It is relatively common for cats, especially if they are young, to suffer from eye conditions that they should receive veterinary treatment, because, although they usually heal easily, if they are left untreated, they may end up complicating themselves to the point of perforating the cornea, causing blindness of the kitten and, occasionally, the removal of the eye. To avoid this, as we say, it is essential to establish a veterinary treatment and, also, some hygiene measures. That’s why in this article we explain how to clean an infected eye of a cat.

Symptoms of infection in the eyes of cats

Before going on to explain how to clean an infected eye of a cat we must know how to identify the symptoms that indicate that our cat is suffering an infection. The clinical picture of these conditions is recognized by the following signs:

• It’s normal that one or both eyes appear closed. It can be a sign of pain and photophobia, that is, the light in his eyes bothers him. Sometimes we will see that the eyelashes are stuck by the presence of scabs.
• Infections produce a intense ocular discharge, which is the one that sticks the eyelashes when the cat sleeps and this exudate dries up. This will be yellowish, 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 can also face an infection.
• Any change in the color of the eye, its consistency or size is a matter of urgent consultation.
• Finally, in cases where an infection has not been treated we can even see how a mass leaves the eye, due to a severe perforation of the cornea.

Before any of these symptoms we must go to the veterinarian to prescribe the appropriate treatment that is usually a eye ointment or ophthalmologic 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 basic.

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 herpesviruses, very contagious and common among cats living on the street, which explains the high presence of eye infections in the colonies.

If we collect a litter of newborn kittens still lactating and observe that they have swollen eyes or a purulent discharge when the eyes begin to open, what happens around the 8-10 days, we will be before an infection. To avoid risks we must clean the eyes and apply the antibiotic that our veterinarian prescribes. For this, we will use a gauze or cotton moistened in physiological serum, product that should always be in our medicine cabinet. Carefully press from the eyelid to the outside of the eye to expel the pus through the small slit that is opening. If there are traces of secretion stuck, we should clean them with another gauze or cotton impregnated in serum, which can be warm, always from the inside to the outside. Through that same slit, once cleaned, 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.

With what to clean the infected eye of a cat?

For the antibiotic treatment to have its effect it is important to apply it in a very clean eye. For this we are going to need the following materials:

• Cotton, which should always be used moistened to prevent hair from leaving, 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, warm.
• Soft paper or gauze to dry the eye.
• Antibiotic treatment prescribed by the veterinarian that we will have to throw once we have the eye very clean.

These washes should be repeated every time we see the eye dirty or, at least, always before applying the medication. In the following section we explain in detail how to proceed with the cleaning.

How to clean the infected eyes of a baby or adult cat?

Below we explain how to clean an infected eye of a cat. We will follow the following pasos:

• First 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 the hand, we grab the head. All our movements must be smooth.
• We must have at our disposal all the necessary products for cleaning the eyes of the cat so we do not have to get up or let go of the animal.
• We’ll start with moisten cotton or gauze well with the serum.
• We went through the inner eye to the outside, several times.
• If there are scabs that are not removed, we can temper the serum, and if it still costs, we will drain the gauze or cotton over the eye so that it is well wet and wait a few minutes until the effect of the liquid softens the crusts. Never have to rub because we could get to make a wound.
• We will pass the cotton or the gauze as many times as necessary so that it is completely clean.
• For the other eye we will use new materials.
• With a clean eye we can already apply the antibiotic assuring us, thus, that it will be more effective.
• We dry the surplus.
• We have to throw away used gauze or cotton immediately and wash our hands thoroughly 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, although there is no discharge and the eye seems healthy, we must continue the treatment every day prescribed by the veterinarian.

All the instructions and tips mentioned throughout the article are suitable for an infection in the eye of a newborn, baby or adult cat. Of course, remember that when in doubt or suspected of a serious infection, it is necessary to go to the specialist.

This article is merely informative, in .com we do not have the faculty to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian in case of any type of condition or discomfort.

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