A kitten's eye infection may be caused by allergies, infection, physical damage to their eye or feline respiratory disease. Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of infection. Eye infection is often the result of a weakened immune system and this is the reason eye infections are most common in kittens. Signs of an eye infection are usually clearly visible. They include eye redness, discharge, inability to easily open their eyes, blinking and discomfort. Any signs of eye infection should be discussed with a veterinarian prior to beginning treatment.
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Veterinarian Visit
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A veterinarian will be able to diagnose the reason for your kitten's eye infection. They will ask questions in regard to the kitten's background, environment and medical history. The veterinarian may conduct tests to determine if the infection is seen in conjunction with feline diseases such as FHV-1, Feline Chlamydia, Feline Mycoplasma, Feline Herpesvirus-1 or Keratitis.
Depending on the cause of the infection, your veterinarian may prescribe topical antibiotics or antiviral medications. These are usually prescribed as eye drops.
If your kitten has an FHV-1 eye infection, antibiotics will not help. In this case homeopathic remedies may be recommended.
Home Remedies
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Gently pour warm water over the infected eye. This will help clean the eye of any discharge. Soak a cotton pad in the water and gently wipe the area around the eye to remove any leakage. Do not wipe the eye itself. Check for a foreign object lodged in the eye.
If the eye infection is caused by a foreign object; do not attempt to remove the object yourself. This could cause further damage. Consult a veterinarian immediately.
Herbs that can be safely used to treat feline eye infections are burdock, meadowsweet, rosemary and Chelidonium majus. These natural products are combined into an eye tonic to treat infection. The tonic is mixed with boiling water, allowed to cool, and then applied to a cotton ball. The soaked cotton ball is then used to wipe around the infected eyes. Use a new cotton ball for cleaning each eye in order to prevent the spread of infection.
Apple cider vinegar has been used to treat feline eye infections. Soak a cotton ball in approximately one tsp. of apple cider vinegar. Squeeze the vinegar onto the back of the cat's neck making sure it reaches the skin. A diluted apple cider vinegar and water mixture can also be used to clean around the eyes and nose. Be careful not to get the vinegar into the eyes.
Warning
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Eye infections are usually easily treatable. Seek veterinary advice at the first sign of infection. If left untreated an eye infection may lead to blindness.
Complete the full course of any prescriptions. This will prevent the infection from reoccurring.
Kittens may lose their appetites while fighting an eye infection. It is important to make sure that they receive the nutrition they need to fight off the infection.
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