The eyes of a cat or cat are festering: reasons, what to do and how to treat a kitten and an adult animal at home, how to rinse off pus

Cats a couple of centuries ago were considered the most picky animals with good health. However, home breeding made the pets too weak. The eyes are extremely sensitive organs to various diseases. They are often exposed to various injuries and diseases. So, let’s look at why a cat’s eyes fester and she becomes lethargic, because most cat lovers are interested in this question.

And this is correct, since premature determination of the causes of the disease and elimination of the consequences will lead to a full recovery of the cat.

What does purulent discharge from a cat's eyes look like?

The purulent discharge from the eyes of a cat is opaque in appearance, has a viscous consistency, and has a yellowish or greenish color, which determines the appearance of the microflora that caused the formation of pus. Depending on the amount of discharge, it can be in the corners of the cat’s eyes, form streaks on his face and dry yellowish crusts, and also form cloudy filmy deposits on the conjunctiva.

The appearance of the eye changes, the most common are:

redness of the conjunctiva and eyelids;
swelling of the conjunctiva and eyelids;
prolapse of the third eyelid on the affected eye;
blepharospasm - narrowing of the palpebral fissure caused by protective contraction of the eye muscles;
photophobia - the cat squints the affected eye when in the light, trying to find dark places.

The animal's behavior changes:

the cat scratches its eyes with its paws and rubs its muzzle against surrounding objects;
blinks frequently;
sneezes rarely if this is due to part of the discharge entering the nasal cavity through the nasolacrimal duct, and often if purulent discharge from the eyes is associated with the development of an infectious disease;
tries to hide in dark places;
the cat is apathetic, does not want to play, and his appetite decreases.

Purulent discharge is opaque, viscous consistency, with a yellowish or greenish tint

Symptoms

This pathology is accompanied by a number of other symptoms:

the animal loses its appetite, becomes lethargic, sleeps longer than usual;
temperature rises;
due to the fact that the eyes become more sensitive to light, the cat tries to hide in a dark place;
eyes are squinted or closed almost all the time;
a specific smell is felt;
a runny nose and occasional cough may appear; the mucous membrane turns red;
anxiety appears, the cat constantly tries to rub the sore eye with its paw;
the fur around the inflamed organ of vision darkens;
A brown crust may form on the eyelids, preventing the eyes from opening fully.

In the presence of viral diseases, fever is observed for a long time.

Discharge can be cleaned off carefully

What diseases can cause your eyes to fester?

Purulent discharge from the eyes is a symptom of both eye diseases and general diseases.

Common diseases accompanied by purulent discharge from the eyes

Common diseases that cause cat eyes to fester:

Allergy - at the beginning of the disease, the discharge is mucous in nature, bilateral in nature, which changes to purulent with the addition of secondary microbial flora. Additionally observed: sneezing;
nasal discharge;
redness of the conjunctiva;
skin rash.

Helminthic infestations - with helminthic diseases, an allergic restructuring of the immune system occurs, and the discharge is also bilateral. Additional symptoms:

instability of appetite;

weight loss;

increase in abdominal size;

alternating diarrhea and constipation;

deterioration of coat condition;

blood in the stool;

anemia.

Infectious diseases:

panleukopenia: sudden fever up to 40–41 ° C;

pronounced general oppression;

nausea, vomiting with mucus;

thirst, but the cat does not drink water due to nausea;

rash on the skin (reddish spots are replaced by small blisters with clear discharge);

diarrhea mixed with blood, constipation is also possible;

purulent nasal discharge;

sneezing, coughing;

dyspnea;

heart rhythm disturbances;

sudden death at the very beginning of the disease.

viral leukemia and viral immunodeficiency - their symptoms can be very similar, this is due to damage to the immune system by the virus:

fever;

thirst;

general oppression;

lack of appetite;

diarrhea;

ulcerative stomatitis;

cough, sneezing, purulent discharge from the nose;

shortness of breath with the development of pneumonia;

pustular skin lesions;

enlargement of peripheral lymph nodes;

anemia;

development of tumor formations.

herpes:

fever;

sneezing, coughing, discharge from the nose;

ulcerative stomatitis;

general oppression;

shortness of breath with the development of pneumonia;

clouding of the cornea of the eye with the development of keratitis;

miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant cats.

calicivirus:

periodic fever;

sneezing, coughing, discharge from the nose;

ulcerative stomatitis;

shortness of breath with the development of pneumonia;

arthritis: swelling of the affected joint;

pain in movements, decrease in their volume;

redness of the skin over the affected joint.

chlamydia:

at the very beginning of the disease, the purulent discharge is unilateral, later the second eye is affected;

fever at the onset of the disease followed by normalization of temperature;

chemosis - severe swelling of the conjunctiva;

Chemosis is the predominant symptom when the conjunctiva is affected by chlamydia

runny nose, sneezing, cough;

shortness of breath with the development of pneumonia;

infertility, miscarriages, stillbirths, decreased viability of kittens;

joint damage with the development of arthritis.

mycoplasmosis:

fever;

general oppression;

runny nose, sneezing, cough;

shortness of breath with the development of pneumonia;

endometritis;

cystitis;

miscarriages and stillbirths in pregnant cats;

arthritis.

Colds caused by the activation of the cat's own opportunistic microflora during hypothermia. Symptoms:

sneezing, coughing;

decreased activity level;

decreased appetite;

fever.

Photo gallery: systemic diseases in which purulent discharge from the eyes is observed

Panleukopenia causes profuse purulent discharge from the eyes and nose.

With herpetic conjunctivitis, the discharge from the eyes is purulent in nature

With chlamydia, purulent discharge from the eyes is typical, as well as chemosis - swelling of the conjunctiva

Measures to improve the condition of the conjunctiva

In case of general diseases, purulent discharge from the eyes is treated only together with the underlying pathology of which they are a symptom. To improve the condition of the eyes in case of general diseases, the following are used as part of complex therapy:

Regular toilet of the eyes to remove pus and microbial accumulations using hygienic eye lotions: Klini;
Veda;
Dewdrop.

Human leukocyte interferon for viral diseases;

Antibacterial drops to eliminate secondary bacterial flora:

Tsiprovet;

Levomycetin.

Antibacterial ointments:

tetracycline ophthalmic;

erythromycin.

Eye drops with immunomodulators:

Forvet;

Anandin.

Anandin is a drug that has anti-inflammatory, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.

Table: eye diseases with purulent discharge

Type of disease	Symptoms	Treatment
Eye injury	damage to the conjunctiva; sharp redness and swelling of the conjunctiva of a unilateral nature; lacrimation; photophobia; blepharospasm.	primary surgical treatment of the wound with washing with antiseptic solutions and removal of foreign bodies; suturing the wound (if necessary); microsurgical interventions on the eyeball or its removal, if indicated; Antibacterial therapy: systemic for severe eye injuries: Sinulox; Tsiprovet. local: eye drops: Decta-2; Levomycetin. eye ointments: tetracycline; Read also: Fistula in a cat - causes of the disease and recommendations on how to treat it at home (110 photos) erythromycin.
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids, which is unilateral or bilateral.	lacrimation; photophobia; narrowing of the palpebral fissure; a slight increase in temperature in severe cases of the disease.	regular toilet of the eyes to evacuate pus and microbes using: furatsilin solution; eye care lotions: Beafar; Dewdrop. infusions of medicinal herbs: chamomile; calendula. antibacterial therapy: systemic: Sinulox; Ciprofloxacin. local: eye drops: Iris; Dekta-2. tetracycline eye ointment.
Keratitis - inflammation of the cornea	lacrimation; photophobia; narrowing of the palpebral fissure; blepharospasm; pain syndrome; corneal clouding.	regular eye toilet using antiseptic solutions and eye lotions; Antibacterial therapy: systemic: Sinulox; Ciprofloxacin. local: eye drops: Iris; Levomycetin. tetracycline eye ointment. surgical treatment for ulcerative or deep keratitis - after stopping the purulent process; corticosteroids for eosinophilic (allergic) keratitis - after stopping the purulent process: systemic - Prednisolone; local - hydrocortisone eye ointment. means that accelerate healing - after stopping the purulent process: Korneregel; Solcoseryl.
Blepharitis - inflammation of the eyelids	swelling and redness of the eyelids with the formation of ulcers or crusts; lacrimation; eyelash loss; narrowing of the palpebral fissure.	washing the eyes using: eye lotions; antiseptic solutions; infusions of medicinal herbs. antibacterial therapy: systemic: Sinulox; Tsiprovet. local: eye drops: Ciprovet; Levomycetin. tetracycline eye ointment.
Uveitis - inflammation of the choroid of the eye	change in iris color; change in fundus reflex; reduction of the eyeball; lacrimation; photophobia.	regular eye washing: with antiseptic solutions; eye lotions; decoctions of medicinal herbs. antibacterial therapy: systemic: Sinulox; Azithromycin. local: eye drops: Levomycetin; Dekta-2. eye ointments with tetracycline, erythromycin. mydriatics - needed to prevent the formation of adhesions between the iris and the lens: Atropine; Cyclomed. corticosteroids - prescribed for the autoimmune primary nature of uveitis after the elimination of the purulent process: systemic - Prednisolone; local - hydrocortisone eye ointment. cytostatics - Cyclosporine, used for the autoimmune form after the elimination of a purulent complication.
Entropion is a chronic injury to the surface of the eye by the edge of the deformed eyelid, as well as by its eyelashes.	lacrimation; photophobia; narrowing of the palpebral fissure; redness and swelling of the conjunctiva; the formation of a corneal ulcer at the site of rubbing by the eyelashes or the edge of the eyelid.	Surgical restoration of the correct position of the eyelid
Dacryocystitis - inflammation of the lacrimal sac	lacrimation; pain syndrome; the appearance of swelling at the inner corner of the eye.	systemic antibacterial therapy: Sinulox; Tsiprovet. local antibacterial therapy: drops Dekta-2, Iris; ointments with tetracycline, erythromycin. local anti-inflammatory therapy - Ofthalmosan drops; surgical - if conservative therapy is ineffective.

Thus, purulent discharge from a cat’s eyes may indicate both the presence of a systemic disease and the development of eye disease. Moreover, purulent inflammation can mask the primary nature of the process and return after the use of antibiotics without treating the underlying cause of the disease.

Photo gallery: eye diseases that cause purulent discharge from the eyes

Purulent discharge from the eyes in cats most often occurs due to conjunctivitis.

Keratitis is characterized by clouding of the cornea. Dacryocystitis is characterized by swelling at the inner corner of the eye.

Entropion of the eyelid is treated surgically

Table: drugs that are used to treat eyes in cats with purulent discharge

A drug	Compound	Operating principle	Application	Price, rubles
Ophthalmosan, eye drops	chlorhexidine; extracts: calendula; chamomile; eyebrights. succinic acid.	Bactericidal, anti-inflammatory, decongestant	for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory eye diseases; to prevent inflammation after injuries, foreign bodies and irritants getting into the eye, 1-2 drops 3 times a day for a course of no more than 2 weeks; for hygienic treatment of the eyes: wipe the eyes with a napkin soaked in the product, then drop 2-3 drops into each eye.	185
Leopard, eye drops	chloramphenicol; Furacilin.	Antibacterial agent	for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory eye diseases; to prevent inflammation after foreign bodies and irritants get into the eye. Instill 1-2 drops 3-4 times a day for a course of 1-2 weeks.	159
Ciprovet, eye drops	Ciprofloxacin	Antibacterial agent	for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory eye diseases; to prevent inflammation after foreign bodies and irritants get into the eye. Instill 1 drop 4 times a day for 1–2 weeks.	196
Tetracycline eye ointment	Tetracycline	Antibacterial agent	Infectious eye diseases caused by pathogens sensitive to tetracycline. Apply 3–5 times a day.	from 44
Maksidin 0.15, eye drops	Germanium bis(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate)	immunomodulator; interferon inducer.	Treatment of conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis. Apply 1 drop 2-3 times a day for a course of no more than 2 weeks.	52 per bottle

Photo gallery for the treatment of eye diseases with purulent discharge

Sinulox is used for systemic antibacterial therapy for infectious eye diseases.

Tetracycline ointment has a broad spectrum of action and is used to treat both bacterial conjunctivitis and chlamydia

Bars eye drops are a combined antibacterial drug with an extended spectrum of action.

Korneregel promotes corneal healing

Maxidin is a veterinary drug that is used for immunocorrection in the fight against diseases of viral origin.

Dekta-2 eye drops are intended for the treatment and prevention of ophthalmic diseases of bacterial origin in pets

Ciprovet for cats is an effective antibacterial drug with a complex spectrum of action.

How to treat a cat's eyes

To carry out treatment procedures, it is better to use the help of an assistant who would hold the cat. If there is no assistant, the cat is immobilized, swaddled in a towel.

The following treatment procedures are carried out at home:

Eye rinsing: a napkin is moistened with eye lotion or an antiseptic solution and passed over closed eyelids, removing secretions;
if the eyelids are stuck together, a napkin richly moistened with an antiseptic solution is applied to them and lightly pressed, after which the eye will open, you cannot use force to open the eye, you can damage the eyelids;
You cannot touch the surface of the eye with a napkin; it is washed with an antiseptic solution from a syringe, after removing the needle.

Instillation - the medicinal solution is instilled into the lower conjunctival recess, bending the edge of the lower eyelid. After this, the eyelids are closed, promoting uniform distribution of the drug.

Ointment applications - ointment is also placed in the lower conjunctival pocket. It is better to apply it with your finger, since a glass rod or spatula can easily injure the eye if the cat moves suddenly. Before applying the drug, cleanly washed hands are treated with chlorhexidine solution.

Since ointments and drops are irritating, it makes sense to wear a protective (Elizabethan) collar on the cat to prevent scratching of the eyes with its paws.

Protective collar prevents paws from scratching your eyes

Video: how to care for your pet's eyes

Diagnosis

Before making a final diagnosis, the animal is examined and its appearance is assessed. Even the owner can make a preliminary conclusion. It is necessary to record all symptoms and report them to the veterinarian, who will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

In a veterinary clinic, doctors use several diagnostic methods:

wash off the secretions and take them for analysis so that specific pathogens can be identified;
a special pigment called sodium fluorescein is instilled into the conjunctival sac. After this, the cornea is examined using a slit lamp. This method helps to identify the presence of defects, ulcers, wounds, microorganisms;
using a slit lamp, biomicroscopy of the organ of vision is performed;
using special express strips, determine the volume of tear fluid;
measure intraocular pressure (a procedure necessary for diagnosing glaucoma);
examine the fundus of the eye, examine the retina, optic nerve;
perform an ultrasound examination.

A non-specialist independently, without using special methods, will not be able to determine what caused the appearance of pus. Accurate diagnosis in a veterinary clinic will allow you to start proper treatment on time and preserve your pet’s vision.

Inflammation causes redness and swelling

When you urgently need a doctor

A doctor is needed in all cases of purulent discharge from the eyes, when the cause is not obvious, and when purulent discharge persists for more than 2-3 days. In some situations, you should rush to visit the veterinarian, as indicated by the following symptoms:

the appearance of fever;
disturbance of general health: lethargy;
apathy;
decreased appetite.

nausea, vomiting;

diarrhea;

ulcerative stomatitis;

sneezing, runny nose, cough;

dyspnea;

copious purulent discharge;

pronounced redness of the conjunctiva and its swelling;

change in iris color;

corneal clouding.

You should consult a doctor in all cases where the cause of purulent discharge from the eyes of a cat is not obvious.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis in cats are:

photophobia (in bright daylight, the animal hides in the shadows because it experiences pain when moving the eyes);
swelling and redness of the mucous membrane;
increased licking of the front paws and washing the face;
decreased appetite.

With intensive formation of exudate, the eyelids stick together, this is especially noticeable with viral conjunctivitis in cats.

Important! In almost 60% of cases of conjunctivitis infection, symptoms appear in only one eye, and after a few days the second eye is involved in the process.

In kittens with unopened eyes (up to 10 days of age), conjunctivitis is also not uncommon. Infection mainly occurs from the mother and is a sign of infectious rhinotracheitis. It manifests itself as swelling of the eyelids, purulent discharge with the formation of crusts.

What are the signs that should promptly consult a doctor?

If your cat's behavior changes noticeably, excessive licking of the face and paws is observed, and appetite decreases, you should consult a veterinarian. You also need to monitor your pet’s temperature twice a day.

If it is impossible to visit a veterinarian in the next 24 hours, it is recommended to provide first aid to the animal. You need to wipe the eye area with an antiseptic (a solution of Furacilin or diluted Chlorhexidine).

Self-selection of eye drops (especially from a human first aid kit) is undesirable, as it can only aggravate the process.

Breed predisposition to purulent discharge from the eyes in cats

Brachycephalic cat breeds are predisposed to the appearance of discharge from the eyes, including purulent discharge. This is due to the structural features of the skull. The nasolacrimal ducts in these breeds are narrowed and curved, which helps to delay the outflow of tear fluid and cause discharge. In addition, the structure of the skull bones predisposes to the presence of chronic inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, which makes it easier for ocular discharge to become infected and become purulent.

These breeds include:

Persian;
Himalayan;
exotic shorthair;
British;
Scottish.

Some cats of these breeds require regular help from the owner to care for their eyes in order to prevent the appearance of purulent discharge.

Brachycephalic cat breeds are predisposed to the development of purulent discharge from the eyes

Prevention of purulent discharge from the eyes in cats

Measures to prevent purulent discharge from the eyes in cats include:

regular scheduled vaccinations;
preventive administration of anthelmintics once a quarter;
timely detection and treatment of chronic diseases and allergic conditions;
preventive examinations by a veterinarian;
protecting the cat from hypothermia;
exclusion of contacts with stray animals;
providing quality cat nutrition;
regular wet cleaning of the premises where the cat is kept;
Monitoring the condition of your cat's eyes.

Basic recommendations

We've figured out what to do if a cat's eye is seriously festering. But you should not lose sight of the basic recommendations regarding treatment and prevention, aimed at reducing the likelihood of complications. And if complications have already begun, these recommendations will help you cope with them with minimal damage to your cat’s health:

If more than three months have passed since the last deworming, it is time to repeat the procedure. If this does not help, you should go to the doctor.
At home, you can help your pet by making lotions with chamomile infusion or green tea before instilling the medicine.
Do not treat cats for pus in the eyes with medications intended for humans. There is a high probability that the drug will only worsen the situation to a critical state. Only a veterinarian can prescribe “human” medications.