What Causes Cataracts in Cats?
Cataracts are less common in cats than they are in dogs (Reference 1). In most cases, cataracts are a symptom of another underlying medical condition, but in rare cases it could be hereditary (References 1, 2 and 3).
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Identification
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The most obvious symptom of cataracts in a cat is a blue-grey tint that will begin to appear in the pupil of the eye (References 1, 2 and 3). This may occur in one or both eyes (Reference 1). The blue-grey color might begin small and slowly grow larger, or it might start small and grow quickly (Reference 2).
Anterior Uveitis
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An inflammation of the tissue, or the iris of the eye, surrounding the pupil, is the main cause of cataracts in a cat (Reference 3). Anterior uveitis has a variety of causes, including autoimmune disorders, bacterial or viral infections, cancer, various metabolic diseases or trauma to the eye (Reference 3).
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Injuries
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Injuries can also cause cataracts to form within the eye (References 1, 2). An injury-induced cataract can affect the eye at the initial injury site, or it can continue to develop through the entire lens (References 1, 2).
Genetics
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In cases of genetics, cats will generally develop cataracts later in life, during their senior years; this is referred to as senile cataracts (Reference 2). In this case, both eyes will become affected at the same time (Reference 2).
Additional Causes
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More rare causes of cataracts in cats include radiation therapy, retinal diseases, lens displacement and even some metabolic diseases (References 1, 3).
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