What Does it Mean if Your Cat has Swollen Eyes?

As a responsible pet parent, you love your furry friend. If you see swelling in your kitty’s eyes, it can elicit a bit of concern. What does it mean when your cat has swollen eyes? When you ask this question the first answer that most experienced cat owners offer is the possibility of conjunctivitis. It’s a nasty eye infection that is among with most common in felines. While this could be the issue, it’s not the only thing that can cause swelling in the eyes. Here are the things that could cause this symptom, and what you should do if your cat is showing signs of eye problems.

What causes swollen eyes in cats?

According to Cat Time there is a long list of possible causes. Your cat may have allergies. He may have sustained damage to an eye, or perhaps he has been exposed to environmental toxins. It could also be a symptom of an eye infection that causes swelling and inflammation, called conjunctivitis. In older cats, although rare, glaucoma may be the cause of swollen eyes.

What to do if your car has swollen eyes

There are times when it pays to be vigilant when it comes to your cat’s health. If his eyes are swollen for over a day you should seek help. If there is a mucous discharge, it’s wise to consult with your pet’s veterinarian provider. Schedule a checkup to find out what’s causing the problem. Trained feline health professionals are best qualified to give a diagnosis. Your vet will examine the cat and may also run a few routine tests to obtain a precise diagnosis. Testing for bacteria or viruses may be needed to find the right treatment plan.

Can eye swelling in cats be serious?

Eye swelling in cats is usually isn’t usually cause for concern if it’s slight. Most cases of eye swelling are not detrimental or life-threatening. Minor eye infections can be easily treated with a prescription for eye drops or antibiotics. However, some serious issues can cause the eyes to swell. If your cat has a serious eye injury or has been exposed to dangerous toxins these can be more serious matters. This is why it’ important to see a pet health care provider if the condition persists or if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

Other symptoms and their meanings

According to Pets Web MD, when your cat has swollen eyes, there are other symptoms that you should watch for. It can signal how serious the problem might be. If your cat blinks more frequently, squints his eyes, or keeps them closed more than normal, it could mean something is going on that is causing him pain or discomfort when his eyes are open.

A discharge usually indicates an infection of the eyes. Several different conditions can cause your cat to have weepy swollen eyes. Your cat might have a viral or bacterial infection that can get worse. Some illnesses in cats progress to potentially fatal results or blindness. There are several contagious feline respiratory diseases out there and if your cat goes outside or consorts with other cats that don’t live in the home, he is at risk for contracting an illness.

What is conjunctivitis?

Feline conjunctivitis is often referred to as pinkeye. The condition causes the eyes to become inflamed and it can cause your cat’s eyes to be swollen, sensitive to light, red/inflamed, and a discharge that can be clear or thick runs constantly. Conjunctivitis can usually be treated and cured, but if your cat develops diarrhea and a fever you have a reason for concern. These symptoms are red flags that the problem is worsening. If left untreated, your cat could become blind or even die. Conjunctivitis is fairly common in cats that spend a lot of time outside mingling with other cats from the neighborhood.

Dry eye syndrome in cats

Cats like humans also suffer from dry eye disease. If your cat does not produce tears as normal, he may need special eye drops to help keep his eyes moistened. Dry eye syndrome in cats can lead to blindness if it is not treated.

Feline Blepharitis

According to VCA Hospitals, another condition that can cause your cat’s eyes to swell is called Blepharitis. This is a condition that involves an inflammation of the eyelid. It can happen to one or both eyes at the same time. The eyelid becomes swollen and it may be red and itch. Your cat will likely attempt to scratch or rub the affected area and it may lead to damage or infection from his claws. If this condition is not treated it could cause a loss of color in the surrounding fur.

The skin that covers the eyelids may develop small pimple-like blemishes that week. This can cause dry flaky patches that intensify the itching. The condition may be caused by a genetic predisposition inherited from the parents, or it may be stimulated by allergies, infections, less common tumors, or other types of inflammatory disorders. If you notice these symptoms in your cat it’s best to have them checked out right away.

Final thoughts

There are many reasons why your cat has swollen eyes. Most of the time, it’s not a cause for grave concern if the condition goes away quickly and is not accompanied by other symptoms. If it goes on for more than a day or if there are other troubling symptoms present, it’s wise to be safe and give your local vet a call. He or she can give your beloved pet a thorough examination.

If it’s nothing serious the vet will put your mind at ease. If there is a problem requiring treatment, it’s best to get on top of it as soon as possible. You may prevent the condition from worsening or possibly leading to a tragic outcome. Some issues that lead to blindness, severe illness, or even death can be cured if they are diagnosed and treated early. It’s always better to be safe when it comes to your cat’s health.

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