Eye Infection in Kittens

Diseases/Symptoms

A kitten's eye infection, called conjunctivitis, is usually viral and/or bacterial in origin and is highly infectious. Caused by the herpesvirus, the calicivirus or chlamydia psittaci bacteria, eye infections are normally seen in conjunction with upper-respiratory infections. Young cats may show symptoms of sneezing with runny noses and can have either clear or yellow discharge from one or both eyes. The mucosal lining of the eyelid, called the conjunctiva, and the eyelid itself are usually red, inflamed and swollen, and the kitten may keep the infected eye closed.

While not infectious to humans, conjunctivitis can spread throughout a litter of kittens and to other cats in the household. The nature of the disease causes the virus and/or bacteria to spread through the air or on bedding when the cat sneezes or cleans itself and to be picked up by the other kittens. Cats normally come into contact with a number of bacteria or viruses that cause disease and do not get sick, but kittens and animals with immature or compromised immune systems are highly susceptible to these particular infections.

Totally preventing eye infections and underlying diseases in a kitten may not be possible due to the cat's young age, but owners can have the mother cat vaccinated prior to giving birth to lower the chances of disease being passed from mother to kitten. Keeping the kittens clean and well nourished will also help in preventing infection. Most importantly, a veterinarian should see all litters soon after birth for a general check-up and vaccination schedule.

Veterinarians commonly treat any respiratory signs in the cat while also treating the eye infection. This means that most vets will recommend that kittens receive antibiotics by mouth for a week to 10 days as well as an ophthalmic antibiotic ointment placed in the eyes three to four times a day for the duration of the symptoms. Treating the kitten systemically gives the animal's body a chance to fight off the illness.

Kittens with eye infections will need extra care at home. The veterinarian may recommend that you use warm water and a soft cloth or cotton ball to remove dried exudates from the eyelids and nose. Kittens who can't smell their food will often not eat, so keeping the nasal passages clean and clear is very important. You will also need to learn how to apply the antibiotic to the animal's eyes without touching the tip of the applicator to the eye. This will prevent contamination of the container.

If a veterinarian does not treat the eye infection, it can quickly worsen and the eye can rupture and the kitten may become blind. Kittens with an underlying upper-respiratory infection can also develop pneumonia and die without veterinary care.