Eye allergies are a relatively common occurrence in many cats. It's easy for various offending allergens to get into your pet's eyes, and when they do, they can cause a variety of symptoms and different types of discomfort. Although it's not entirely understood why eye allergies come about, and they can develop in cats that haven't previously had eye allergies, these conditions are typically treatable or avoidable with the proper precautions. Read on for a brief overview of the causes, symptoms and treatments for eye allergies in cats.
Causes of Cat Eye Allergies
Eye allergies in cats are most commonly caused by certain particles that are in the air and which may cause inflammation or another negative reaction in your cat's body. When these particles get into your pet's eyes, they can bring about this reaction in that area. These offending allergens include:
- Dust particles
- Pollen
- Household cleaners
- Other toxic fumes from cleaning products or chemicals
- Perfume or cologne
If you suspect that your pet has eye allergies, look for situations in which he may be coming into contact with any of these particles. If he is, try removing those items from his environment to see if his symptoms clear up when he is out of contact with them.
Symptoms of Cat Eye Allergies
The symptoms of cat eye allergies are similar to those of several other cat eye conditions and diseases. Therefore, it will be important that you take note of all of the symptoms that your pet displays as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. When you have those symptoms all collected, take your cat in to the vet and present him with the symptoms that you've noted.
Some of the most common symptoms of cat eye allergies include:
- Watery eyes
- Other types of discharge from the eyes
- Redness and irritation around the eyes
- Cloudy eyeballs
- Sneezing
- Rubbing or pawing at the eyes
To diagnose your pet's eye allergy, your vet may conduct an allergen test. This test is designed to introduce very small quantities of common allergens to your cat's skin via injection. The reaction is then monitored to see if your pet suffers from some type of allergic response. This can be a good way to isolate particular types of allergens, as it's difficult to treat your pet if you don't know exactly what causes his reaction.
Treating Cat Eye Allergies
The best way to treat your pet's eye allergies is to eliminate his contact with the offending allergens. This can be done in several ways. If you determine that he reacts negatively to a type of chemical or cleaning product, you may be best off if you use other products instead. If dust or pollen causes his allergy, certain types of air purifiers and cleaners can help to reduce allergies, as can regular vacuuming. Finally, hypo allergenic bedding and furniture covers can help to lessen a variety of different types of cat eye allergies as well. Consult with your vet for additional ideas.