His eyes aren't seeping like some sick cat's eyes do, but I'm worried about him. I can not afford to take him to the vet unless it's an emergency. Does any one know if it might be alergies or something? Thanks.
2007-10-01 10:30:55 · 5 answers · asked by Animal 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Your kitty may have gotten something into his eye that's irritating it or he has an infection. If he's also sneezing a lot, he may have "kitty flu" which is like a cold and he'll need some treatment. In any event, while I hear that you are limited on funds, it would be best to take this guy to the vet - especially if it's been going on for a few days. You might want to check with your local shelters for low cost or nonprofit animal clinics. You can also check with the SPCA in your area for low cost clinics.
Good luck.
2007-10-01 10:39:15 · answer #1 · answered by stellargoddess01 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can look on your cat's eye and see if there is a scratch or hair or something visibly irritating it. I used to work for a vet and the eyes are one of the things we do not mess around with. if the third eyelid is closing and this is the only thing that is wrong, it does not necessarily mean there is an infection or anything wrong with the eye. That can be caused by an internal infection or some kind. If the eyelid is closed and this is accompanied by redness, watering of the eyes or squinting, then this means that something is irritating the eye itself. I would not let this go on for more than a few days at most.
Since you are short on money, you can try putting warm compresses on the eye and see if this helps it improve. DO NOT put any sort of human eye drops or creams in or around the eye. To do a warm compress, it is best to get some running water hot and soak a washcloth and ring it out or you can soak a washcloth and put it in the microwave (if you do this, check the temp first because this can make it really hot). Apply the compress to the eye for about 5 mintues at a time every 15-20 minutes or so. Try to do this when your cat is most calm, like when he is sleeping. This way he will tolerate it more, rather than run away. If he won't tolerate the full 5 minutes, do it as long as he will tolerate it for.
Cats don't really get allergies too often. Dogs seem to have this problem more. Cats can have an allergic reaction to a chemical or something they get into, but it is not like typical allergies.
If his eyes do start seeping, typically if it is clear, then it is viral and it will have to run its course. Yellow/green discharge is typically bacterial and will only go away completely with an antibiotic.
Lastly, if you do have to take him to the vet, you can ask your local vet if they participate with Care Credit. This is a credit card type thing that is relatively easy to get and can be used at Vets as well as human doctors/pharmacies. Once approved you can use this for your visit and not have to pay interest for 90 days to 6 months, whichever you are approved for. You just have to have a valid drivers license and a bank card (for verification purposes only).
At the vet I worked for a visit like this would typically cost around 80-100 for the exam and antibiotics.
Good luck and I hope your kitty gets better!
2007-10-01 19:33:18 · answer #2 · answered by starashley46123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry. The inner eyelid being closed may have nothing to do with his eyes at all, That can happen just from your cat being ill. Unfortunatly, without other symtoms, there is no way to tell you what is wrong without a vet and a vet will be needed. Maybe you can think of other things going on that may help people to help you.
2007-10-01 17:46:18 · answer #3 · answered by Ken 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well leave it long enough and it could be an emergency. Or, you could save some money and take him now.
There are a number of things that could cause this problem - if just one eye is affected it could be a simple eye infection. If both eyes are affected, this is a general sign of illness. I'm afraid no one on here can possibly tell you what is wrong. Be a responsible owner and take the cat to a vet.
Chalice
2007-10-01 17:40:53 · answer #4 · answered by Chalice 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want to try to treat it as an infection, go to a feed store and pick up terrimycin ointment, that is what a vet would give you..you save a vet bill. Clears the eye infection fast..in florida, the cost is $10.00.
2007-10-01 19:36:51 · answer #5 · answered by bjsuno 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This happens with cats eyes if they are really dehydrated. Does he have a constant flow of water and food?
2007-10-01 19:51:36 · answer #6 · answered by SunShyne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋