what does it mean when a cats eyes are dilated

Dilated (large) pupils are another source of understanding the meaning of cats’ mysterious eyes, and often indicate an excited cat. It can also be a display of surprise or fear, depending on the situation. It is not unusual for a cat’s pupils to fully dilate when they are really excited.

Blindness or Low Vision

Your cat’s pupils will probably be dilated if she has low vision or if she is blind in one or both eyes. This is natural for blind cats. However, if your cat suddenly experiences pupil dilation and appears to be losing their vision, this could indicate a serious health issue that needs to be checked out by a veterinarian.

Glaucoma may occur naturally in older cats, but it can sometimes happen in young cats, too. Cats who have glaucoma may experience dilated pupils for long periods of time. If your cat has glaucoma, she will need to be treated for this condition to preserve her vision.

Brain and ocular cancers may sometimes lead to dilation of a cat’s pupils. If your cat is showing severe signs of cancer along with this symptom, including sudden extreme weight loss or extreme lethargy and weakness, take her to the vet for a complete diagnosis right away.

Though extremely rare, brain injury in cats can occasionally result in dilated pupils. A brain injury could be the reason for this symptom if your cat has recently been in a fight with a larger animal, suffered an injury from a vehicle, or fallen from a great height.

It’s important to pay attention to eye color and pupil size, too

Cats’ eyes not only convey interest and affection, but they also provide a clear window into your pet’s health. Dr. The on-staff veterinarian at Fetch, Aliya McCullough, explains how changes in your cat’s eyes, such as pupil size or color, can indicate when it’s time to visit the veterinarian. ‍.

Cats’ pupils and their health‍‍

The size and form of cats’ pupils change according to light and mood. They are typically vertical and shaped like slits, indicating that they are at ease and content. On the other hand, a cat’s pupils will grow big and round when it gets excited and ready to pounce. Â.

If you see an abnormality in your cat’s pupil shape, get in touch with your veterinarian. If one pupil resembles the letter “D” or both eyes have uneven pupil sizes, it may indicate an underlying medical condition such as cancer, trauma, or infectious disease. Â.