The most common infectious causes are feline herpesvirus, Chlamydia felis, and feline mycoplasma. Chlamydia and mycoplasma are types of bacteria. Taking your cat to your veterinarian will help you determine what is causing your cat’s conjunctivitis. [5] X Expert Source Jamie Freyer, DVMLicensed Veterinarian Expert Interview. 8 October 2021. If non-infectious agents are not the cause, your veterinarian will perform different diagnostic tests to identify the infectious agent. [6] X Expert Source Jamie Freyer, DVMLicensed Veterinarian Expert Interview. 8 October 2021.
For feline herpesvirus conjunctivitis, treatments include topical antivirals, topical antibiotics, and oral interferon alpha (suppresses immune response to virus). [10] X Research source Topical antibiotics for general or herpesvirus conjunctivitis treat bacterial infections that occur when the immune system becomes depressed after a viral infection. For bacterial conjunctivitis, topical antibiotics are used. Tetracycline works for Chlamydial infections. [11] X Research source If a foreign body is stuck in your cat’s eye, your veterinarian may need to perform surgery to remove it. [12] X Research source Topical eye treatments are available as drops or ointments.
Keep your cat isolated for the duration of the treatment.
Your veterinarian will prescribe the number of eye drops (if applicable) and how often to administer the treatment. Before applying the eye drops or ointment, you may need to remove discharge around the eyes with a clean cotton ball and eyewash solution. [15] X Research source Your veterinarian will recommend an eyewash solution for you. Eye drops will disperse quickly over the surface of the eye, so you will not need to rub the eye afterwards. For the ointment, you will spread a line of ointment across the eye. Since it is thick, you will need to close and gently massage the eyelid to make sure the ointment spreads across the eye. [16] X Research source
It usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks before a cat’s eyes fully recover from conjunctivitis. Even if your cat’s eyes look better after just a few days, treating her for a week or more will ensure that her eyes fully recover. [18] X Research source You may need to treat your cat for up to 3 weeks. [19] X Research source
It usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks before a cat’s eyes fully recover from conjunctivitis. Even if your cat’s eyes look better after just a few days, treating her for a week or more will ensure that her eyes fully recover. [18] X Research source You may need to treat your cat for up to 3 weeks. [19] X Research source
If you have multiple cats, make sure each cat has her own ‘supplies’ (e. g. , food and water bowls, toys, litter box) to reduce bullying or fighting between cats. Your cat may also feel stressed if she becomes bored. Provide her with plenty of toys and rotate them on a regular basis. Puzzle toys are especially useful for keeping a cat busy and entertained.
Lysine can be used as a lifelong management option for feline herpesvirus conjunctivitis. [21] X Research source
If your cat’s eyes became irritated when you used certain household cleaners, try keeping your cat away from the area where you are cleaning.
