How to Clean a Feline's Eye

A healthy pet is a happy pet.

Pet health is one of the cornerstones of having happy pets, but even the most diligent of pet owners can be taken by surprise when their loving cat wakes up one morning with goopy, crusted eyes. Crusty eyes rarely signify a more serious illnesses in felines. It most commonly represents an easily remedied infection such as conjunctivitis. No matter the cause, the first thing that must be done is a thorough cleansing of your cat's eyes.

Things You'll Need

• Small bowl
• Warm water
• 1 tsp salt
• Cotton balls

Instructions

Preparation

1. Pour warm water into a small bowl and add 1 tsp of salt.

2. Mix thoroughly until the salt is completely dissolved.

3. Place the bowl and a handful of cotton balls on the floor in an area large enough to accomodate you and your cat.

Cleansing

1. Grasp your cat firmly between your legs, with his head pointing forward. Hold your cat tightly enough to contain him without injuring his back or rear legs.

2. Soak one of the cotton balls in the water solution and gently press it to one of your cat's eyes. If the eye is very crusted, allow the water to sit on the eye for a few moments to soften the discharge.

3. Wipe the cotton ball in one direction, from the corner of the eye outward. Repeat the process until that eye is clean.

4. Soak a new cotton ball in the water solution and repeat steps 2 and 3 to clean the other eye. (Using the same cotton ball for both eyes can spread infection from one eye to the other.)

5. Release your cat when both eyes are clean.

Tips & Warnings

• Some crusted eyes may require soaking more than once before the crusted discharge softens enough for removal.

• Clean your cats eyes several times a day until the infection has cleared up.

• If your cat's eye discharge does not lessen or clear up in a few days, take him to the vet to ensure there is no other underlying condition causing the illness.

References

• The Cat Health Guide: Cat Health Eyes - General Care