Cat Eye Infection

A cat eye infection can be a problem very annoying to our cats. It is important to get to know about this type of cat health problem and the best ways to deal with it. Most cat owners encounter this problem when they notice a discharge in the eye, or perhaps excessive redness, in all cases the best thing to do is go to the veterinarian, who will prescribe the right medication for your cat.

Cat eye infections can be caused by a set of different factors, an each one of them require a different treatment. As cat owners we must learn about these infections in order to help our cats if the need arises. Below you'll find more information on the different types of feline eye infections, and some extra info on common treatments.

There are different types of feline eye infections.  This is one reason why there isn’t a unique treatment that will work on every case.  Infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria and even certain types of fungus; we will take a look at them and their own particularities.

We are talking most of the cases here about Cryptococcosis.  This fungus can cause eye problems such as pupils not being sensitive to light, peripheral blindness, dilated eyes, blindness or inflamed retina.

Once these eye problems are noticeable, it means the the Cryptococcosis is affecting the nervous system. In order to treat this type of eye infection in cats, doctors use anti-fungal meds such as itraconazole, trizole, fluconazole and voriconazole.

There are certain viruses that can cause you problems with a cat eye infection:

Feline Herpesvirus 1 – This virus is the main responsible of conjunctivitis cases in cats. It spreads easily from other infected cats, and it should be treated using special eye drops for this condition, prescribed by the veterinary.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis – This is cause by a coronavirus. This type of feline eye infection is hard to diagnose. Veterinarians use tests that can only suggest the presence of viruses. This infection is lethal, and well if a cat gets infected he may live only a few months. Any medication will serve only to give the cat a better quality of life during that time.

Feline Panleukopenia – Again this infection is one that can be fatal. Luckily you can prevent any case with vaccination. There is a core vaccine used specifically for this disease. Cats suffering this infection end up with lesions in the eye.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus – This disease is transmitted by cat biting, and it can go unnoticed for a long period of time. Once the virus spreads it allows for easy infections – it is comparable to AIDS in humans. Cats live in most cases for 2 years with this disease.

We are talking here about Chlamydiosis, and well this bacterium is another common cause of conjunctivitis.  To treat this condition, veterinarians prescribe the use of Tetracycline.

Some people use natural treatments and over-the-counter products with hopes of getting rid of an infection.  Unless you really know what you are doing, do not ever replace medical treatment with these alternatives.  You can use them as a complement to the treatment of your cat, but even in those cases, it is the best idea to go and talk with your veterinarian first.

As you have read in this page feline eye infections are not all the same, and each of the causes will need a different approach/treatment.