It is relatively common for cats, especially when they are young, to suffer eye conditions that should receive veterinary treatment, because, although They are usually easily cured, but if they are left untreated they can end up getting complicated to the point of perforating the cornea, causing the kitten to go blind and, sometimes, the removal of the eye. To avoid it, as we say, it is essential to establish a veterinary treatment and, also, some hygiene measures. That's why in this article on our site we explain how to clean an infected cat eye
Symptoms of eye infection in cats
Before explaining how to clean an infected cat's eye, we must know how to identify the symptoms that indicate that our feline is suffering from an infection. The clinical picture of these conditions is recognized by the following signs:
- It is normal for one or both eyes to appear closed. It can be a sign of pain and photophobia, that is, light bothers your eyes. Sometimes we will see that the eyelashes are stuck together due to the presence of scabs.
- Infections produce an intense eye discharge, which is what sticks the eyelashes together when the cat sleeps and this exudate dries. This will be yellowish in color, which usually indicates the presence of bacteria. Even in infections caused by viruses, this secretion may appear due to secondary infections of opportunistic bacteria.
- If we observe the nictitating membrane or third eyelid covering all or part of the eye, we may also be facing an infection.
- Any change in the color of the eye, its consistency or size is a reason for urgent consultation.
- Finally, in cases where an infection has not been treated we can even see how a mass comes out of the eye, due to a severe perforation of the cornea.
In the event of any of these symptoms, we should go to the veterinarian to prescribe the appropriate treatment, which is usually an eye drops or ophthalmological ointment These drugs are cheap and very effective. If we do not treat the problem, the consequence can be surgery to remove one or both eyes. Therefore, early veterinary assistance is essential.
How to cure an eye infection in kittens?
Eye infections are very common in kittens, even when they have not yet opened their eyes. This is because on many occasions they are caused by herpesvirus, very contagious and common among cats that live on the street, which explains the high presence of eye infections in the colonies.
If we pick up a litter of newborn kittens that are still nursing and we observe that they have swollen eyes or a purulent discharge when the eyes begin to open, which happens around 8-10 days, we are facing a infection. To avoid risks we must clean the eyes and apply the antibiotic that our veterinarian prescribes. To do this, we will use a gauze pad or cotton moistened with physiological serum, a product that should always be in our medicine cabinet. With great care we will press from the eyelid towards the outside of the eye to expel the pus through the small crack that is opening. If there are traces of secretion stuck, we must clean them with another gauze or cotton soaked in serum, which can be warm, always from the inside to the outside. Through that same crack, once clean, we will introduce the treatment. In the next section we will see how to clean an infected eye of a kitten that already has its eyes open, which will be the same procedure as for an adult cat.
How to clean a cat's infected eye?
For the antibiotic treatment to take effect, it is important to apply it to a very clean eye. For this we will need the following materials:
- Cotton, which should always be used moist to avoid leaving hair, or gauze. Never clean both eyes with the same gauze.
- Physiological serum or water, which can be used cold or, if there are scabs that do not come off easily, lukewarm.
- Soft paper or gauze to wipe the eye.
- Antibiotic treatment prescribed by the vet that we should apply once the eye is well cleaned.
These washes should be repeated every time we see a dirty eye or, at least, always before applying the medication. In the following section we explain in detail how to proceed with cleaning.
How to clean the infected eyes of a baby or adult cat?
Here's how to clean an infected cat eye. We will follow the following steps:
- First of all the cat must be calm. For this we can wrap it with a towel, leaving only the head uncovered, while we hold it against our chest and, with our hand, grab the head. All our movements must be smooth.
- We must have all the necessary products for cleaning the cat's eyes within our reach so as not to have to get up or let go of the animal.
- We will start by moisten the cotton or gauze well with the serum.
- We passed it through the eye from inside to outside, several times.
- If there are scabs that are not removed we can temper the serum, and if it is still difficult, we will squeeze the gauze or cotton over the eye so that it is very wet and we will wait a few minutes for the effect of the liquid to soften the crusts. Never rub because we could end up making a wound.
- We will pass the cotton or gauze as many times as necessary to make it completely clean.
- For the other eye we will use new materials.
- With a clean eye we can now apply the antibiotic thus ensuring that it will be more effective.
- Dry the excess.
- We must immediately throw away the used gauze or cotton and wash our hands well before and after cleaning, since they are usually infections that are easily spread between cats.
- As the infection subsides, the frequency of this cleaning decreases.
- Finally, even if there is no secretion and the eye seems he althy, we must continue the treatment every day prescribed by the veterinarian.
All the instructions and tips mentioned throughout the article are suitable for an eye infection in a newborn, baby or adult cat. Of course, remember that when in doubt or suspect a serious infection, it is necessary to see a specialist.
