A cat's eyes are one of its most vulnerable and, at the same time, most expressive parts of its body. Through their gaze, we can sense if they feel relaxed, scared, sick, or in pain. If we want them to be healthy, it's very important that, just as we brush their fur daily, we also take care of... Keep your eyes clean, protected, and checked from time to time.
But How to properly care for a cat's eyes to prevent problems and detect any abnormalities early?
Give him a quality diet
You've probably read or heard that "we are what we eat." Well, this also applies to cats. A feline with a proper and balanced diet It is much more likely to have clean, bright eyes without abnormal secretions.
It makes no sense to feed it kibble that is primarily made of grains, as it is a strict carnivore. Therefore, It is highly recommended to always read the ingredient label and avoid brands that list oats, corn, wheat, or any other type of grain as main ingredients. Ideally, the first ingredient should be quality meat or fish, fresh or dehydrated, accompanied by a moderate amount of healthy fat.
In addition, high-quality feeds will contain the necessary amount of taurineTaurine is an essential amino acid for proper eye care and vision in cats. A taurine deficiency can affect the retina and compromise long-term eye health.
It is also interesting that their diet provides vitamins A, C and E, as well as omega 3 fatty acidsThese nutrients help maintain healthy eye tissues, promote a proper immune response, and help ensure normal tear secretions.
Remember A change in diet should always be done gradually. To avoid digestive problems, and for cats with allergies or recurring eye diseases, it can be very helpful to consult a veterinarian about specific diets.
Clean his eyes properly and as often as needed.
Two to three times a week is highly recommended. gently check and clean the eyes in most healthy cats, especially if we observe eye discharge or a small accumulation of secretions in the tear duct area.
For that, You need to moisten a clean gauze pad Pour a strained, chilled or lukewarm chamomile infusion over the eyelid, always starting from the inner corner of the eye and moving outwards. Then, repeat the same process with the other eye using a fresh gauze pad to avoid transferring bacteria from one eye to the other. This will help prevent common infections, such as conjunctivitis.
However, chamomile can retain some of its properties. small particlesTherefore, many veterinarians recommend using [the alternative] as an even safer option. sterile physiological serum or eye cleaners specifically formulated for cats. These types of products mimic natural tears and help remove dirt and discharge without causing irritation.
It is important that Do not use cotton or kitchen paperas they can leave fibers that get into the eye, and always make gentle movements, without rubbing hard or pressing directly on the eyeball.
When eye discharge is very dry or stuck to the hair, it is advisable moisten them first for a few seconds Use a damp gauze pad to soften them and then remove them more easily. Never try to pull them off dry, as this could damage the delicate skin around your eyes.
If your cat is very restless, it can be helpful to gently wrap it in a towel (like a little "burrito") or ask someone else to gently hold it while you clean its eyes. When you're finished, Offer him a reward in the form of caresses or a reward so that he associates this care with something positive.
How often should you clean a cat's eyes?
Not all cats need their eyes cleaned with the same frequency. The need for eye hygiene depends on their individual needs. breed, skull shape, health status, and environment.
- Occasional cleaningIn most healthy cats, it is sufficient to clean the eyes when small amounts of eye discharge appear, usually once or twice a week, coinciding with other care such as brushing.
- More frequent cleaningSome cats tear up more than normal. This happens, for example, in brachycephalic breeds (with flat faces) such as Persians or Himalayans, in cats with very large or more sensitive eyes, or in felines with allergies or a reaction to dust. In these cases, it can be helpful to clean the eyes every day or every few days.
- Older cats or cats with a history of eye problemsIf your cat has had conjunctivitis, eye ulcers, blocked tear ducts, or other conditions, the veterinarian may recommend a more regular cleaning routine and with specific products.
In any case, the important thing is to always do it with Care and appropriate products for feline eye cleaningavoiding aggressive remedies or solutions designed for humans that could irritate such a sensitive area.
How to safely clean a baby kitten's eyes
Kittens may have more eye discharge or secretions, especially during their first few weeks of life. Their eyes are still developing. more delicate and vulnerableTherefore, it is essential to take extreme precautions.
If you need to clean a baby cat's eyes, keep these recommendations in mind:
- Usa warm physiological saline or eye cleaners specifically for kittens, avoiding homemade products or eye drops not indicated for them.
- Always clean with very smooth movementswithout pressing, as the skin and eye tissues of kittens are extremely sensitive.
- If the eye discharge is dry, leave the damp gauze on the area for a few seconds to soften them before removing them.
- If the eyes have not yet fully opened, Don't force themClean only the external area and consult your veterinarian if you see swelling, pus, or stuck eyelids.
If you notice any unusual signs, such as yellowish or greenish discharge, significant swelling, or your kitten's eyes are stuck together, the wisest course of action is go to the vet immediately to avoid serious complications.
Take him to the vet whenever he needs it
There are many problems that a cat's eyes can have: infectious diseases, trauma, foreign bodies, allergies, chronic irritations, or alterations of the tear ductWe all know how annoying it is to have a single eyelash on the surface of the eyeball; now imagine what it's like to have, for example, a glaucoma or a cataractThe cat feels pain and, sometimes, can lose its vision if action is not taken in time.
The most common eye diseases in cats include:
- ConjunctivitisRedness of the eye, tearing, eyes half-closed due to pain or sensitivity to light, and the appearance of discharge (white, green, or yellowish). It is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or foreign bodies.
- CataractAcute opacity is a progressive clouding of the lens that causes a kind of "white film" inside the eye, impairing vision. It can be hereditary or appear due to trauma or diseases such as diabetes.
- GlaucomaOcular hyperplasia: Increased intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve and retina. It manifests as swollen eyes, pain, corneal discoloration (bluish tint), and progressive vision loss. It requires urgent veterinary attention.
In all these cases, the treatment should always be clinical and supervised by a professionalUnder no circumstances should you medicate your cat without first consulting a veterinarian, as some human eye drops or home remedies can worsen the condition or mask important symptoms.
Our duty, as their caregiver, is provide veterinary care whenever neededespecially if we observe signs such as red eyes, abundant or purulent secretions, pain when blinking, swollen eyelids, persistently squinting eyes, or changes in color on the surface of the eye.
For our cat's sake, and for our own if we intend to extend its life as long as possible, we must take responsibility for it. Only then can it live well and be happy, with clean, healthy, and bright eyes that reflect its overall well-being and the good care it receives at home.