If you love your cat, you don’t want it to suffer from eye problems. A cat’s eyes are as clear as pearls and must be treated with care. Wiping your cat’s eyes is an important part of the daily care routine, not only to keep them clean, but also to prevent eye diseases. Now, let’s learn how to properly clean your cat’s eyes.
Before we get into wiping your cat’s eyes, let’s understand why your cat’s eyes produce discharge.
Causes of Cat Eye Discharge: why do cats have eye discharge?
Cats usually have some crusting in the corners of their eyes, but they don’t have constant tearing or sticky discharge. A few typical reasons for watery eyes include
Eye injuries – scratches, impacts to the face
Allergic reactions – when cats are allergic to certain substances or environments, this can lead to eye inflammation and excessive discharge.
Eye infections – Bacteria, viruses or other pathogens can cause conjunctivitis or keratitis, leading to eye inflammation and increased discharge.
Blocked tear ducts – causing tears to overflow onto the face
Eyelid problems – abnormalities of the eyelids in cats, such as inward or outward turning of the lid margins.
Breed related – Flat-faced breeds such as Persian cats are prone to watery eyes and tear stains due to the shape of their faces.
Seasonal Changes – Seasonal changes can be accompanied by changes in temperature and humidity, which can have an effect on a cat’s eyes.
If your cat has increased eye droppings or other symptoms (e.g. red, swollen, painful eyes), you should take your cat to the vet promptly. The vet can examine your cat’s eyes and detect any underlying problems such as eye infections or other eye diseases.
How do I properly wipe my cat’s eyes? Steps for wiping cat’s eyes
Prepare Tools and Materials
Prepare all the necessary supplies before you begin. To make the cleaning process enjoyable for your cat, use a soft, lint-free cloth or specially designed cat eye wipe, a dish of boiling water, and some cat treats or rewards.
Mild pet-friendly eye wash or saline solution;
Clean, soft cotton balls, lint-free cloths or cat eye wipes;
Paper towels;
Patience and care.
Steps for wiping your cat’s eyes
Preparation.
Firstly, make sure your cat is in a safe and comfortable environment. Some cats may not like having their eyes touched, so it’s best to let them get used to it before cleaning. If this is the first time your cat has received such care, you may need to calm it down first.
Wash your hands
Make sure your hands are clean before you begin.
Approach carefully
Approach your cat slowly and speak in a sweet tone of voice. Slowly bring your hand up to your cat’s face and allow them to sniff and get used to your presence.
Assess the eyes
Observe your cat’s eyes for discharge, redness or inflammation. If you notice any signs of infection or discomfort, it is recommended that you consult your vet before wiping the eyes.
Dampen the rag
Dip a soft cloth or cat eye wipe into warm water or eye wash or saline, making sure it is wet but not dripping. Squeeze out any excess water to avoid causing your cat discomfort.
Wipe gently
Start at the inner corner of your cat’s eye and wipe down the corner of the eye. To minimise injury or discomfort, be careful and avoid excessive pressure.
Repeat if necessary
If there is a lot of discharge or dirt around the eyes, you may need to repeat the wiping several times. To avoid the spread of any potential infection, be sure to use a different area of the wipe or wipes for each eye.
Give it a reward.
Once you have successfully wiped your cat’s eyes, take a moment to reward them with some tasty cat treats or show your admiration through vocal praise. Such reinforcement will give your cat a positive association with the activity and motivate them to cooperate in the future.
Remember to be patient and gentle in wiping your cat’s eyes. If your cat is too nervous or resistant, it’s best to stop and try again later. If you have any concerns about your cat’s eye health, or if your cat continues to show signs of discomfort, consult your vet for professional advice.
Precautions for wiping your cat’s eyes
Do not over-clean
Do not wipe your cat’s eyes too often or too hard, as this may irritate them. Generally, cleaning about once a week is sufficient.
Observe the cat’s reaction
During the cleaning process, always pay attention to the cat’s reaction. If the cat shows discomfort or resistance, stop cleaning immediately and provide appropriate calming.
Don’t use human eye wash
Human eye wash is not suitable for cats as their eyes may be allergic or react adversely to certain ingredients. Therefore, always use pet-specific eye wash or saline solution.
Prompt medical attention
If your cat’s eyes show abnormalities, such as redness, tearing, excessive discharge, etc., you should take it to the veterinarian promptly. Appropriate care and treatment should be carried out under the guidance of professionals.
Prevention is better than cure
The best form of care is prevention. Keeping the cat’s living environment clean and removing dust and mites on a regular basis can effectively reduce the irritation and pollution to the cat’s eyes. In addition, matching the cat’s diet and ensuring balanced nutrition can also strengthen the cat’s immunity and improve its ability to resist eye diseases.
Respect for cats
Every cat has its own personality and preferences; some may prefer to have their eyes gently rubbed, while others may feel uneasy about it. It is therefore important to respect your cat’s reactions and wishes. If he doesn’t like having his eyes wiped, try gently wiping his face with a damp paper towel or cleaning his eyes with a cotton ball moistened with warm water. Remember, the most important thing is to make your cat feel comfortable and safe.
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How often do you need to wipe your cat’s tear stains?
The frequency of cleaning your cat’s eyes should be determined by your cat’s specific characteristics and living environment. It is usually recommended that you clean your cat’s eyes at least once a week. If the cat’s ears contain more secretions or the living environment is not clean, the cleaning frequency should be higher. In addition, if you find eye droppings or dirt in your cat’s eyes, you can use a pet-specific cleaning solution to remove them, but don’t overdo it so as not to irritate your cat’s eyes.
If you want to reduce the frequency of wiping your cat’s eyes, you can give your cat some tear stain removal supplements.
