Viral conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting and often does not require treatment. If the symptoms do not resolve, treatment with a topical and/or oral antiviral is indicated. Idoxuridine 0.1% and Cidofovir 0.2% are the two most common topical antiviral medications used in cats.
How can I treat my cats conjunctivitis at home?
For the most effective treatment, gently flush the
affected eye
3 to 4 times a day Because our eye wash is non-toxic and free of alcohol, steroids, and antibiotics, there’s no rinsing necessary.
How did my cat get conjunctivitis?
The most
common cause
of conjunctivitis in cats is
viral infection
, such as calicivirus and herpes virus , which can also cause cold-like symptoms. Other common causes include trauma (e.g., scratches from fighting with other cats), bacterial infections, and fungal infections.
How serious is cat conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis in cats is a common feline eye disorder and can be very uncomfortable and painful for your
feline friend
. In
severe cases
, conjunctivitis in cats can lead to more serious eye problems, including blindness.
Will cat conjunctivitis go away by itself?
In most cases, he points out, conjunctivitis will self-resolve with no medication at all However, he advises, owners should seek veterinary care if a cat has apparent eye discomfort and discharge to rule out more serious eye disorders. Says Dr.
Will cat eye infection go away on its own?
In some cases, cat eye infections will resolve on their own , but otherwise a vet will likely prescribe either eye drops or topical ointment. In more severe cases, oral antibiotics may be needed to address an underlying condition that’s causing the eye infection.
How long does cat conjunctivitis take to heal?
Many simple cases of conjunctivitis resolve in seven to 14 days with veterinary-prescribed treatment, but chronic cases require prolonged treatment (weeks to months). Cat pink eye will not clear up on its own.
Can you buy eye drops for cats over-the-counter?
“ Do not use any over-the-counter eye drops for your cat, unless it’s artificial tears ,” Jones says. “Anything medicated can have a negative effect.” Holt adds that eye drops for dogs should also be avoided. “Some pet owners think that dogs’ eyes are similar to cats’ eyes, but that is really not the case.
What can I put on my cats eye infection?
If your cat’s eye infection is the primary concern your vet may prescribe a topical treatment such as Terramycin® or Vetropolycin® On the other hand, if your cat’s eye infection is due to an underlying condition such as FeLV or Calicivirus the underlying condition will be the main focus of the treatment.
What happens if you leave conjunctivitis untreated in cats?
If left untreated, some of the underlying causes of conjunctivitis in cats could eventually lead to more serious eye problems including blindness.
Is cat conjunctivitis contagious?
Neither the infectious or non-infectious type of conjunctivitis is contagious to humans. However, people can spread infectious conjunctivitis to other cats just by touching them.
What does cat conjunctivitis look like?
Symptoms of Conjunctivitis in Cats Common feline conjunctivitis symptoms (which may be present in one or both eyes) include: Redness of the eye(s) or surrounding skin Eye discharge that is watery, cloudy, dark, yellow, or green. Squinting or excessive blinking.
When should I take my cat to the vet for an eye infection?
If your feline displays any of the following symptoms, call your family veterinarian immediately: An inflamed third eyelid that is covering a part of the infected eye Sneezing, nasal discharge or other signs of respiratory distress. Red eyes.
How much is it to treat conjunctivitis in cats?
As such, the issue may be relatively inexpensive since incurred costs are then relegated to the price of simple diagnosis and treatment of episodes (typically between $100 and $200 apiece ).
Can you use human eye drops on cats for conjunctivitis?
Unfortunately, diagnosing and treating conjunctivitis in cats is not as easy as it is with humans. Do not use over-the-counter human products to treat your cat’s pink eye.
Is there an alternative to eye drops for cats?
If Phillip dislikes the eye drops, ask his veterinarian about using famciclovir This is an oral medication that is helpful in patients with herpesvirus infection which have respiratory disease or are difficult to treat topically. It has very good efficacy and often eliminates the need for eye drops or ointments.
What eye ointment is safe for cats?
Vetropolycin® Veterinary Ophthalimic Ointment – Bacitracin-Neomycin-Polymyxin : Vetropolycin® is a triple antibiotic ointment often prescribed by vets for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eyelid and conjunctiva in cats.
References
https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/conjunctivitis-cats
https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/health/skin-fur-ears/cat-conjunctivitis
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/conjunctivitis-in-cats