Contagious Eye Infections From Kittens

Keeping kittens healthy and happy requires constant vigilance and care. Since they spend much of their early life with litter mates, it̵7;s important to recognize problems that may require attention before they distress the brood. Eye infections are painful, common problems with kittens and can spread rapidly through a litter. Therefore, it̵7;s important to identify and treat these problems as quickly as possible to avoid suffering and future complications.

  1. Calicivirus

    • Feline calicivirus is a viral infection that affects the eyes, nose, mouth and throat of cats and kittens. The condition is often found in overcrowded shelters, although it can be prevented with a routine vaccination. When attacking the eyes of a kitten, calicivirus causes runny eyes and can cause infection if left untreated. Since it is a virus, antibiotics won̵7;t help the condition. Treatment is administered by removing discharge to keep the kitten more comfortable.

    Herpes Virus

    • Feline herpes conjunctivitis is an eye infection caused by a virus also known as rhinotracheitis. Much like calicivirus, it is an upper respiratory flu which spreads quickly in poor and overcrowded conditions. It can also be passed from a mother to a kitten during birth. The virus is characterized by inflammation, redness and discharge, causing the kitten to squint from pain. Associated with immune system complications, treatment may include oral medications to help suppress immune deficiencies, keeping the eyes clean and proper nutrition to help the animal fight the disease.

    Chlamydial Eye Infections

    • Chlamydial eye infections are another contagious respiratory tract problem that affects cats and kittens. Occasionally, these infections can also be transmitted to humans. Redness, inflammation and painful lesions are the symptoms of this infection and, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications in the animal. Vaccines are available; however, they only reduce the chance of infection and cannot guarantee complete protection. Treatment includes cleaning the eyes and medical prescriptions like tetracycline or erythromycin.

    Bacterial Eye Infection from Debris

    • When debris gets into a kitten̵7;s eyes, it will also cause inflammation, redness and discharge. If treated quickly, the condition can be kept away from litter mates. However, untreated problems from debris can rapidly become infected and can be complicated with added infectious diseases which can spread to other kittens in crowded conditions. Eye drops can be prescribed to help relieve the pain, and antibiotics can also help treat infection.