Why does the cat’s eye area turn red or the whites of the eyes turn red, what should I do about it?

As a result of circulatory disorders in the choroid of the eye, vasodilation and inflammation of the tissue structures surrounding the visual organ, hyperemia occurs.

If a cat has red eyes, the cause may be an injury to the eyeball, allergic manifestations, or infectious diseases. Redness of the tunica albuginea is always accompanied by discomfort, itching, lacrimation, pain and photophobia.

If you notice characteristic signs of eye inflammation in your pet, it is recommended to contact a veterinary clinic for help. Even if a foreign body is stuck in the animal’s eye, it is not advisable to pull it out yourself, as you can cause even more harm to the pet and aggravate the situation.

In addition, redness of the eyes can only be a sign of a serious infectious disease and without specific treatment the animal may even die.

It is important to know the main signs of diseases that cause red eyes in cats so that you can immediately consult a doctor. You also need to know how to prevent possible diseases and keep your animal safe.

Causes of the disease

Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the edges of the eyelids. There are several types of the disease. The most common are simple (scaly), ulcerative, and meibomian.

There can be many reasons that cause blepharitis in cats:

1. Viruses and bacteria, most often pyogenic cocci.
2. Helminthic infestations.
3. Subcutaneous mites. In this case, in addition to the eyelids, the neck and face of the animal are affected.
4. Pathogens (fungi) of trichosporia and microsporia.
5. Allergic reaction of the body to food, pollen, etc.
6. Eye injuries received during a fight or as a result of self-scratching.
7. Seborrhea. When the functions of the sebaceous glands are disrupted, dandruff and scales appear on the eyelids.
8. Autoimmune and endocrine pathologies.
9. Violation of hygiene standards.

And this is not a complete list of factors that provoke such an unpleasant eye disease as blepharitis.

Third eyelid prolapse

The third eyelid is the conjunctival fold located in the inner corner of the eye. It performs a protective function and is not normally visible. Causes of third eyelid prolapse:

• decreased muscle tone of the eyeball;
• disruption of the innervation of the smooth muscles of the eyelid in neurological diseases;
• lacrimal gland prolapse;
• inflammation;
• deepening of the eyeball into the orbit;
• microphthalmos;
• tumors and cysts of the third eyelid.

Third eyelid prolapse

Symptoms:

• the presence of a mucous bulge in the inner corner;
• lacrimation;
• photophobia;
• restless behavior.

Treatment is carried out after a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. It consists of eliminating the cause that caused the problem, as well as symptomatic therapy. In some cases it is necessary to resort to surgery.

Main symptoms

Signs of blepharitis vary depending on the form of the disease, but there are also common symptoms - swelling and redness of the eyelids, watery eyes, itching. These phenomena cause discomfort to the cat; it constantly scratches its eyes and thereby becomes even more injured.

Scaly blepharitis is characterized by redness and swelling of the eyelids, and thickening of their edges. At the site where eyelashes grow, gray scales form, from which pus begins to ooze over time. As the disease progresses, eyelash loss may occur.

Ulcerative blepharitis is usually a consequence of scaly blepharitis. After the crusts of pus dry out and fall off, ulcers form in their place, through which infection enters the body. After some time, the affected areas heal and the skin tightens.

Thus, the cat develops an inversion or inversion of the eyelid, which does not completely close the eyes. Eyelashes don't grow. In severe cases of the disease, hair loss or thinning may be observed.

The cause of meibomian blepharitis is increased secretion of secretions from the glands. This leads to redness and thickening of the edge of the eyelid, suppuration.

Why do the whites of cats' eyes turn red?

The whites of the eyes become red due to the expansion of the capillary network located on their surface, as well as when blood flows from the vessels into the thickness of the tissues with the development of small or extensive hemorrhages. Causes of redness:

• mechanical trauma (impact, compression, scratch);
• irritation from chemicals (liquid or volatile);
• allergies (allergic conjunctivitis);
• inflammatory processes (uveitis, iritis, iridocyclitis).

Inflammation of the choroid - uveitis

With uveitis, the choroid of the eyeball is affected and redness appears. The causes of uveitis are divided into exogenous (external) and endogenous (internal).

Diagnostics in a veterinary clinic

Diagnosis of the disease includes taking an anamnesis, examining with a slit lamp, studying clinical signs, and the necessary laboratory tests (washes, scrapings, blood tests, biopsy of eyelid tissue). It is important to differentiate blepharitis from other ophthalmological pathologies and to identify the factor that provoked a decrease in immunity.

Prevention

To prevent your pet's eyes from becoming red for various reasons, much will depend on how you care for your pet:

• All discharge from the corners, including natural ones, should be removed. This mucus can open the door to bacteria, causing inflammation and causing the cat's eyes to turn red.
• Avoid contact with hair (especially for long-haired cat breeds), as the hair will leave tiny scratches on the eye shell, which will make the organ irritated and red.
• Use a cotton swab to wipe the tear ducts more often (they stretch from the inner corner down along the nose). This will help prevent tear fluid from accumulating and drying near the eyes.
• When washing, do not allow detergents to come into contact with the cat's eyes. The same applies to insecticides used when treating an animal for fleas. All these chemicals will cause severe irritation (sometimes even burns), and the organs of vision will certainly turn red after this.
• Vaccinate your cat on time. This will protect your pet from many diseases, which often result in red eyeballs.
• Protect the animal from parasitic insects and worms. Both can cause problems that can cause your cat's eyes to turn red.

Advice: if the cat’s eyes become red and the animal tries to comb them (which is unacceptable), it is better to put a special restrictive collar on the pet’s neck, which will not allow its paws to reach the sore spot. Constant scratching will cause red crusts to appear around the edges of the cat's eyes, and constant rubbing with the paws will lead to severe inflammation.

But the main preventive measure is, first of all, the attentive attitude of owners towards their pets. With proper care, owners of adult cats and small kittens will always notice in time if something happens to their pet’s health. And if there is an understanding that, if help is not provided, some causes of red eyes in cats can ultimately lead to blindness or organ loss, a visit to the doctor will not be delayed.

Treatment method and prognosis

Treatment of blepharitis is complex and carried out under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. Therapy is aimed at eliminating the root cause.

When the disease is caused by the activity of microorganisms, a course of immunoglobulins and antibiotic therapy is prescribed; if it is caused by viruses, then antiviral drugs will be required.

If a subcutaneous mite is detected, relief from blepharitis will take many months, since the animal will also have to be treated for sarcoptic mange or demodectic mange. In this case, precautions should be taken - these diseases are classified as zooanthroponoses and are transmitted to humans.

If the disease develops against the background of a fungal infection, then treatment will also be protracted. Trichophytosis goes away in 2 weeks with the help of three-time vaccination and fungicidal ointments, but microsporia is more difficult to cope with. The use of antibiotics in the form of ointments and injections, the introduction of antibacterial emulsions and suspensions will be required.

For blepharitis of allergic origin, it is necessary to make adjustments to the diet, take antihistamines, and eliminate the source of the allergy.

To treat the eyes, special ointments and gels, antibacterial drops (Saphrodex, hydrocortisone, Betnazol) are used.

The drug "Iris" has proven itself well. Dosage - 1-3 drops depending on the weight of the animal.

Immediately before using them, the edges of the eyelids are disinfected with brilliant green and alcohol-ether. Oletethrin, gentamicin, syntomycin (1%) and methyluracil (10%) suspensions are injected into the conjunctival sac.

Scales and crusts must be softened and removed using saline solution and Vaseline ointment.

It is very important that the cat does not rub or scratch its eyes - this will worsen the course of the disease. To prevent her from harming herself further, a protective collar is placed around her neck, which she will have to wear until her recovery.

In case of inversion, eversion, or closure of the eyelids, an operation is performed followed by follow-up treatment.

If therapy is started in a timely manner, the prognosis for blepharitis is favorable.

Prevention

Preventing allergic reactions depends on the type of disease. There are general rules that are recommended to be followed:

• Avoid known irritants. Even if the patient is already undergoing treatment, try to avoid allergens. If you have a pollen allergy, for example, stay inside with windows and doors closed. If you are allergic to dust mites, clean your apartment more often and maintain an optimal level of humidity.
• Keep a diary. This will help determine which source is the allergen that caused the redness of the eye. This can help your doctor identify the allergen.
• Wear a medical bracelet. If there has been a severe allergic reaction, the medical bracelet lets others know that the person has a severe allergy and may experience anaphylaxis. Doctors will quickly take action.

For dry eye syndrome, prevention consists of avoiding air getting into the eyes, additional humidification of the air, and placing the screen at eye level.

If you have diabetes, you can prevent complications that affect your eyes. You should visit your ophthalmologist more often, eat a healthy diet, monitor your blood pressure, and do recommended exercises.

What to do at home

A caring owner must provide the pet with complete peace and proper living conditions. Under no circumstances should you select medications on your own, since very often blepharitis is confused with conjunctivitis.

The owner, bypassing going to the veterinary clinic, buys the drops himself, washes the animal’s eyes with herbal infusions and strong tea, but for some reason nothing helps. This is not surprising, because they are treating him for one disease, but he needs to fight something completely different. And often such self-medication leads to very unpleasant consequences and complications, including loss of vision.

Traditional medicine methods can be used, but they should not replace drug treatment prescribed by a veterinarian. It is advisable to use various herbal decoctions (chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort, sage), "Fitoelite" phytolotions, and wash your eyes with a decoction of hyssop.

Phytomineral feeding will also not be superfluous. It is also necessary to strengthen the immune system so that the body has the strength to fight the disease.

Painful tearing

Experienced breeders know that if a cat has one eye watering for a long time, this is a sign of a serious pathology:

• Cold. Animals often have watery eyes if they are hypothermic and have contracted the virus. In addition to eye discharge, body temperature rises. The pet refuses food and constantly sleeps.
• Conjunctivitis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic microflora, for example, staphylococci or chlamydia. As a rule, with such an ophthalmological pathology, the cat is afraid of bright light, hides under the sofa or bed, and has watery eyes in one or both eyes. The veterinarian will determine what to do.
• Worm infestation. Intestinal parasites very often cause excessive tearing in pets. They affect not only the digestive tract, but also settle in the visual organs, causing severe suppuration and inflammation. The owner immediately notices that the cat’s eye is swollen and watery. After antihelminthic therapy, these symptoms disappear.
• Trichiasis is a rare pathology characterized by abnormal eyelash growth in cats. They appear inside the eyelid, irritate the tear ducts, and cause infection. The animal constantly rubs its eyes and squints. The problem can only be solved surgically. Simple rinsing with medicinal or folk remedies does not help in such a situation.
• Entropion of the eyelids is a problem that often appears in Sphynxes and other hairless breeds. It can only be solved surgically. Antibacterial therapy is carried out after the operation. After a few days, the animal’s vision is completely restored, and all unpleasant symptoms disappear.

An allergic reaction often causes swollen eyelids in pets and excessive tear production. It is triggered by various allergens: pollen, household chemicals, cosmetics, especially aerosols, new food with additives, tobacco smoke, poplar fluff or household dust. The pet's eyes become red, frequent sneezing and scabies appear. To save him from suffering, they are treated with antihistamines and, if possible, protect the pet from contact with irritants.

• Chemical or thermal burns of the eyelids and cornea. Pets get such injuries if household chemicals, all kinds of solvents, dyes, and varnishes come into contact with their faces. Before sending to the veterinarian, you need to find out what solution the pet was burned with - alkaline or acidic. If alkali gets into a cat's eyes, at home they are washed with an aqueous solution of boric acid, and if the eyelids are burned by acid, a soda solution is suitable. When you don’t have such products at hand, it’s enough to rinse the face with plain tap water.
• Foreign objects. If your cat's eye is red and watery, it could be a piece of hard food, a splinter of wood, a speck of sand, or sand. They rupture the membranes of the eyelid, cause inflammation, swelling, and activate the production of tear fluid. To remove foreign objects, the pet's eyes are washed with running water and then wiped with an antibiotic solution. If the cornea is seriously damaged, independent actions can only cause harm and cause complete blindness.
• Injuries. Very often, if several mature cats live in a house, clashes and fights occur, as a result of which the pets injure each other’s eyelids with their claws. It often happens that a cat's red eye becomes watery after a walk. He could have been injured by a dry branch on a tree or a stem in the grass.

Important! In any case, if pathological symptoms appear in a pet, a veterinarian examination is necessary. He will examine the cornea and determine the extent of damage to the eye.

If conjunctivitis is suspected, an analysis of the eye fluid will be required to determine the causative agent - fungi, bacteria or viruses. In special cases, an ultrasound of the eyes, tests for the patency of the lacrimal ducts, and ophthalmoscopy are performed.