If you have a kitten, then you know how cuddly and sweet they are. That’s one of the best things about them!
But if your kitten gets sick, it can be pretty terrifying. You want to do everything you can to make sure that they’re getting better as fast as possible, but sometimes it’s hard to tell what will help.
In this article we’ll go over some steps you can take to get rid of cold from your cat’s eyes and also give tips for preventing it from happening again in the future:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Treating a cold in a kitten’s eyes requires gentle care and attention. |
| – It is important to keep the kitten’s eyes clean by gently wiping away any discharge. |
| – Using a warm, damp cloth or sterile saline solution can help in cleaning the kitten’s eyes. |
| – Administering prescribed eye drops or ointments as directed by a veterinarian can aid in clearing the infection. |
| – Seeking veterinary guidance is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment for the cold in a kitten’s eyes. |
Remove Any Discharge You Can See
Next, it’s time to remove any discharge you can see. This may be uncomfortable for your kitten, but it’s important if the eye is too irritated to produce tears, the infection will not be able to flush out.
To do this, use a clean cotton swab (not your hands) and gently wipe away any discharge or mucus you see around the eye or on the skin around it.
If you cannot see anything that looks like discharge or mucus but your kitten is still having trouble opening its eyes, try using some artificial tears instead.
When applying artificial tears, be careful not to apply too much pressure as they contain chemicals that may irritate a kitten’s eyes further if not used correctly
Do not use any sharp objects to remove discharge from your kitten’s eyes sharp objects could scratch their cornea and cause permanent damage!
When it comes to feeding kittens, it’s important to understand their specific nutritional needs. Learn more about the best practices for feeding kittens warm milk in our comprehensive guide on feeding practices for kittens, ensuring their health and well-being.
Wash The Area With Warm Water
Before you wash your kitten’s eye, make sure that you have washed your hands thoroughly. Next, take a cotton ball or soft cloth and gently clean around the eye. Do not put anything in its eye only use warm water around the outside of it.
Don’t rub too hard on your furry friend’s eyes! This can cause further irritation and pain to them. Also, avoid using soap or other chemicals to wash their face as these can be irritating for them as well.
| Cleaning Method | Suitable for Warm Water |
|---|---|
| Warm Water | Yes |
| Saline Solution | Yes |
| Antiseptic Solution | Yes |
| Antibacterial Wipes | No |
Use A Warm Compress To Help The Eye Discharge Vanish
You can use a warm compress to help clear the discharge from the kitten’s eyes.
To apply this method:
- Soak a clean cloth in warm water and wring it out.
- Place the cloth over your cat’s face for about 10 minutes or until the discharge is gone. You may need to reapply several times throughout the day if you don’t see improvement right away.
A fever in a kitten can be concerning, but knowing how to address it is essential. Explore our informative article on breaking a kitten’s fever to understand the steps you can take to alleviate their discomfort and promote a speedy recovery.
Try An Ointment To Ease The Pain And Irritation
Try an ointment made for kittens. A veterinarian should be able to recommend one, or you can ask your pharmacist at the drugstore.
Ointments are a good choice because they are easy to apply and stay on for hours. If you’re not sure what ingredients are in the ointment, check with your veterinarian first before applying it to your kitten’s eyes.
Don’t use petroleum jelly or any product that contains steroids, antibiotics or lidocaine (such as some eye drops). While these products may seem helpful at first, they can actually make things worse by causing irritation and slow healing time.
| Pain Relief Method | Pain Relief | Irritation Relief |
|---|---|---|
| Ointment | Yes | Yes |
| Topical Cream | Yes | Yes |
| Oral Medication | Yes | No |
| Hot/Cold Compress | Yes | No |
Use Drops To Lessen Your Kitten’s Discomfort
Drops can be used to lessen your kitten’s discomfort. If you have no cat-specific eye medications on hand, it’s okay to use drops made for humans.
You can also use artificial tears that dissolve in water, such as the brand name OcuClear. These options will make it easier for your kitten to open their eyes and may help prevent some redness from developing in the days following an episode of conjunctivitis.
You should never use cotton swabs or Q-tips to clean your kitten’s eyes this can cause further damage by scratching the cornea and potentially causing infection!
Newborn kittens rely heavily on their mother’s milk for nourishment, but what happens when they go without it? Find out more about the duration a newborn kitten can go without drinking milk in our informative article on how long a newborn kitten can go without milk, ensuring their well-being and health during this critical stage.
Use Drops Made For Humans If You Don’t Have Any Cat-Specific Eye Medications On Hand
If you don’t have any cat-specific eye medication on hand, use saline drops. These are typically used to relieve dry eyes in humans, but they can also help get rid of a cold in a kitten’s eyes.
Saline is better than artificial tears because it will wash out any discharge or goo that’s getting in the way of your kitty’s vision.
If you have access to them, human eye drops may also work well for kittens with colds. However, make sure the drops are sterile and made specifically for young cats before attempting this method!
| Eye Medication Type | Suitable for Cats | Suitable for Humans |
|---|---|---|
| Cat-specific Eye Drops | Yes | No |
| Human Eye Drops | Yes | Yes |
| Brand-specific Eye Drops | Varies | Varies |
| Prescription Eye Medication | Yes | No |
Don’t Use Cotton Swabs Or Q-Tips To Clean Your Kitten’s Eyes
A warm compress is a great way to clean your kitten’s eyes. This will loosen up any dirt or debris in their eyes, and make it easier for them to breathe.
If you don’t have a warm compress handy, you can use a soft cloth instead. Be sure not to use cotton swabs or Q-tips they can scratch the cornea and cause more irritation.
Vaccination is a crucial aspect of safeguarding a kitten’s health. Discover the ideal time to administer a rabies shot to your furry friend by checking out our detailed resource on when to give a kitten a rabies shot, ensuring their protection from this serious disease.
Fighting A Cold In Your Cat Is Easy When You Know How To Do It Correctly
- Warm compresses are a great way to help your kitten’s discharge vanish.
- Eye drops can be used to lessen your kitten’s discomfort and speed up the healing process.
- If you don’t have any cat-specific eye medications on hand, human ones will work as well just make sure they aren’t too strong or harsh for your pet’s eyes.
- Don’t use cotton swabs or Q-tips to clean cat eyes; you could injure them instead of helping them heal!
Recognizing a potential broken leg in a kitten requires proper understanding and observation. Our comprehensive guide on identifying a kitten’s broken leg provides valuable insights and tips to help you assess your kitten’s condition accurately and seek appropriate care.
Conclusion
The key to fighting a cold in your kitten is to keep them comfortable. You can do this by keeping them warm and dry, giving them plenty of water to drink, feeding them healthy food that will make them strong enough for this infection, and finally giving them drops or ointment to ease their pain.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on related topics:
Eye Discharge in Cats: Learn more about common causes and treatments for eye discharge in cats, helping you understand how to address this issue effectively.
What to Do When Your Cat Has a Cold: Discover practical tips and guidelines for taking care of your cat when they have a cold, ensuring their comfort and promoting a speedy recovery.
Can Cats Get a Cold?: Find out whether cats can indeed catch colds and what you can do to prevent and manage cold symptoms in your feline companion.
FAQs
What are the common symptoms of a cold in cats?
Common symptoms of a cold in cats may include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, congestion, and lethargy.
Can cats transmit colds to humans?
It is rare for cats to transmit colds to humans, as the viruses that cause colds in cats are typically different from those that affect humans.
How long does a cold in cats typically last?
The duration of a cold in cats can vary, but it usually lasts for about one to two weeks. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.
What can I do at home to help my cat with a cold?
To help your cat with a cold, ensure they have a warm and comfortable environment, provide plenty of fresh water, offer easily digestible food, and consider using a humidifier to alleviate congestion.
When should I seek veterinary care for my cat’s cold?
If your cat’s cold symptoms persist for an extended period, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning signs such as lack of appetite or difficulty breathing, it is best to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
