Common Cat Eye Problems to Look Out For

Cats’ eyes are extraordinary, gorgeous, and mesmerizing. Sadly, cats’ visual jewels aren’t immune to the wear and tear of life.

If you notice a change in the appearance of your cat’s eyes, or if you observe a change in your cat’s behavior along with eye changes, there may be an issue with your cat’s eyes. And with eye issues, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. As a devoted cat parent, the last thing you want is an avoidable health issue to affect your cat.

Here’s our guide on identifying why your cat’s eyes may look weird and how to treat what’s wrong with them. Read on to protect that beautiful feline gaze.

Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, doesn’t only terrorize elementary school classrooms. Most will have conjunctivitis at least once in their lives.

The conjunctiva is the thin mucus membrane that lines your cat’s inner eyelid, eye corner, and eyeball. Inflammation of the conjunctiva is called conjunctivitis. Symptoms include inflammation, excessive blinking, or discharge.

Causes of cat conjunctivitis include: 

• Feline Herpesvirus – The most common cause of conjunctivitis, Feline herpesvirus affects nearly 90% of cats. If your cat’s eyes develop yellow or green discharge, along with irritation and cold symptoms (such as coughing and sneezing), take them to a veterinarian for a herpesvirus test and a veterinarian-approved treatment regimen. 
• Chlamydophila and Other Bacteria1 – This bacterial infection is more common in younger cats and causes mucoid eye discharge, respiratory issues, and inflammation. It spreads through close contact, so other cats in the household should be treated. Some instances of conjunctivitis have been reported in owners of affected cats, so tell your doctor about your cat’s infection if you or a family member develops symptoms. Treatment involves topical and oral antibiotics. Veterinarians recommend vaccines for breeding catteries and shelters. 
• Environmental Irritants – The great outdoors is home to many potential allergens and irritants. Certain plants, smoke, dust, and other natural irritants can cause eye trauma and irritation. 

With proper cat eye care, you can help prevent most irritants and infections from taking hold. A gentle, non-toxic eye rinse, such as Vetericyn Plus antimicrobial eyewash, can be used to gently rinse your cat’s eyes without triggering a fit. 

No stinging, no scratching, and no more eye gook. Sometimes, the protective measure is as simple as keeping your cat's eyes clean and clear. 

Declining eye health is part of the aging process. Cats are no exception. 

As your cat grows from a kitten to a household icon, they may experience one of the eye health conditions listed below.

Glaucoma

In a normal, healthy cat, fluid moves seamlessly in and out of the eye. However, with glaucoma, the liquid does not flow out normally, leading to symptoms such as dilated pupils, squinting, a bluish discoloration of the cornea, and lethargy.²

Glaucoma can be primary or secondary. Primary glaucoma, caused by abnormal eye anatomy, is rare in cats; however, Burmese and Siamese cats may have an increased risk. Secondary glaucoma is more common than primary glaucoma in cats. It usually occurs in older cats due to other eye diseases or injuries. Secondary glaucoma causes in cats include: 

• Uveitis (severe eye inflammation)

• Infection (bacterial or viral)

• Bleeding within the eye

• Damage to or dislocation of the lens (usually from injury)

• Tumors (block eye fluid drainage)

Glaucoma is a medical emergency. High pressure within the eye can rapidly cause permanent blindness. 

Glaucoma treatment reduces the pressure within the eye. It involves medications that reduce pain, decrease eye fluid production, and increase eye fluid drainage. 

Some cases require emergency surgery. Long-term treatment is necessary. In severe cases where blindness has already occurred, surgery to remove the eye may be recommended to control pain. 

If you notice glaucoma symptoms in your cat, take them to the vet right away. 

Cataracts

Do your cat’s eyes look weirdly cloudy? Are you wondering what’s wrong with your cat’s eyes? Just like humans, cats can develop cataracts from old age or other causes.³

Cataracts appear as cloudy spots within the lens of your cat’s eye. The lens is designed to be translucent, as it transmits light to the back of the eye, enabling clear vision. However, a lens that becomes cloudy may limit or completely interfere with vision. 

Cataract symptoms include cloudy eyes and problems navigating familiar environments. Affected cats may bump into furniture and have trouble finding their food and water bowls, as well as the litter box. 

Chronic inflammation within the eye (i.e., uveitis) due to infection or trauma is the most common cause of cataracts in cats and occurs most often in older cats. However, improper nutrition or genetics can lead to cataracts in young cats. Persian, Birman, Siamese, Russian Blue, and Himalayan cat breeds have an increased risk of developing cataracts. 

Other health problems, such as diabetes, the most common cause of cataracts in dogs, and high blood pressure, may cause cataracts in cats. 

Treatment depends on the cause and the extent of the cataracts. Surgery is the cure for cataracts, but it isn’t recommended for every case. For non-surgical cases, treatment may include regular veterinary evaluations to monitor signs of progression and address the underlying problem to prevent further progression. 

If your cat’s eyes look weirdly cloudy, call your veterinarian for an appointment. 

Dry Eye Disorder 

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the clinical name for dry eye disease. Cats with dry eye don’t produce enough normal tears to protect their eyes.⁴ 

Symptoms include thick discharge from the eye, squinting, eye irritation, and a dull appearance of the eyes. If you notice these symptoms, take your cat to the vet for an appointment.

Your veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical exam, as well as an eye examination. They’ll also test the eyes to see whether your cat’s tear production is too low. This test is quick and doesn’t hurt your cat. It involves placing a small paper strip between the lower eyelid and the eyeball.

Cat eye infections, systemic diseases, medications, and external irritations may all cause dry eye. Left untreated, dry eye can cause scarring on your cat’s cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye. Treatment often involves topical eye medications, as well as systemic medications in many cases. Your veterinarian can prescribe the best treatment plan for your cats. Regular rechecks help your veterinarian guide your cat’s dry eye management. 

Regardless of the type of cat you have, ensure proper cat eye care to protect their vision and prevent pain. A gentle, non-toxic, and effective eye flush, such as Vetericyn’s Eye Wash, is an excellent addition to an eye treatment regimen. There’s no alcohol or antibiotics, it’s sting-free, and it helps relieve symptoms of inherited eye problems, infections, allergies, trauma, and irritations.

From Bengals to American Short Hairs to Sphinxes, most cats will face eye issues in their lifetime. The key to prevention? Being the attentive and caring owner you are. 

Establishing a healthy lifestyle for your cat can help prevent most eye issues from developing. Vetericyn Plus’ eye care line can help protect and manage various cat eye problems.

With proper TLC, your veterinarian’s guidance, and Vetericyn’s innovative line of pet wellness tools at your fingertips, you can keep that twinkly in your cat’s beautiful eyes. 

Sources: 

1. VCA Animal Hospitals. Chlamydial Conjunctivitis in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals website. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chlamydial-conjunctivitis-in-cats. Accessed September 6, 2025.
2. VCA Animal Hospitals. Glaucoma in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals website. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/glaucoma-in-cats. Accessed September 6, 2025.
3. PetMD. Cataracts in Cats. PetMD website. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/cataracts-cats. Accessed September 6, 2025.
4. PetMD. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye) in Cats. PetMD website. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_keratoconjunctivitis_sicca. Accessed September 6, 2025.