what does cat conjunctivitis look like

The signs include squinting, frequent blinking, and the presence of a discharge that, depending on the cause of the conjunctivitis, can be either colorless and watery or thick and dark-colored. The condition also tends to cause the conjunctiva and third eyelid to become swollen and red.

What are the clinical signs of conjunctivitis?

Your cat may have conjunctivitis if you notice unusual discharge (cloudy, yellow, or greenish), reddened conjunctival membranes, or excessive tearing or watering from one or both eyes. Additionally, your cat may squint or close their eyes due to photophobia, which is the inability or unwillingness to tolerate bright light. In extreme situations, the third eyelid or conjunctival tissue may swell to the point where they completely or partially obscure the eye. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, you should take them to the vet right away.

How do I administer eye medications?

Regular and frequent treatment is essential in successfully treating conjunctivitis. The majority of ophthalmic drops require three to six daily doses when treatment first begins. Ointments might need to be applied less frequently, but they might also be trickier to apply.

Until the pain and sensitivity of the eyes have subsided, two persons may be required to administer the medication: one to hold the cat while the other gives the eye medication.

Apply 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0. 6 to 1. Apply 25 cm) of ointment to each eye, then shut the lids to distribute the ointment throughout the entire eye. It is possible to apply liquid preparations directly onto the surface of the eye; one or two drops are typically enough for each eye. Ask your veterinarian to show you the correct way to administer medication to your cats if you’re unsure about it; you can find more information in the handouts “Applying Eye Drops to Cats” and “Applying Eye Ointments to Cats.”

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Cats

The following are typical signs of feline conjunctivitis, which can affect one or both eyes:

Redness of the eye(s) or surrounding skin.
Eye discharge that is watery, cloudy, dark, yellow, or green.
Squinting or excessive blinking.
Swelling of the eyelid(s) or conjunctiva.

In addition to the signs of an upper respiratory infection, cats with infectious conjunctivitis may also exhibit fever, lethargy, runny nose, sneezing, and decreased appetite.

FAQ

Will cat conjunctivitis go away by itself?

There are instances, especially if the conjunctivitis is mild, where it will resolve without medications, but this isn’t the time for “wait and see.” You should consult your veterinarian right away if you notice your cat is experiencing any signs of eye discomfort and/or discharge.

How do you treat conjunctivitis in cats?

Viral conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting and often does not require treatment. If the symptoms do not resolve, treatment with a topical and/or oral antiviral is indicated. Idoxuridine 0.1% and Cidofovir 0.2% are the two most common topical antiviral medications used in cats.

Should I wipe my cats eye conjunctivitis?

If your cat allows it, you can try to wipe the eyes clean of the discharge with a moistened cotton ball using a fresh cotton ball for each eye.

Is cat conjunctivitis contagious to humans?

Is cat conjunctivitis contagious to humans? The chances are very low for the viruses and bacteria responsible for cat conjunctivitis to be transmitted to humans. Regardless, you should still be mindful of some basic rules of hygiene such as washing your hands when petting your poorly cat until they recover.