Medicine for Eye Infection in Cats

Eye infections are a common problem in cats and can spring from a number of causes. They may be the result of bacterial, protozoal, fungal or viral infections. Foreign objects and scratches are another common cause of eye infections. Eye infections can be treated with medication. Cats with eye infections may squint or appear to be crying. The eye may become inflamed, or in the case of pink eye, the conjunctiva inflames and turns the cat's eye pink. Pus, discharge and a foul odor may also be present.

  1. Foreign Objects &Scratches

    • A cat with scratches and foreign objects in the eye should be seen by a veterinarian, who may prescribe eye drops. Light antimicrobial medications may also be used to fend off potential infections.

    Bacterial Infection

    • Tetracycline is an antibacterial that can be applied topically to the eye infection. It comes in ointment form and requires up to 14 days of treatment before the infection disappears entirely.

    Protozoal Infection

    • Protozoa resulting in eye infections are difficult to diagnose. Toxoplasmosis, a protozoa which is responsible for a number of problems, is the most common in cats. An oral treatment of clindamycine will eliminate the protozoa's presence.

    Fungal Infection

    • Certain fungal infections can be contracted from your cat's environment. These can usually be handled with an oral antifungal medication, such as triazole or voriconazole.

    Viral Infection

    • Eye problems may also be related to viral infections, not all of which have effective treatments. Feline panleukopenia can result in eye lesions, and there is no effective treatment. Feline immunodeficiency virus can be treated with an antiviral medication.