.

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What are the treatments for blepharitis? 

Similar to conjunctivitis, or any eye-related infection or symptom, it’s important to go to the vet to identify the cause and determine the best way to treat it.

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Dust and other irritants

Dust can cause symptoms like those of an eye infection.

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What are the treatments for reactions to irritants? 

- Gently wipe your cat's eyes with a damp cloth to remove any discharge.

- If your pet is in need of eye-specific treatment, consult your veterinarian for the appropriate treatment. Never use old medication and make sure not to miss doses of any medicine prescribed.

- Your vet may need to flush the affected eye with saline or water to remove any foreign material and then examine it for scratches or abrasions.

- Stop your cat from scratching their eye area by using an e-collar

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Preventing cat eye infections

Making sure your cat eats a well-balanced diet is the best way to maintain their health. In addition to making sure they eat healthy, check their eyes for any changes.

Eye infections from cat scratches can be awful, but that doesn't mean you should live in fear. With these tips, your cat will be feeling better and back to playing with mouse toys or ribbon leashes much quicker.

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