Conjunctivitis in Cats - Symptoms and Treatments

Conjunctivitis is a very common problem in cats. It can affect both eyes or just one. The most common type of conjunctivitis in cats is caused by a viral infection called feline herpesvirus (FHV), which is very contagious to other cats. Other causes of conjunctivitis include bacterial infections and allergies.

Symptoms

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your cat's eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. This can be a result of an allergy, foreign body, or infection with bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

If your cat has conjunctivitis, you might notice that his eyes are red and watery. You might also see a discharge oozing from them as well as squinting and holding the eyes closed.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat's eyes or if he seems to be having difficulty opening them fully, take him to see a veterinarian immediately as it could lead to blindness if left untreated.

Different Types

The most common type of feline conjunctivitis is a bacterial infection, caused by bacteria that reside on your pet's face. These types of infections can be spread from cats to humans and vice versa. Cats with an active bacterial infection may rub their eyes frequently or produce excessive tears.

The other type of feline conjunctivitis (called "viral") is caused by a virus, however it is not considered contagious to humans or other animals.

What you should do

If you suspect your cat may have conjunctivitis, you should take it to the vet right away. Though it's not considered life-threatening in most cases, an infection can spread to other areas of your pet's body if left untreated for too long.

Most cats with mild conjunctivitis can be treated at home.

Most cats with mild conjunctivitis can be treated at home. Treatment includes warm compresses, eye drops and antibiotics if needed. If your cat's conjunctivitis is severe or does not improve after a few days, see your vet.

If you don't think your cat needs medical attention, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Wash your hands before handling him so that you don't spread any germs from his eyes onto his body or vice versa.

• Don't use eyedrops unless they've been prescribed by a veterinarian; improper use can cause serious damage to the eye and cornea of cats or humans alike!

Conjunctivitis in cats is very similar to conjunctivitis in humans.

Conjunctivitis in cats is very similar to conjunctivitis in humans. It's an inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your cat's eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. The most common causes of conjunctivitis are bacterial, viral and allergic reactions.

Infectious agents can spread through direct contact with infected animals as well as through contaminated objects such as food bowls, litter trays and grooming equipment. Viral infections often affect young cats or those who have a weakened immune system due to illness or injury.

Conclusion

If your cat has conjunctivitis, try not to worry as it's a very common condition that can be treated at home. If you notice any signs of conjunctivitis in your cat, contact your veterinarian for advice.