Eye Problems in a Neutered Kitten

When a pet experiences medical problems, it can cause discomfort for the pet and the owner. Eye problems are one example of sickness that can plague household pets. Although cats and kittens are susceptible to various ailments involving their eyes, there is not an established correlation between neutered (or spayed) cats and kittens and eye problems. Regardless, it is good to know what kinds of problems can occur and how to identify and treat them.

  1. Upper Respiratory Infections

    • An upper respiratory infection (URI) is one of the most common kinds of eye problems experienced by felines. Because it is transmitted via the air, a URI typically occurs when multiple cats are living together in a shelter or cattery. Symptoms are often similar to that of a human cold; cats will sneeze, cough, have runny eyes and noses and appear sick or uncomfortable. Your local vet can prescribe medicine to help fight off a URI.

    Conjunctivitis

    • Conjunctivitis ("pink eye") is an eye problem that effects humans and cats alike, although the two can't catch strains of it from one another. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include: watery discharge, cloudy or pink eyes, and a swollen or shut eye. The three most common causes of conjunctivitis in cats are: Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), Feline Chlamydia and Feline Mycoplasma. A cat with any symptoms of pink eye should be taken to the vet for treatment.

    Uveitis

    • Uveitis is a common eye disease in cats and has symptoms of watering discharge and irritation, similar to many other feline eye problems. The pupil of a cat will also appear smaller and the eye itself will be tender and soft when touched. Eyedrops and antibiotics are often prescribed by vets to treat uveitis. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness and/or cancer in cats.

    Cataracts

    • Cataracts are not as common in cats as some of the other eye problems, but can still occur. Signs of cataracts can be physical, such as redness or a change of color of the eye. Other signs can be behavioral, and include cats either running into objects or demonstrating reluctance to interact with the environment. While cataracts can't be prevented, they can be treated. A vet can prescribe medicine to help and surgery may be required for some cats.