Tears may be seen as common way to protect the eyes. However, when it starts to be excessively produced, and even produces thicker discharge or mucus, then it is mostly known as runny eyes.
Runny eyes can be one of the signs that your cat is having eye infection. Conjunctivitis is one of the common diagnosis of eye infections in cats. Also, get to know how to treat cats’ eye infection.
The infection leads to the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is really uncomfortable and painful condition, so that it is very important that your cat can get veterinary care as soon as possible.
As stated before, the most common cause of runny eyes in cats is eye infection. Eye infection can be caused by several factors, such as the presence of foreign objects in the eye or injuries to the eye.
As for newborn kittens, they might get eye infection from the vaginal infections of the mother during the time of the birth. Viral or bacterial diseases can also lead to eye infections.
Runny eyes can also be triggered by an upper respiratory infection in cats, or you can call it as a cat flu. Cat flu is caused by infection with a virus called feline calicivirus or feline herpesvirus.
These two viruses stimulate discharge from the eyes and conjunctivitis. Sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite and fever are the other symptoms of cat flu. To prevent those two viruses, make sure you get these essential vaccines for cat. Vaccine is a must!
Eye ulcer can also be the cause of runny eyes in cats. Eye ulcer can stimulate the excessive production of tear and even mucous discharge. The other signs of eye ulcer are red eyes, sensitivity to light, blinking, rubbing the eyes with its paw or even cloudiness of the eye.
Allergy is another suspect of runny eyes in cats. Some cats might be allergic to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, mold, food and chemicals. Sneezing and itchiness are the most common signs of allergy in cats.
Besides those causes mentioned above, there are some other factors causing runny eyes in cats as follows:
Runny eyes in cats is very easy to be recognized. You can easily notice it, especially if you have white-haired cats. The overproduction of the tears will cause brown or reddish staining on the face. Besides, there are some other symptoms of runny eyes in cats as follows:
It is very important to be aware of these symptoms as by noticing them earlier, it could prevent the worse condition.
The cause of runny eyes in cat will determine the treatment. It is very important to bring your cat to the vet as soon as possible, so that your vet will be able to examine the root cause of it.
The earlier the treatment, the better chance the condition gets worse. Never underestimate runny eyes in cats. If it is left untreated, it might lead to permanent damage of the eyes and even blindness.
If you are looking for the ways to treat your cats with runny eyes, you can do the following things before bringing it to the vet.
If you have done your best to clean the eyes discharge, then bring your cat immediately to the vet. There are some types of treatment, including the use of eye drops (with the vet’s prescription only), antibiotics, antiviral and even surgery. That’s why it is very important to notice the symptoms as early as you can.
Have you ever wondered why quail do not lay their eggs? You may hear that…
Have you ever heard about the Arowana fish? Arowana fish is popular having some issues…
Have you ever heard about betta fish? Most people know them with two classified betta…
Have you ever heard about the chef’s goldfish? Choosing a good chef’s goldfish commonly needs…
Have you ever heard about insect feed for birds? Are there any suitable types of…
Have you ever wondered what causes quail feather loss? If you are a quail lover,…