Eye infection, third eyelid and other eye diseases in cats

Cats are very clean animals, but eye infections are common. Detecting any eye problems, such as conjunctivitis, the so-called third eyelid or glaucoma, among others, and treating them properly is essential to look after your cat’s health. In this post we show you how to detect it, but it is very important that you always consult your vet before taking any action.

In this sense, a good, balanced and natural diet can help prevent eye problems in cats. In particular, it is essential that cats take Taurine, an essential amino acid that their bodies cannot manufacture. For this reason, they should take it with their food. Taurine supports eye and heart function and has an antioxidant effect on cells.

The Picart Select range of natural cat food includes taurine in all its products, whether for small cats, adult cats, sterilised cats…

How do you know if your cat has an eye disease?

Today we are going to explain some of the most common eye conditions in cats, so that you can see them in time to combat them. 3 clues can be a warning sign:

Red or white eye tissues. Do a simple check: using your thumb, gently lift each of your cat’s eyelids and check that the tissues around the eyes are pink, neither too red nor too white.

Excessive tear duct discharge. Excess water in the eyes or the fur around the eyes wet with tears may be a symptom of an eye problem.

Cat behaviour. If he scratches his eyes too much, he may have an infection, and if he starts to be more sluggish than usual, it could be the result of poor eyesight.

If you detect any of these symptoms in your cat, you should take him or her to the vet, the sooner the better. He or she will be able to determine exactly whether there really is an eye problem and take the necessary measures.

What are the most common eye diseases in cats?

Conjunctivitis. This is the inflammation of the thin, transparent tissue that protects the inside of the eyelid and also the white part of the eye. If your feline’s eyes are swollen and very red, in addition to having secretions, it is likely that your cat suffers from conjunctivitis.

Protrusion of the third eyelid. Many cats have a naturally occurring third eyelid, which acts as a defensive barrier to infection. If this eyelid becomes inflamed it may mean that our friend is beginning to suffer from an eye problem.

Keratitis. This is the formation of plaques on the cornea of the eye and can occur for various reasons. It is important to treat this pathology quickly so that it does not damage our feline’s eye and cause more serious consequences, such as blindness.

Glaucoma. This consists of an increase in eye fluid pressure, which can damage the optic nerve. A cloudy cornea and abnormal eye growth caused by pressure in the eye socket are the most common symptoms.

Clogged tear duct. When there is excess secretion or swelling in the eye, it may be the result of other diseases.

Trauma. Any blow to the eye, an injury from an accident or a fight can cause eye problems in the cat.

Cataracts. This is a loss of transparency in the crystalline lens, which hinders the cat’s vision. A disease that is not only suffered by older cats, but can also occur in diabetic cats and if not treated in time can lead to absolute blindness.