Bacterial Cat Eye Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Care

Eye infections are quite common among cats. They can either be bacterial or viral, and most cats will get infected at least once in their lifetime. Cat eye infections can be very painful and disturbing for cats. For this reason, feline owners must have sufficient knowledge about these ailments to seek timely veterinary care.  

Table of Contents

Different types of eye infections in cats

There are various kinds of cat eye infections. They are generally categorized based on the infected part of the eye. Some of the common types of feline eye infections are discussed below.

Conjunctivitis

It is commonly known as the ‘pink eye’ and refers to the soreness of conjunctiva. In addition to infections, Conjunctivitis can also be caused by non-infectious conditions, such as allergies, hereditary conditions, and tumors.

Blepharitis

It is a common type of eye infection that affects the cat’s eyelids. More specifically, it affects the muscular portion, the glands, the connective tissue, and even the outer skin.

Stye

This is caused by the congestion of the sebaceous gland in the eyelid. The sebum keeps accumulating inside the gland to form a lump because it cannot be discharged onto the eyelid. The lump typically appears at the edge of the eyelid, close to the eyelash.

Keratitis

This infection causes inflammation of the cornea. If it is caused by a scratch in the eye, it is called ulcerative keratitis. There is also non-ulcerative keratitis, and you can recognize it by a cloudy or watery appearance of the eye. 

Infection of the third eyelid

Cats also possess a third eyelid. However, you can’t see it, if the eyes of your pet are healthy. It only becomes apparent (starts bulging and reddening) when there’s an infection of the eye.

What causes cat eye infections?

Just like different eye infections, their causes are also distinct because every infection has its own pathology. Having said that, bacteria, viruses, allergies, or parasites are the usual culprits. Younger cats (less immunity) and those exposed to high-stress environments, like shelters, get infected by both bacteria and viruses. Some of the most prominent causes of cat eye infections are given below.