Home remedies for eye infection in cats

Every time our cat has a health problem, it is common for us to look for home remedies. First, because we identify them as more natural and, therefore, with fewer side effects. Second, let's not fool ourselves, to avoid going to the vet.

In this article, we will explain the efficacy or otherwise of home remedies for eye infections in cats. We will also talk about how to apply eye drugs and why it is necessary to go to the vet.

Cat eye diseases

It is quite common for cats, especially smaller kittens, to suffer from eye problems. Their immune system is not yet mature and this makes them more prone to infections. In particular, feline rhinotracheitis is a very common viral disease. In addition to causing respiratory problems, mostly in the upper airways, another of its most typical symptoms is conjunctivitis in cats, which produces an abundant, thick and sticky eye discharge that makes it impossible for the kitten to open its eyes.

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But not only the little ones can have eye problems. Adults also have conjunctivitis, allergies, foreign bodies, etc. In some cases, these are mild conditions that can be managed at home, but the truth is that there are no home remedies for eye infections in cats. It is necessary to go to the veterinarian and without wasting time, since a serious infection can damage the eye permanently and force its extraction to be the only treatment option.

 

Eye drops for cats with conjunctivitis

Since eye care products are administered topically and many are available without a prescription, it is not surprising that caregivers perceive that they are therefore harmless. But the truth is that not only are they absorbed, but if we apply unsuitable eye drops or ointments for the problem that the cat is presenting at that time, we run the risk that its condition will worsen until it becomes irreversible. That is why we say that there are no home remedies for eye infections in cats and at home we can only clean and medicate once the vet indicates the treatment.

How to clean a cat's eyes?

To put drugs in the eyes of cats, the presence of more than one person may be needed if the animal is very restless or nervous. If we do it alone, we must do the following:

1. Pull the cat in with one arm against your body.
2. Then, with the hand on that same side, open the eye with your thumb and forefinger and, with the other hand, apply the drug.
3. Keep your cat's eye closed for a moment, massaging gently so that the medication does not come out of the eye and spreads well. Of course, always carefully.
4. With a gauze, remove the excess that falls from the eye. Of course, before medicating, it must be very clean.

 

How to cure cat eye infections? - Treatments

We have seen that there are no home remedies for eye infection in cats and that it should always be treated by a veterinarian. There is a widespread belief that eye problems are solved by cleaning the cat's eyes with chamomile. But it is not true. If the cat suffers a slight irritation, it is possible that by washing with chamomile infusion or even with saline, the discomfort subsides, but it will not work if we are facing an infection.

Infections are going to be able to be identified with a clear sign, which is purulent ocular discharge in a yellowish or whitish color. Bacteria are usually involved, so they will not go away if a treatment based on antibiotic eye drops or ointments is not prescribed. And this can only be done by the vet.

At home we will have to clean the secretions well with gauze and serum or water, passing it from the inside to the outside of the eye and using one for each eye. Faced with dry secretions we can use warm water, always without rubbing. As these are infections that can spread between cats, the ideal would be to isolate the sick person if they live with others and strengthen their immune system with quality food and avoiding stress. On the other hand, it should be noted that there is a vaccine to prevent rhinotracheitis.

 

Eye infection in newborn cats

We highlight the case of newborn kittens because they, even with their eyes still closed, as they keep them until approximately eight days of life, can suffer from infections. As we have explained for kittens or adults, there are no home remedies for eye infection in cats of this age. We will recognize these types of infections because they produce an eye inflammation and it seems that the kitten has a ball in its eye.

The treatment involves gently pressing the eye towards the inside with a warm, moistened gauze to try to make the pus come out through the small points through which the eyelids open. Separating them carefully and, of course, without forcing their opening, the medicine prescribed by the veterinarian is applied. It is very important to act quickly because otherwise the infection could damage the eye before it even opens.