Why Is My Cat Squinting: Causes & Care

If your cat is squinting, it usually means there’s discomfort or irritation in their eye. This can range from a mild issue to something more serious that requires veterinary attention.

Cats squinting is a common behavior that can signal various underlying problems, from minor irritations to significant health concerns. This behavior, often referred to as cat blepharospasm when it involves involuntary eyelid closure, is your feline friend’s way of communicating that something is not right with their eyes. Understanding the reasons behind this action is crucial for providing timely and appropriate care.

Why Is My Cat Squinting
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Deciphering the Squint: Common Reasons for a Cat’s Squinting

Several factors can lead to your cat squinting. They are often a direct response to pain, irritation, or changes in vision. Let’s explore the most prevalent causes.

Eye Infections and Inflammation

One of the most frequent reasons for a cat squinting is an eye infection. These infections can affect various parts of the eye, including the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. When this membrane becomes inflamed, it’s known as feline conjunctivitis.

Feline Conjunctivitis Explained

Feline conjunctivitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva. It can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and sometimes even allergens.

Bacterial Infections: Common culprits include Chlamydia felis and Mycoplasma felis. These bacteria can cause significant discomfort, leading to squinting, redness, and discharge.
Viral Infections: Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) are common causes of upper respiratory infections in cats, and they frequently affect the eyes, leading to conjunctivitis and squinting.
Allergies: Just like humans, cats can develop allergies to pollen, dust, or certain foods, which can manifest as eye irritation and squinting.

Signs of Feline Conjunctivitis:

Redness of the conjunctiva (the pink tissue around the eye).
Swelling of the eyelids.
Increased cat tear production, often leading to watery discharge.
Yellow or green cat eye discharge, which can indicate a bacterial infection.
The cat may be seen rubbing their eye with their paw or on furniture to try and relieve the irritation.
Sensitivity to light.

Trauma and Injury

Cats are curious creatures and often find themselves in situations where they can injure their eyes. Even a minor scratch to the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, can cause significant pain and lead to squinting.

Common Eye Injuries:

Corneal Scratches: These can happen from fighting with other cats, playing with toys, or even from their own claws if they have an itchy face. A cat corneal ulcer is a more severe form of damage to the cornea.
Foreign Objects: Dust, dirt, a small piece of debris, or even a stray eyelash can get lodged in the eye, causing irritation and squinting.
Chemical Irritants: Exposure to cleaning products, smoke, or other irritants can cause temporary or persistent eye inflammation.

Dry Eye (KCS – Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

While less common than infections, dry eye can also cause discomfort and squinting. This condition occurs when the tear glands don’t produce enough tears to keep the eye adequately lubricated.

Symptoms of Dry Eye:
- Thick, mucousy cat eye discharge.
- Redness and inflammation of the eye.
- A dull appearance to the cornea.
- The cat may repeatedly blink or squint to try and spread the limited moisture.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious condition characterized by increased pressure within the eye. It can cause significant cat eye pain and is often accompanied by squinting, a cloudy cornea, and a dilated pupil. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.

Entropion and Ectropion

These are conditions where the eyelid itself is abnormal.

Entropion: The eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes or fur to rub against the cornea, leading to irritation, pain, and squinting.
Ectropion: The eyelid rolls outward, exposing the conjunctiva and making it more prone to dryness and irritation.

Other Underlying Health Conditions

Sometimes, squinting can be a symptom of a broader health issue affecting your cat.

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): As mentioned earlier, viral URIs often impact the eyes.
Neurological Problems: In rare cases, nerve damage or other neurological issues can affect the muscles controlling the eyelids, leading to an inability to open the eye properly.
Cancer: Tumors in or around the eye can cause pain, inflammation, and squinting.

Recognizing the Signs: Beyond Just Squinting

While squinting is the primary indicator, other signs often accompany it, giving you a clearer picture of what might be happening. Noticing these additional symptoms is key to seeking the right help for your cat.

Associated Symptoms to Watch For:

Cat Eye Discharge: This can vary in appearance from clear and watery to thick, green, or yellow. The nature of the discharge can provide clues about the cause.
- Clear, watery discharge: May indicate allergies, mild irritation, or early stages of an infection.
- Thick, mucousy discharge: Can suggest dry eye or certain types of bacterial infections.
- Yellow or green discharge: Often points to a bacterial infection requiring antibiotic treatment.
Redness and Swelling: Inflammation of the conjunctiva or eyelids is a common sign of irritation or infection. This often makes the eye appear bloodshot.
Rubbing the Eye: If your cat is constantly rubbing their eye with their paw or against objects, it’s a clear indication of discomfort or itching.
Light Sensitivity: Cats with eye pain or inflammation may seek out dark places or blink excessively when exposed to bright light.
Changes in Eye Appearance: A cloudy cornea, a bulging eye, or a visibly abnormal pupil can all be signs of serious underlying issues.
Behavioral Changes: A cat that is usually active might become lethargic, hide more, or lose their appetite when experiencing cat eye pain.

Diagnosing the Cause: What Your Vet Will Do

When you bring your cat to the veterinarian due to squinting, they will perform a thorough examination to pinpoint the cause. This diagnostic process is crucial for effective treatment.

The Veterinary Examination Process:

History Taking: The vet will ask you about when the squinting started, any accompanying symptoms, your cat’s overall health, and any potential exposures or injuries.
Visual Examination: The vet will carefully examine your cat’s eyes, eyelids, and surrounding facial area. They will look for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, foreign bodies, or any abnormalities in the eye’s structure.
Ophthalmoscopic Examination: Using an ophthalmoscope, the vet can examine the internal structures of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
Fluorescein Dye Test: This is a common test to check for corneal damage. A special dye is applied to the eye, and under a blue light, any scratches or ulcers on the cornea will glow green. This is vital for identifying a cat corneal ulcer.
Schirmer Tear Test: This test measures the amount of cat tear production to diagnose conditions like dry eye. A small strip of paper is placed under the lower eyelid to see how much tear fluid it absorbs over a set time.
Intraocular Pressure Measurement (Tonometry): This is done to check for glaucoma. A special instrument measures the pressure inside the eye.
Cytology or Culture: If an infection is suspected, the vet may take a sample of cat eye discharge to send to a lab for analysis to identify the specific bacteria or virus.

Diagnostic Tools and Techniques:

Diagnostic Tool	Purpose
Ophthalmoscope	Examines the internal structures of the eye.
Fluorescein Dye	Detects corneal scratches and ulcers (cat corneal ulcer).
Schirmer Tear Strip	Measures cat tear production to diagnose dry eye.
Tonometer	Measures intraocular pressure to detect glaucoma.
Slit Lamp	Provides magnified views of the eye’s surface structures.
Cytology/Culture	Identifies specific pathogens in cat eye discharge for infection diagnosis.

Caring for Your Squinting Cat: Treatment Options

The treatment for a squinting cat depends entirely on the underlying cause. Prompt and appropriate veterinary care is essential to prevent further damage or vision loss.

General Supportive Care:

Even before a definitive diagnosis, you can take some steps to make your cat more comfortable.

Gentle Cleaning: If there is discharge, you can gently clean around your cat’s eyes with a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball soaked in warm water or a veterinarian-approved eye wash solution. Always use a fresh cloth for each eye.
Minimize Stress: Keep your cat in a quiet, comfortable environment to reduce stress, which can exacerbate some conditions.

Specific Treatments Based on Diagnosis:

For Eye Infections (Feline Conjunctivitis)

Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointments: These are prescribed for bacterial infections to kill the offending bacteria.
Antiviral Medications: For viral infections like FHV-1, antiviral eye drops or oral medications may be used.
Anti-inflammatory Drops: These can help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Important Note: Never use human eye drops on your cat unless specifically directed by your veterinarian, as they can be harmful.

For Corneal Ulcers and Trauma

Antibiotic Drops: To prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Pain Relief: Medications to manage cat eye pain.
Specialized Eye Drops: Some drops can help promote healing of the cornea.
Surgery: In severe cases of cat corneal ulcer, surgery might be necessary to repair the damage.

For Dry Eye (KCS)

Artificial Tears: Preservable lubricants to keep the eye moist.
Medications: Cyclosporine or tacrolimus eye drops can stimulate natural tear production.

For Glaucoma

Medications: Eye drops or oral medications to lower intraocular pressure. This is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to manage glaucoma.

For Eyelid Abnormalities (Entropion/Ectropion)

Surgery: Surgical correction of the eyelid is often the most effective treatment.

Home Care and Follow-Up:

Administering Medications: Follow your vet’s instructions precisely for administering eye drops or ointments. It can be challenging to medicate cats, so ask your vet for tips on restraint and administration.
Preventing Further Injury: If the cause was trauma, ensure your cat has a safe environment and appropriate toys.
Follow-Up Appointments: It’s crucial to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your vet can monitor your cat’s progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Preventing Eye Problems in Cats

While not all eye issues can be prevented, some proactive measures can help reduce the risk of your cat developing eye problems.

Routine Veterinary Care:

Regular Check-ups: Annual or semi-annual vet visits allow for early detection of potential issues, including subtle eye changes.
Vaccinations: Keeping your cat up-to-date on vaccinations can help prevent common viral infections like FHV-1 that can lead to eye problems.

Maintaining a Safe Environment:

Keep Environment Clean: Regular cleaning of your home, especially if your cat has allergies, can reduce exposure to irritants.
Safe Play: Provide appropriate toys that are less likely to cause eye injuries. Supervise playtime to prevent accidents.
Protect from Harsh Chemicals: Keep cleaning products and other harsh chemicals stored safely away from your cat.

Grooming and Hygiene:

Gentle Eye Wipes: For breeds prone to tear staining or discharge, gentle cleaning around the eyes can be beneficial. Use only veterinarian-approved products.
Avoid Irritants: Be mindful of perfumes, aerosols, and smoke in your cat’s environment, as these can irritate their eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Squinting

Here are some common questions cat owners have when their feline friend starts squinting.

Q1: My cat is squinting with one eye. Does this mean it’s more serious?
A1: Squinting in one eye can be localized irritation or injury specific to that eye, such as a scratch or foreign object. However, it can also be an early sign of a systemic issue. It’s always best to have it checked by a vet to determine the cause.

Q2: Can my cat’s squinting go away on its own?
A2: Mild irritation from dust or a stray eyelash might resolve on its own as the cat blinks or rubs it out. However, if the squinting persists for more than a day or two, or is accompanied by discharge or redness, it indicates a problem that likely requires veterinary intervention. Ignoring it can lead to complications or vision loss.

Q3: My cat blinks slowly at me. Does this mean they are squinting?
A3: A slow blink in cats is generally a sign of trust and affection, often referred to as a “cat kiss.” It’s different from a squint, which is usually a sign of pain or irritation. A slow blink is a relaxed behavior, while a squint is a protective or painful reaction.

Q4: How do I know if my cat has cat eye pain?
A4: Besides squinting, signs of cat eye pain can include excessive blinking, pawing at the eye, sensitivity to light, redness, swelling, and changes in the eye’s appearance (cloudiness, dilated pupil). Behavioral changes like lethargy or hiding can also be indicators.

Q5: Is feline conjunctivitis contagious to humans?
A5: While some causes of feline conjunctivitis (like certain bacterial infections) can be passed from cats to humans (zoonotic), many are specific to cats. Good hygiene, such as washing your hands after handling an infected cat, is recommended. Always consult your vet or doctor if you have concerns.

Q6: What if my cat keeps rubbing their eye?
A6: If your cat is constantly rubbing their eye, it’s a strong signal of discomfort or irritation. This behavior should prompt a veterinary visit to diagnose and treat the underlying cause, which could be anything from an infection to a foreign body or even a symptom of neurological issues causing itchiness or pain.

Conclusion

Squinting in cats is a signal that shouldn’t be ignored. Whether it’s a sign of a minor irritation or a more serious condition like a cat corneal ulcer or feline conjunctivitis, early detection and proper veterinary care are paramount. By paying close attention to your cat’s eyes and accompanying symptoms, you can ensure they receive the prompt attention they need to maintain their vision and overall well-being. Remember, a healthy cat is a happy cat, and clear, comfortable eyes are a vital part of that happiness.