Why are my cat's eyes dilated and then going back to normal size?

Question

A few weeks ago, my cat had either an exacerbation (loose bowels) of her colitis (inflammation of the colon, part of the large intestine) or she had a stomach virus that has worsened the colitis. She was prescribed Flagyl which I believe is an anti-inflammatory as well as an antibiotic (in case she had a bacterial infection as opposed to viral) and while her bowels were bound up a little for a couple days, they would resume to being very loose. Here eyes get real dilated and then sometimes go back to normal size. She had blood work a couple weeks ago which thankfully came back as normal (negative results). We're taking her to a vet that does conventional medicine as well as alternative medicine today but I'm so anxious and worried that I was hoping that someone could shed some light here and offer some input. Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for the responses. Unfortunately the vet believes that she her loose bowels are due to stress from SARDS (sudden acquired retinal degeneration). My cat has an appointment with an Opthalmic vet this weekend. We'll fight for her though ;) Perhaps there are some alternative methods such as herbs to increase quality of life if that is indeed the diagnosis.

Just an update: We went to the opthalmalic vet today and although he confirmed that my cat does have retinal degeneration, he didn't believe that she would lose anymore site unless (heaven forbid) she got cataracts. We're just going to get her checked a couple times a year. The dr also mentioned that cats don't make their own taurine, an essential amino acid and that if it's not in the diet (which she is actually on from the vet, but just fyi) that even though her problem is most likely genetic, the taurine may help if not getting adequate amounts by asking one's vet. And the dr also said that brewer's yeast may help slow down damage (not reverse it though) as it has been shown to help patients (humans) with MS/multiple sclerosis.

Answer 1

caz the are dialating to the light or it is baked

Answer 2

You have done the right thing with the vets. The dilation could be because of the retinal degeneration, trying to focus on something, (or the reverse.) You did not mention the situation in which this occurs, but if it occurs without any real change in the ambient light, it is a problem. I think your vets nailed it. Thanks so much for reminding people that cats need taurine! There are still some loved indoor cats blind from the lack of taurine before veterinary science discovered the reason.

Answer 3

When talking about normal cat behavior, when they are fearful or nervous and defensive, their ears flatten or twitch and their eyes dilate fully to take in as much of their surroundings as possible.

But since your cat is medicated the dilation of the eyes is just a side effect of the medicine. This happens in humans too with certain medicines. Its not anything bad.

But do mention it to your vet.

Answer 4

Cat's eyes are supposed to do that. Since they can see in dimmer light, there eyes are much more sensitive to the lights. Just like our eyes they dilate out in dimmer lights to absorb as much light as possible, in the brighter light they will become the small slits that we are use to with a cat.
Some times when they are sick just as we do there eyes will dilate out more for the fact that just like us there bodys are working a little harder.
So no need to worry at all!!!
When i was younger i would move my table lamp around and watch my cats eyes dilate in and out.
Hope your kitty feels better soon!!

Answer 5

Wow Julien Poublon the vet truly gave you alot of stable suggestion!!! definite how exciting to have a vet care adequate to be at here with us!! i desire he has made you experience extra clever! =^..^=

Answer 6

my cat does the same thing...when she is happy or we are petting her...her eyes are big...but you freak her out or try to piss her off her eyes narrow in...very normal...hope your cat is ok...

Answer 7

shes just reacting to the light (: