Ocular discharge in cats: causes, symptoms and treatment
Sometimes it happens to notice eye secretions in our cat: but what do they depend on and when can they be dangerous? Everything you should know.
Eye discharge is a common problem in cats, and it is usually quite easy to get rid of the occasional buildup of mucus from the corners of your pet’s eyes. However, if the problem occurs often and tends to take on certain characteristics, it is advisable to investigate thoroughly because even serious conditions can be hidden behind this apparently harmless problem.
If you notice that your cat’s eyes have excessive secretions or in any case different from usual in quantity, frequency or appearance, it is good to contact your trusted veterinarian as soon as possible: only an expert will be able to carry out an accurate examination and formulate the diagnosis. specific, prescribing adequate treatment to the cat.
In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the symptoms, causes and treatment of eye discharge in cats.
Eye discharge in cats: when should you worry?
As mentioned, eye secretions are a rather frequent occurrence among domestic cats: they usually appear as a real watery “discharge” that comes from the animal’s eyes. In some cases, it is possible that the discharge has a mucous consistency and tends to accumulate around the cat’s eyes, with more accumulating in the corners of the eye. In some cases, a certain redness of the cat’s eyes is also added to this common symptom.
Causes of feline eye secretions
In general, the presence of secretions in a cat’s eyes is a sign of a deeper problem behind this seemingly harmless symptom. Among the most common causes of excessive eye secretions in cats we can list:
Conjunctivitis
Eye infections
Upper respiratory tract infections
Feline allergies
Clogged tear ducts
Eye injuries and the presence of foreign bodies in the eye
Of all the causes of eye discharge in cats, conjunctivitis is certainly the most common. It is an inflammation of the membrane on the front surface of the eye and inside the eyelids. It often involves redness, excessive tearing and swelling of the eyelids. Usually the ocular discharge is purulent and the disease is highly infectious, even for humans. If you want to learn more, here you can find our article dedicated to Conjunctivitis in cats: causes, symptoms and treatment.
Care and treatment for eye secretions in cats
As already mentioned, when eye secretions become a constant problem in our feline friend it is necessary to consult the veterinarian. The doctor will perform a full examination, most likely adding blood tests that will help rule out a number of causes.
The vet will then perform a specific eye examination on the cat, observing it through a series of particular tools that serve to enlarge the image of the cat’s eye. Depending on the triggering cause, the veterinarian may prescribe a series of ad hoc treatments which usually include the administration of a specific eye drops and some indications for cleaning the eyes to be repeated at home.
