Eye Disease In Cats

by
(Question From A Reader)

photography by AskTheCatDoctor




QUESTION

My cat has had a bad eye now for at least 2 days. The second eye lid that they have in their eyes (note by Dr. this is actually called the 3rd eyelid) that is white in colour has started to move its' way across her eye. Also, her eye is kind of puffy and is watering constantly. She hasn't eaten or been drinking much of anything. What could this possibly be? I am wondering whether to take her to the vet's or just bathe it in salt water to see if that helps? What could it be and what should I do?


ANSWER


You should take your kitty to the vet right away. Eyes can't be replaced and are so important. Remember, your cat only has two eyes, just as you and I do, and losing one can be catastrophic. Even more concerning is the lack of appetite and thirst you are seeing in your cat. These cat illness symptoms can be very detrimental, and often indicate that something very serious is going on.

Never treat an eye condition by yourself. Always consult a vet before you medicate your cat in any way. Without knowing what is going on in the eye, your home treatment could make it much worse.

The photo above illustrates what can happen to an eye that is left untreated or treated in the wrong way. This cat now cannot see out of that eye. It is completely "white". That is not a reflection you're looking at. It is scar tissue.

Best of Luck,
Dr. Neely