Eye injuries in your kitty can cause pain, tearing, or discharge. This guide covers common causes, warning signs, and steps to safely treat or seek veterinary care for your cat’s eyes.

As a cat guardian, you might not be aware when your kitty suffers a minor eye injury. You only realize something’s wrong when you see him pawing at his eye. You may also notice a change in the way the eye appears. Let’s look at different types of eye injuries in cats, and what to do if they occur. 

What can cause an injury to your cat’s eye?

1. Your cat may occasionally get litter dust or particles in his eyes. This is especially the case with clay litters. If this happens to your kitty, consider switching him to a different litter that’s dust-free. Make sure it’s also free of any synthetic fragrances, which can also be irritating to the eyes.
2. Breeds with flatter faces, such as Persians or Himalayans, can have a condition called entropion, where the eyelids roll inward. The fur on the eyelids can cause inflammation or even slightly abrade the cornea.
3. Kitties in multi-cat households can injure their eyes when they roughhouse or scrap. This can cause a scratch, eyelid injury, or even (more rarely) a punctured eye. If a cat rubs a scratched eye, he can turn it into an abrasion that covers more of the eye’s surface.

Hint: If the eyelid has a laceration, there’s greater chance the eye might be punctured. 

1. Solitary cats can also accidentally scratch their eyes, especially if they like to run around with sudden starts, stops, and turns. They might slide on rugs and occasionally bump into furniture. Your cat could also suffer a slight eye abrasion if a toy on a string accidentally hits his eye.
2. Do you have birds as well as cats? The millet in birdseed can pose a problem. This is especially true if your bird likes to throw his seed around. A millet seed in your cat’s eye can be painful, especially if it scratches the cornea. If you pull down the lower eyelid, you might see the seed, though it sometimes slips behind the third eyelid.
3. Outdoor cats may encounter seeds, especially foxtails, that can enter their eyes.
4. Outdoor cats are also at risk of more drastic eye injuries. If a cat is hit by a car, attacked by a dog, or kicked in the face, he could suffer a fracture of the facial bones. This can cause bleeding or pressure behind the eye, and/or bad bruising. 

What to do if your cat suffers an eye injury

• Traffic accidents or dog attacks can seriously injure a cat and may cause the loss of an eye. You must seek immediate veterinary attention for these injuries. Taking your cat to the vet quickly improves the chances of saving the eye.
• Eyelid lacerations can be alarming because they bleed a lot. A little pressure with an ice pack usually stops the bleeding. Very small wounds often heal on their own, but veterinarians must stitch larger wounds. If you’re in any doubt, contact your vet.  
• If you suspect your cat has something in his eye, you can try to flush it out if he’ll co-operate. Wrap him in a towel and use a 3cc syringe (without a needle). Flush the eye with saline or artificial tears. Do not use contact lens solution! This is most effective if your cat will let you gently pull down the lower lid. 

Hint: Don’t try to flush behind the third eyelid. It can cause pain and struggling. 

An eyedropper’s stream usually cannot flush out a foreign body. But if you don’t have a syringe, an eyedropper can help if the foreign body is small enough. After flushing the eye, place an e-collar on your cat (if available). This will prevent him from rubbing it and worsening the abrasion.

• Scratches or punctures are hard to see without an ophthalmoscope or a special dye that makes them glow green. Your veterinarian has this equipment. If you suspect a serious injury, let them examine your cat and provide proper treatment.

Eye injuries in cats can range from minor scratches to serious trauma requiring immediate veterinary attention. Being aware of signs, knowing the causes, and acting quickly protects your cat’s vision and overall eye health. 

Signs of eye injuries in cats 

Eye injuries cause at least some pain. As with humans, a painful eye can cause the cat to squint or blink rapidly. He may paw at his face on the side of the injured eye, or at the eye itself. Their third eyelid may show on the injured eye, but not the other. 

An injured eye may produce excess tears as the body tries to wash out whatever is causing pain. Alternatively, there might be a mucus discharge, with or without blood. The eye’s white may appear bloodshot.

Hint: Indoor-outdoor cats are more likely to get eye injuries than those that live inside all the time.

More serious injuries can cause the eyelid to twitch or spasm. The eye itself might look cloudy. Your cat might be unable to close his eye properly. Or he might keep the eye closed and resist any attempt to open it.

Cautions when dealing with your kitty’s eye injury

• Do not use leftover eye ointment from a previous visit to the vet. The same applies to old or leftover eyedrops. 
• Ointment delays healing when the cornea is scratched or punctured. 
• Some eyedrops may delay healing even though they help treat infections.
• Don’t use your dog’s eye medication for your cat. Cats are very sensitive and sometimes have allergic reactions to medications that are safe for dogs.

If you have any concerns or questions about your cat’s eye injury, promptly consult with your veterinarian.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Nancy Scanlan, DVM, CVA

A graduate of veterinary medicine at the University of California, Davis, Dr. Nancy Scanlan has used nutraceuticals since 1969. She became certified in acupuncture by IVAS in 1987 and followed up with education in chiropractic, Chinese herbs, Western herbs, and homotoxicology. This led to 16 years as the only holistic practitioner in a 7-person practice. After retiring from practice, Dr. Scanlan served as executive director of the AHVMA for 3 years before stepping into her current role as executive director of the AHVM Foundation. Dr. Scanlan is a consultant, author of a text on complementary medicine for veterinary technicians, and writer and lecturer about complementary and alternative veterinary medicine. She is currently enrolled in a masters degree program on integrative cancer treatment at the University of South Florida’s medical school.