Things to Know About Conjunctivitis in Cats

Conjunctivitis, which ranks at the top of the list of the most common eye diseases in cats, is the inflammation of the thin mucous membrane called "conjunctiva" that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the outer surface of the eyeball of cats. This condition, which is also seen in humans and is known as red eye disease, affects only one eye of cats. It can appear in one or both eyes. Conjunctivitis in cats is classified into two main types: infectious and non-infectious conjunctivitis. Since it is highly common in cats at any stage of their lives, in this article we will provide information about the symptoms, causes, and treatment methods of conjunctivitis in cats. What are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Cats? Increased redness and swelling around the eyes, a tendency to keep the eyes closed, frequently opening and closing the eyelids, rubbing the eyes; rubbing the eyes on objects, excessive tearing, white or yellow eye discharge are symptoms that may indicate the presence of conjunctivitis in cats. Among all these symptoms, the most obvious indication of the presence of conjunctivitis is the increase in red or pink color in the tissues around the eyes. When cats have conjunctivitis, these tissues become inflamed and swell due to inflammation. It begins. This condition, which causes pain and discomfort in cats, also leads them to keep their eyes closed. One of the symptoms of conjunctivitis in cats is squinting because the eyes become more sensitive to light. In very severe cases or if conjunctivitis treatment is neglected in cats, partial or complete closure of the eye may occur. When conjunctivitis symptoms are observed in cats, a veterinarian should be visited without delay. What Causes Conjunctivitis in Cats? As mentioned earlier, conjunctivitis in cats can occur in two different ways: infectious conjunctivitis and non-infectious conjunctivitis. The causes can also vary depending on the type of disease. Viruses: Conjunctivitis in cats can be caused by viruses. The Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) virus is the most common cause of conjunctivitis. This is the type of virus. This virus can cause various respiratory symptoms in cats, such as sneezing, and can also lead to the spread of the disease from an infected cat to others. Viruses cause conjunctivitis. Bacteria: Bacteria are also one of the causes of conjunctivitis in cats. Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Chlamydophila bacteria can cause infection and conjunctivitis in the eyes of cats. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria can also be contagious from cat to cat. Irritants: Conjunctivitis in cats is not always caused by bacteria or viruses. Exposure to various substances such as dust, smoke, mold, polluted air, and room sprays can also cause this eye disease. Even cat shampoos that get into a cat's eyes can be a risk factor. Conjunctivitis caused by environmental factors is contagious. is not.

What are the Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Cats? Symptoms such as increased redness and swelling around the eyes, a tendency to keep the eyes closed, frequently opening and closing the eyelids, rubbing the eyes, rubbing the eyes against objects, excessive tearing, and white or yellow eye discharge may indicate the presence of conjunctivitis in cats. Of all these symptoms, the most prominent indication of conjunctivitis is an increase in redness or pinkness in the tissues around the eyes. When cats have conjunctivitis, these tissues become inflamed and begin to swell. This condition, which causes pain and discomfort in cats, also leads them to keep their eyes closed. Another symptom of conjunctivitis in cats is squinting due to increased sensitivity to light. In very severe cases or if conjunctivitis treatment is neglected in cats, partial or complete closure of the eye may occur. If conjunctivitis symptoms are observed in cats, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.

Increased redness and swelling around the eyes, tendency to keep the eyes closed, frequently opening and closing the eyelids, rubbing the eyes; rubbing the eyes on objects, excessive tearing, white or yellow eye discharge are symptoms that may indicate the presence of conjunctivitis in cats. Among all these symptoms, the most obvious indication of the presence of conjunctivitis is the increase in red or pink color in the tissues around the eyes.

When cats have conjunctivitis, these tissues become inflamed and begin to swell due to inflammation. This condition, which causes pain and discomfort in cats, also leads them to keep their eyes closed. One of the symptoms of conjunctivitis in cats is squinting due to increased sensitivity to light. In very severe cases or if conjunctivitis treatment is neglected in cats, partial or complete closure of the eye may occur. If conjunctivitis symptoms are observed in cats, a veterinarian should be consulted immediately.

What Causes Conjunctivitis in Cats?

As mentioned earlier, conjunctivitis in cats can manifest in two ways: infectious conjunctivitis and non-infectious conjunctivitis. The causes can vary depending on the type of disease.

Viruses: Conjunctivitis in cats can be caused by viruses. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) virus is the most common type that causes conjunctivitis. This virus can cause various respiratory symptoms in cats, such as sneezing, and can also lead to the spread of the disease from infected cats to others. Viruses cause infectious conjunctivitis. Bacteria: Bacteria are one of the causes of conjunctivitis in cats. Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Chlamydophila bacteria can cause eye infections and conjunctivitis in cats. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria can also be contagious from cat to cat.

Bacteria: Another cause of infectious conjunctivitis in cats is bacteria. Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Chlamydophila bacteria can cause infections and conjunctivitis in the eyes of cats. Conjunctivitis caused by bacteria can also be contagious from cat to cat.

Irritants: Conjunctivitis in cats is not always caused by bacteria or viruses. Exposure to various substances such as dust, smoke, mold, polluted air, and air fresheners can also cause this eye disease. Even cat shampoos that get into a cat's eyes can be a risk factor. Conjunctivitis caused by environmental factors is not contagious.

Apart from all these factors, it is known that some cat breeds are at a higher risk of developing conjunctivitis. Himalayan, Persian, and other long-haired breeds may have naturally inward-turned eyelids. This condition, called "entropion," results in the eyelashes rubbing against the eyeball, irritating the cornea, allowing foreign objects to lodge in the inner part of the eyelids, and leading to secondary infections due to exposure to chemicals. In addition, it is known that allergies can also result in conjunctivitis, and even eye tumors can manifest with conjunctivitis symptoms.

Diagnosis of Conjunctivitis in Cats

When conjunctivitis symptoms are observed in cats, it is necessary to contact a veterinarian. Veterinarians will perform a complete physical examination. Using an ophthalmoscope, the eye can be examined in more detail, and further investigations can be carried out to determine if there is another eye problem associated with conjunctivitis. Further investigations may be needed.

Treatment of Conjunctivitis in Cats

Treatment of conjunctivitis in cats should be done according to the guidelines set by veterinarians. In some cases, conjunctivitis may heal spontaneously without any treatment. However, if it does not resolve on its own and there is a significant decrease in the cat's comfort, treatment may become unavoidable. In most cases, the use of eye drops may be sufficient for the treatment of conjunctivitis in cats. However, treatment options may vary and be diversified depending on the causes of conjunctivitis. Additional treatments such as the use of supplements that strengthen the immune system, medication, and antibiotics are implemented depending on the cause of the disease. If eye care products for cats are necessary, veterinarians will provide recommendations. You can review eye care products for cats by clicking here.

Conjunctivitis in Cats Can Be Contagious to Humans Is it?

Conjunctivitis in cats, whether caused by infection or not, is not contagious to humans. However, beware! If people come into contact with a healthy cat after touching a cat with infectious conjunctivitis, they can transmit this eye disease to them. Therefore, in homes with multiple cats, when one cat has conjunctivitis, contact between them should be prevented, and hygiene should be ensured before touching other cats after contact with the infected cat.