Feline Conjunctivitis - 7 Signs Your Cat Has Pink Eye

Feline Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye. It's more commonly known as "Cat Pink Eye" and is probably the most common eye problem cats have. Actually to provide a more precise definition, conjunctivitis is an inflamed conjunctiva, which is the thin, delicate membrane that covers the eyeball and lines the eyelid. The conjunctiva also creates a seal with the nictitating membrane "the third eye." (The nictitating membrane is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals like the cat that can be drawn across the eye for protection and to moisten the eye while also allowing visibility.)
 

A healthy conjunctiva is a slightly pale pink. When infected it swells and becomes much darker. This is why cats with conjunctivitis are often referred to as "pink-eyed."

What are the Signs of Cat Pink Eye?

1. Frequent squinting - your kitty looks sort of like one of the "Lolipop Kids" from the Wizard of Oz.

2. Watery or mucous-like discharge that's clear, yellow, and gray with pus.

3. The pink membrane lining, or conjunctiva, that surrounds kitty's eye is a much darker pink almost red and swollen.

4. Third eye protrusion. The nictitating membrane actually begins to protrude a bit because of the swollen conjunctiva.

5. The part of the eye called the iris, the beautiful colored part of kitty's eye will probably appear duller than usual or in some cases be an entirely different color.

6. Kitty is pawing or rubbing the eye.

7. Sometimes cat eye infections are accompanied by frequent sneezing and possibly an upper respiratory tract infection.

It is important to note that conjunctivitis should be treated as soon as possible. Although conjunctivitis is not life threatening, if it isn't treated in time, can spread from the conjunctiva to other parts of the eye eventually causing severe damage to the cat's eyesight.

Besides, all you have to do is take one look to know that the infectious condition is red, raw and sore. And you can tell immediately by paying attention to kitty's behavior that Feline Conjunctivitis is a very upsetting condition. The sooner you get relief for kitty the better!

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