Cat eye problems: an owner’s guide

Cats have excellent powers of vision, and there’s lots you can do to make sure their eyes stay as healthy as possible. This includes watching out for the early-warning signs of eye conditions.

Here, we look at how to check your cat’s eye health, how to clean their eyes if necessary and how to spot the symptoms of the most common cat eye problems. Plus, don’t miss our fun fact sheet on your cat’s amazing eyes!

If you notice any of the following issues, it’s best to book an appointment with your vet:

• Excessive discharge
• Excessive tear production
• Closed, squinting or swollen eyes
• Cloudiness or any change in adult eye colour
• Visible third eyelid (a membrane in the corner of their eye)
• Pawing at the eye or other signs of discomfort

Sometimes, cats will get a little dirt or discharge build-up inside the inner corner of their eyes. Cleaning this away occasionally can help your cat feel more comfortable. You can do this using a cotton wool ball dipped in cooled boiled water.

Gently wipe the damp cotton wool ball across your cat’s closed eye from the inner corner out. Use a new cotton wool ball for each eye, to avoid transferring any bacteria. It’s also important to take care that your cat’s eyes are shut while you do this, as otherwise you may scratch the transparent cornea covering their eye.

Some cats do not enjoy having their eyes checked! Training your cat to calmly accept being handled regularly can make things much less stressful, especially if you do need to visit the vet at any point. Get your cat used to having a head-to-tail check-up in the comfort of your home, and offer them lots of praise and treats as you do so.

If your cat ever needs eye drops, ask your vet to show you how to use these. Having an extra helper to hold your cat as you administer the eye drops can also make things much easier once you’re home. Make sure you read the instructions carefully so you know how many drops to administer, how often and to which eye. It’s sometimes easiest to wrap your cat in a blanket or towel while doing this, so only their head is exposed. The most important thing is to keep the experience as stress-free as possible, so again, be sure to talk to them calmly and reassuringly, praise them for being good, and reward them with a favourite treat.

• Redness
• Swelling
• Discharge
• Squinting
• Irritation and pawing at the eyes

• Watery eyes
• Excessive discharge
• Blinking more than usual
• Redness
• Pawing at the eye

• Blue-grey cloudiness of the pupil
• Signs of reduced vision including bumping into objects, reluctance to explore and instability

• Squinting or blinking
• Overly large or small pupils, that are unresponsive to light changes
• Redness
• Cloudiness
• Sticky discharge
• Signs of vision impairment, walking into objects or moving slowly

Your vet may prescribe medication to lower the pressure within the eye or, in severe cases, removal of the eye may be necessary.

As independent creatures, cats are often very good at disguising any signs that they’re in pain. Take the time to check your cat’s eyes regularly, and ask your vet for advice if you spot any symptoms that give you cause for concern.