Just like with us humans, a regular eye check-up can show up early stages of other illnesses, especially for cats who are good at hiding symptoms. These include high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney disease – a common health issue for older cats.
It is important to take quick action if there has been any damage to your pet’s eyes, as a small eye issue can escalate very quickly.
What to look for
- Winking
- Holding the eye closed
- Redness
- Discharge
- Loss of sight (perhaps they can’t find treats so easily, or are bumping into things)
- Blood
Book an appointment with your vets – you’ll find that these are a high priority to get an appointment. Don’t use any human eye drops or wipes as the chemical balance will be wrong and you could do more damage.
DID YOU KNOW? As our pets get older, they get a glazing over but that is not necessarily a cataract. Called nucleus sclerosis, the dull sheen is because the lens has lost the neat refraction of light. It is not harmful, but it is good to keep those regular check ins with the vets.
Have you been given medication from your vet? LINK » Watch our video about how to give eye drops
Need tips so you can take a look in those eyes? LINK » Read our article Teaching your pet to accept being checked over
» DOWNLOAD this as a printable page
Pictured above. » Read Sidney's story and her eye-opening treatment.