Every time our cat has a he alth problem, we usually look for home remedies. First, because we identify them as more natural and, therefore, with fewer side effects. Second, let's not fool ourselves, to avoid going to the vet.
In this article on our site, we will explain the effectiveness or not of the home remedies for eye infection in cats. We will also talk about how to apply eye drugs and why it is necessary to go to the vet.
Cat eye diseases
It is quite common for cats, especially smaller kittens, to suffer from eye problems. Their immune system is not yet mature and this makes them more prone to infections. In particular, feline rhinotracheitis is a very common viral disease. In addition to causing respiratory problems, mainly in the upper airways, another of its most typical symptoms is conjunctivitis in cats, which produces an abundant, thick and sticky eye discharge that makes it impossible for the kitten to open its eyes.
But not only the little ones can have eye problems. Adults also have conjunctivitis, allergies, foreign bodies, etc. In some cases, these are mild conditions that can be managed at home, but the truth is that there are no home remedies for eye infections in cats. It is necessary to go to the veterinarian and without wasting time, since a serious infection can damage the eye permanently and force its extraction to be the only treatment option.
For more information, you can consult this other article on Diseases in the eyes of cats.
Eye drops for cats with conjunctivitis
Because eye care products are administered topically and many are available without a prescription, it is not surprising that caregivers perceive that they are therefore safe. But the truth is that not only are they absorbed, but if we apply unsuitable eye drops or ointments for the problem that the cat is presenting at that time, we run the risk that his condition will worsen until become irreversible That is why we say that there are no home remedies for eye infections in cats and at home we can only clean and medicate once the vet indicates the treatment.
How to clean a cat's eyes?
Injecting drugs into cats' eyes may require the presence of more than one person if the animal is very restless or nervous. If we do it alone, we must do the following:
- Pull the cat with one arm against your body.
- Then, with the hand on that same side, open the eye with your thumb and forefinger and, with the other hand, apply the drug.
- Keep your cat's eye closed for a moment, massaging gently so that the medication does not come out of the eye and spreads well. Of course, always carefully.
- Using a gauze, remove the excess that falls from the eye. Of course, before medicating, it must be very clean.
For more information, in this other article on our site we explain how to clean an infected cat's eye?
How to cure cat eye infections? - Treatments
We have seen that there are no home remedies for eye infection in cats and that it should always be treated by a veterinarian. There is a widespread belief that eye problems are solved by cleaning the cat's eyes with chamomile. But it is not true. If the cat suffers a slight irritation, it is possible that washing with chamomile infusion or even with physiological saline, the discomfort subsides, but it will not work if we are facing an infection
We will be able to identify infections with a clear sign, which is purulent ocular discharge in a yellowish or whitish color. Bacteria are usually involved, so they will not go away if a treatment based on antibiotic eye drops or ointments is not prescribedAnd this can only be done by the vet.
At home we will have to clean the secretions well with gauze and saline or water, passing it from the inside to the outside of the eye and using one for each eye. Faced with dry secretions, we can use warm water, always without rubbing. As these are infections that can spread between cats, the ideal would be to isolate the sick person if they live with others and strengthen their immune system with quality food and avoiding stress. On the other hand, it should be noted that there is a vaccine to prevent rhinotracheitis.
To avoid future problems, we advise you to consult this other article on Vaccine calendar for cats.
Eye infection in newborn cats
We highlight the case of newborn kittens because even with their eyes still closed, as they are kept until they are approximately eight days old, they can suffer from infections. As we have explained for kittens or adults, there are no home remedies for eye infection in cats of this age. We will recognize these types of infections because they produce an eye inflammation and it seems that the kitten has a ball in its eye.
The treatment involves gently pressing the eye towards the inside with a warm, moistened gauze to try to make the pus come out through the small points through which the eyelids open. Separating them carefully and, of course, without forcing their opening, apply the medicine that the veterinarian has prescribed It is very important to act quickly because, otherwise, the infection could damage the eye even before it opens.
For more information, you can consult this other article on our site about At what age do cats open their eyes?
