3 Strong Signs Your Cat Has Pink Eye
Cats can develop different kinds of colds and illnesses that can impact their eyes. Among these is pink eye, a feline version of the same virus that humans can contract. If you're wondering if your cat has pink eye or something else, here are some of the most common signs of pink eye.
Eyelids
Pink eye takes its name from the way that it makes the eye look, so there's no better start than taking a close look at your cat's eyes. For most cats, pink eye causes the eyelids to become swollen, puffy, and pink. Since cats have an extra set of eyelids, the inner eyelid may become partially visible, and it may even open enough to partially obstruct your cat's vision. This eyelid may also be visibly swollen and pink.
Sealed
Cats also have lots of illnesses that can cause discharge from the eyes, but pink eye is notorious for the particularly thick, sticky discharge it creates. This is true of cats, too.
With this thick discharge, sometimes it's not possible for a cat to clear it away, especially if they're feeling under the weather because they have pink eye. In these cases, the goop can remain on their eyelids and act as glue, causing the eyelids to become sealed shut. This problem can worsen if the cat has eyelid swelling, as it makes it harder to fully open the eyes and break the eyelids free of the sticky residue.
Transmissible
Lastly, just like with people, pink eye is extremely contagious. If you have more than one cat, there's a good chance that one of your other cats has already contracted it. If you're seeing the same symptoms with more than one cat, plus at least one of the above symptoms, there's a good chance pink eye is the culprit.
If your other cat doesn't seem sick yet, do what you can to keep them separated. Provide separate food and drink bowls, and make sure to clean your hands extremely thoroughly after handling the sick cat so that you don't carry its germs to the healthy one yourself.
Cats can experience pink eye as humans do, and they have many of the same symptoms. Beating this illness requires help from a veterinarian, so bring your cat in to find out if they have pink eye and to seek treatment for their illness even if it turns out to not be pink eye.