There are a variety of ways you can treat cat eye infections, although the best course of action may be determined by the type of infection you are dealing with. A number of viruses, allergens, and bacteria may lead to feline conjunctivitis, a type of infection. Antibiotics, homeopathic remedies, and topical medications are all options you should consider when treating your cat.
If you suspect your cat or kitten has an eye infection, you should consult a vet to be sure. This is important even if you intend to treat the infection using natural remedies, because in some cases another ailment may be to blame for symptoms. Signs of infection can include a runny discharge from the eye, inflammation, squinting, redness, cloudiness, and a dull color to the iris. In some cases, sneezing and additional symptoms of a more widespread infection may also occur.
The most common way to treat cat eye infections is by using topical antibiotics. In order to choose the right type of medication, your vet will need to test the fluid within the eye to determine the type of pathogen causing the infection. Some infections may not respond well to antibiotics since they only kill bacteria, but have no impact on viruses or allergens.
Holistic or homeopathic remedies may also help treat cat eye infections. These can include tonics made from rosemary, burdock, and other natural ingredients. Sometimes additional immune-boosting supplements may also be given to allow your cat’s body to fight off infection naturally. These are sometimes applied directly to the eye, while in other cases they are ingested orally for whole body wellness.
If you suspect that something may have gotten in your cat’s eye, it is a good idea to check with your veterinarian. Infections that do not respond well to treatment should also be investigated further. If additional symptoms are present, such as sneezing or wheezing, you cat may have another health condition.
Sometimes you may not need to treat cat eye infections at all. In many cases they clear up on their own, although they may recur occasionally. Eye infections are fairly common in felines because many of them are caused by a pathogen which naturally occurs on a cat’s skin. If your cat seems to be suffering from additional symptoms, medication may be needed to treat the underlying condition as well as the infected eye.