What Should I Do If My Cat Scratched His Eye?

  • Do rinse your eye with

    saline solution

    or clean water
  • Do blink
  • Do pull your upper eyelid over your lower eyelid
  • Do wear sunglasses
  • Don’t rub your eye
  • Don’t touch your eye with anything
  • Don’t wear your contact lenses
  • Don’t use redness-relieving eye drops.

Can a

scratched cat eye heal

on its own?


corneal abrasions

generally heal within three to five days Medication is used to prevent bacterial infections (antibiotic ophthalmic drops or ointment) and to relieve spasms or pain (typically atropine ophthalmic drops or ointment).

Is a cat eye scratch an emergency?

For damaged eyelids, cover the eye with a cold compress and get to the vet as soon as possible. Other, more serious eye injuries, such as an eye that has fallen out of its socket, or a visible object penetrating your pet’s eye, get your pet to an animal hospital as soon as possible.

How do you clean a cat’s eye that has been scratched?

Rinse your eye The first step after getting scratched in the eye by your cat is to clean it thoroughly. Use either a mild saline solution or warm, clean water to rinse it Saline is preferable because it can help keep bacteria from taking hold.

What is the fastest way to heal a scratched eye?

  • Rinse your eye with clean water or a saline solution. You can use an eyecup or a small, clean drinking glass positioned with its rim resting on the bone at the base of your eye socket
  • Blink several times
  • Pull the upper eyelid over the lower eyelid.

Why is my cat keeping one eye closed?

An eye infection (conjunctivitis) – causing inflammation, itching and discharge. Something irritating – such as smoke, dust, sand, wind and chemicals. An allergic reaction – often causes severe swelling around the eyes and in other parts of the body. Glaucoma – increased pressure in the eye.

How do you tell if my cats eye is scratched?

You may be able to see signs of a corneal injury, such as redness, tearing, or blood in the eye You might also notice that your cat is squinting, blinking, or pawing at their face. If you suspect your cat has damaged their cornea, you should take them to the veterinarian.

Can I use human eye drops on my cat?

“ 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 bathe my cats eye with?

Distilled Water Rinse : This is helpful if your cat’s eyes are red or beginning to leak. You can gently wipe your cat’s eyes with soft and clean cotton balls and sterile or distilled water.

Can I clean my cat’s eye with salt water?

If you believe your dog or cat may have some eye irritation, try using a homemade saline solution made from 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup of lukewarm water Drip the saline solution into your pet’s eye using a cotton ball or eye dropper 3 or 4 times a day.

Is

vaseline safe

for cats eyes?

Petroleum Jelly Aquaphor and Vaseline are safe for pets.

Can scratched cornea cause blindness?

A scratched eye may turn into a sore over the cornea and cause blindness Hence, it is important to seek immediate medical care for a scratched eye (corneal abrasion). Depending on the cause, an eye scratch could leave minor to major impacts.

Can cornea repair itself?

Small abrasions (scratches) on the cornea usually heal on their own Deeper scratches or other injuries can cause corneal scarring and vision problems.

Should I worry if my cat is squinting one eye?

Blinking, Squinting & Pawing at Eyes If your cat has

watery eyes

and is blinking excessively, squinting or pawing at their eyes a visit to your vet is required Your cat could have a foreign body trapped and irritating the eye, or a blocked nasolacrimal duct (tear duct).

What can irritate a cat’s eye?

Causes: For cats, eye irritants can include strong fragrances, such as perfume, cleaning chemicals, tobacco smoke and dust Just about anything that gets in your cat’s eye can cause an irritated reaction. Signs and symptoms: Watch for signs of discomfort such as squinting or rubbing, as well as redness and discharge.

What do cat eye infections look like?

Generally, though, a cat with an eye infection may have any of the following: Redness in the white of the eye Discharge that can be either watery or thick or clear, yellow, or green in color. Excessive blinking, winking, or keeping an eye closed.

Can I put Visine in my cats eye?

It’s not safe to put Visine in a cat’s eye because it has not been tested for use in animals I would gently flush out Elsa’s eyes with cool water. She should have her eyes checked by a vet to make sure the eye is ok.

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.

Is my cat’s eye infected?

If your cat is suffering from an eye infection symptoms may include: redness around the eye, watery eyes, discharge, and possibly swelling You may also notice that your cat is displaying other symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing or may be rubbing at the eye.

Citations


https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/corneal-ulcers-in-cats


https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/first-aid-eye-scratches