Why Do Cats Rub Their Eyes?

Here's the truth:

Every time you see your cat rub their eyes, your heart sinks a little. 😿

You can't help but wonder, "What's wrong with my fur baby?"

And that sinking feeling turns into a pit of worry as you imagine all the possible consequences of not knowing why.

What if it's an infection?

Or worse, what if it's something serious?

It's like a cloud looming over your feline friend's health and well-being.

But don't despair, because in today's guide, we'll dig deep into why cats rub their eyes.

Let's unravel this mystery together and put your mind at ease.

Ready?

Let's go!

Common Eye Infections in Cats

Eye infections in cats are common and need to be taken seriously.

If left untreated, they can cause discomfort and potentially lead to blindness or even death. Obviously, that's not what you want.

So, what should you know about these infections?

Well, there are different causes like bacteria, viruses, fungi, conjunctivitis, cataracts, and glaucoma.

They can result in redness, swelling, irritation, and discharge.

Sometimes, it could just be allergies or dry eyes, or your cat might have something foreign stuck in their eye.

This could make them rub their eyes too much or have watery eyes.

To treat these infections, you'll need prescription eye drops from a vet. Usually, antibiotics in the form of drops, pills, or liquid will be prescribed.

Now, you might be wondering how you can prevent future eye infections.

Good news...

Regular check-ups with your vet can help. Plus, keeping fleas at bay and reducing allergens can also make a difference.

Oh, one more thing – lysine supplements might help cats with herpes viruses 💊. Just don't try any risky home remedies or use toxic substances.

It's always better to seek proper treatment from a vet to ensure your cat's eye infection is safely and effectively managed.

But what if it's not an infection causing your cat's eye rubbing?

Could it be allergies instead?

Let's explore this possibility further and find out how you can provide relief for your furry friend...

Common Allergens and Irritants for Eye Infections in Cats

Cats, like you and me, can have allergies.

These allergies arise from different things like pollen, dust mites, certain foods, or even specific medications.

Allergies make cats do things like rubbing their eyes a lot. They might also sneeze, get itchy eyes, itchy skin, hives, or excessively lick their paws. When you have a cat, creating an environment that’s healthy and loving is crucial.

If you pay attention to their habits and needs, you can give them the best care possible.

Things in the environment, like dust, pollen, grass, or dirt, can make their eyes itch.

To ease their discomfort, you can try anti-allergy medicines or special cat products that imitate their natural smells to help them relax.

And if you've ever wondered about your cat's cold nose, I have just the guide for you.

Wondering why your sweet feline friend has a cool sniffer? Head over to Why Is My Cats Nose Cold to satisfy your curiosity.

In my article, I delve into whether it's normal for your kitty's nose to be chilly.

Don't hesitate to check it out!

Causes and Management of Eye Irritation in Cats

Cats can get irritated eyes for several reasons.

Things like smoke, lots of dust, or strong chemical smells can definitely irritate their eyes.

There are many factors that can make a cat rub its eyes, such as irritation, redness, allergies, sensitivity, diseases, infections, injuries, stress, anxiety, boredom, lack of stimulation, or even just habits.

If you see any signs that your cat's eyes are irritated, like redness, swelling, discharge, blinking a lot, squinting, or rubbing them often, you need to take them to the vet and find out what's wrong.

To avoid scratches and infections, it's a good idea to trim any long hairs around their eyes.

Taking care of your cat's eyes means dealing with environmental irritants, allergies, diseases, and infections. It's also important to reduce their stress and anxiety by giving them a safe space, toys, and hiding spots.

Don't forget about giving them attention, clean litter boxes, fresh water, and good food to keep them healthy overall. 🐱

Lastly, watch out for signs of stress and anxiety in your cat, create a peaceful environment, and address any discomfort or stress-related behaviors right away.

And that wraps up today's article.

If you wish to read more of my useful articles, I recommend you check out some of these: Can a Cat Nurse Kittens That Arent Hers, Can I Use Baby Shampoo on My Cat, Is Dracaena Toxic to Cats, Cat Purring Effect on Humans, and Why Do Cats Noses Get Wet When They Purr

Talk soon,

-Sarah Davis