The Persian cat’s eyes, mostly bright and clear, appear to be a little slimy. They may be pecking or rubbing their faces on the couch or carpet. Apparently, there is a problem.
From a simple cold to serious illnesses, there are many causes of Persian cats eye discharge.
Here is some information on the main causes of your kitty’s eye discharge, when to visit a veterinary clinic, and what you can do at home to help your feline.
Causes of Persian Cats Eye Discharge
If your Persian cats have bright and clear eyes, then their eyes are healthy.
Eye problems can affect your cat in very different ways, such as blinking, squinting, or excessive pawing at eye level.
Always consult your veterinarian if you notice your cat’s eyes are inflamed, as eye problems can lead to disastrous consequences such as surgery or blindness.
There are many causes of eye discharge in Persian cats such as:
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
It is an inflammation of the light pink lining that surrounds your Persian cat’s eyes.
conjunctivitis causes either one or both eyes of the cat to appear red and swollen, more sensitive to light and may produce a clear, watery discharge or thick mucus.
Conjunctivitis with fever, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties can show a possible fatal feline infectious peritonitis, although this is less common.
Feline upper respiratory infections
It’s a common cause of eye discharge in Persian cats. They may contain a contagious respiratory disease, feline calicivirus, herpesviruses such as pneumonia and rhinotracheitis, protozoa, and bacteria.
Symptoms range from mild to severe and may also consist of a pus-like, sticky eye discharge.
Corneal disorders
Your Persian cat’s cornea is a dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye. It can become inflamed, scarred, or ulcerated. This can lead to excessive blinking, cloudiness, increased tear production, and inflammation.
Watery, tearing eyes (epiphora)
Excessive tear production, allergies, Blocked tear ducts, and viral conjunctivitis may underlie abnormal tear production in your Persian feline.
Uveitis
It consists of an inflammation of the internal parts of the eye. For instance, cancer, immune problems, trauma, or infection can lead to severe and often painful inflammation of the uveitis.
Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
Dry eye is a chronic lack of tear production that can cause inflammation of the cornea, redness of the eye, and even blindness if it is not treated. Yellow sticky eye discharge may occur due to the lack of watery portion in the tears.
Treatments for Persian Cats Eye Discharge
Since there are many different conditions that can cause eye discharge in Persian cats, you should consult a veterinarian before deciding on any treatments.
According to what your vet discovers, certain treatments for your feline eye discharge may include the following :
Feline upper respiratory infection
Some treatments will depend on the cause and severity of the infection and may involve fluids, decongestants, eye medications, and antibiotics.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis caused by pollen, dust, weeds, or other irritants is treated with steroid ointments. If caused by bacterial infection, antibiotic ointments can be used.
Corneal disorders
Treatment will depend on what is happening to the cat’s cornea but may entail keeping your feline’s eyes clean, eye drops to promote healing, antibiotic ointments, removal of loose corneal tissue, cauterization, or surgery.
Watery, tearing eyes
Under general anesthesia, your veterinarian may resort to plain water or saline solution to clean the cat’s blocked tear ducts. If your feline has an infection, antibiotic ointments or eye drops may be useful.
Uveitis
Uveitis in Persian cats is often difficult to diagnose, but the appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the illness. Treatment involves the use of ointments and drops to reduce inflammation and pain.
Feline calicivirus
Caliciviruses are common with secondary bacterial infections that can cause pneumonia and other serious problems, so always contact your veterinarian if you suspect your Persian cat has this disease. To treat this disease you can use supportive care, administrating of antibiotics for secondary infections, and symptom control.
Dry Eye
There are many causes of dry eye, including immune-mediated diseases and distemper. Treatments may require antibiotics, eye drops and ointments, artificial tears, and suppressing drugs.
When to consult a veterinarian
Persian cats’ eyes are beautiful, but they are delicate too. Small problems can worsen.
Whenever your feline’s eye discharge symptoms do not disappear within 24 hours or if your feline friend is squinting, see your veterinarian immediately.
Do not use any medications on your cat’s eyes if you have leftover medications from a previous eye problem.
Different eye diseases need different medications. Then, using the wrong ones can cause serious problems.
Tips for Keeping Your Persian Cat’s Eyes Healthy
To prevent eye problems in your Persian feline, it’s important to keep up with annual vaccinations, avoid overcrowding cats, and frequently check their eyes for redness, cloudiness, color or shape changes, discharge, and light sensitivity.
To safely remove your cat’s eye discharge while waiting for a vet visit, grab a cotton ball and follow these simple tips provided by the ASPCA :
- Soak a cotton ball in water. Rub away the eye discharge, always starting from the corner of the eye and working outward. Do not forget that a new cotton ball for each eye is necessary.
- Avoid using drops or over-the-counter washes unless prescribed by your veterinarian.
The Bottom line
It’s worth mentioning that the right treatment can be so crucial to your Persian cat’s health and well-being.
Therefore, you should always talk to a veterinarian to make sure your kitty is getting exactly the right treatment.
