If you’ve ever stared longingly into your furry companion’s eyes, you may have noticed two things: #1 — they have beautiful, enchanting eyes, and #2 — they can 100% beat you in a staring contest. Do they ever blink?!
The reason cats blink so infrequently is a mystery, but we can tell you why cat eyes are so unique. The natural beauty of cat eyes has to do with the shape of their pupils (the black part of the eye). Cats, and some other predators, have vertical pupils. Science says vertical pupils come with a distinct advantage — better low-light and night vision. Since they’re mostly nocturnal, you wouldn’t want to be caught out at night with a hungry feline around.
But no matter how pretty they are, they can still be affected by irritants, pollutants, allergens, and infections. That’s why in this review, we’ll show you how to protect and treat your cat’s eyes with over-the-counter cat eye washes and drops.
What Causes Eye Problems in Cats and What’s the Best Cat Eye Medicine?
Cat eyes are supposed to be clear and bright. If you notice anything different, like discharge or changes in behavior such as rubbing or pawing at the eyes, don’t ignore it. Take discharge as an example. It could be something as benign as allergies or it could be a serious illness.
Disclaimer: The following information should not be taken as medical advice. Consult a vet before starting any eye drop treatment.
Eye problems in cats
Conjunctivitis — Commonly known as pink eye, this is an inflammation of the membrane surrounding your cat’s eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other things like physical or chemical irritation. Cats with pink eye have red, swollen, teary eyes with a crusty or mucus-like discharge. Vets recommend separating cats with pink eye from other cats and gently wiping away the discharge. In some cases, antibiotic drops or gels may be prescribed.
Infections can also occur in other parts of the eye. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The symptoms are similar to conjunctivitis and the treatment is generally the same — keeping the eyes clear and providing plenty of rest, food and hydration.
Watery and Dry eyes — Watery eyes can be caused by blocked tear ducts, infection, or allergies. Interestingly, dry eyes have the same causes. Both conditions may be associated with a discharge. Depending on the cause, treatment options vary.
Allergies — Although not common in cats, allergic reactions may occur to things like shampoo or detergent. Other airborne allergens (pollutants, seasonal grass/pollen, among others) can also cause serious discomfort for your cat.
“Which symptoms do allergy eye drops for cats treat?”
Red eyes
Itchiness
Dryness
Puffiness/Swelling
Discharge
Squirting/Rubbing
Regular saline eye drops can help soothe the eye, but something more robust with more active ingredients can quickly relieve symptoms for an extended period of time.
Tear stains — May be completely normal or a side effect of overproduction of tears (watery eyes). These stains normally manifest as streaks or blotches around the eye, face and on the fur and can be easily wiped away with a good eye wash.
As you can see, many of the conditions have symptoms in common, and we would like to reiterate that a call to consult with your vet will save you from worrying about your feline friend.
Is there a “best” cat medicine?
The short answer is — no. There are no magic remedies that can cure every eye problem. The principle of eye washes, drops and rinses is to physically remove any debris or discharge. As a bonus, they reduce symptoms, hydrate the eye and provide relief. Since there are so many choices on the market (and on our list), how do you know what to choose?
It should go without saying that the ingredients in the drops you choose should be safe for cats. All the drops on our list contain safe, effective ingredients. Drops are usually water-based and sometimes plant-based. Both are effective and it depends on your preference. Carefully read the label to ensure you’re buying something that can help with your cat’s symptoms. There are formulas specifically for tear stains and some that can tackle both tear stains and irritation.
The video above shows how to correctly apply eye drops. And, yes, we know that the calm kitty in the video may be the complete opposite from your psycho, clawing mess of fur and teeth.
Here Are the Top 10 Cat Eye Drops in 2020:
As already mentioned, if you suspect your cat has a serious medical condition, contact your vet immediately. The following cat eye drops were chosen based on reviews, and indications may vary.
An all-animal eye wash intended to relieve irritation. Can be used to flush away foreign material safely. Does not contain any antibiotics, so it can be applied daily until the irritation goes away. Manufactured in the USA
Dry, itchy eyes can be very unpleasant. These drops are the perfect, safe solution for managing dry eyes. The powerful lubrication, combined with the long-lasting effect make these drops ideal for both mild and chronic conditions.
Effective formula for clearing up irritation, removing debris and fighting tear stains. Ideal for cats of all ages and sizes, including kittens. Can be used on a daily basis with no side effects.
As the name suggests, this is a natural, plant-based formula. Indications include irritation, foreign debris in the eye, and tear stains. One cool thing about this product is it’s also available in moist, ready-to-use wipes.
Dr. Goodpet Natural Vitamin C & Zinc Eye Drops for Dogs & Cats
All-natural formula that relieves irritation. Includes vitamin C and Zinc. Comes with a convenient dropper so you don’t waste any of the precious liquid. This product is also recommended as a way to prevent tear stains.
Natural eye drops formulated to reduce all kinds of eye problems like dry eyes, irritation, and foreign debris. Instant relief for your kitty friend. Made in the USA.
Made specifically to relieve itchy, dry eyes. This formulation is also effective at removing and preventing tear stains. The herbal formula can be used on a daily basis.
Natural, plant-based formula created to soothe and protect the eyes. Intended to be used as a flushing solution when foreign matter is present. Made in the USA.
A gentle eye wash solution used to reduce irritation and remove foreign matter. Helps relieve red, itchy eyes caused by irritants and allergies. Can be applied on a daily basis or as needed.
An all-animal eye wash intended to relieve irritation. Can be used to flush away foreign material safely. Does not contain any antibiotics, so it can be applied daily until the irritation goes away. Manufactured in the USA
What it can be used for: Washing and rinsing eyes, relieving allergy symptoms, removing tear stains
Dry, itchy eyes can be very unpleasant. These drops are the perfect, safe solution for managing dry eyes. The powerful lubrication, combined with the long-lasting effect make these drops ideal for both mild and chronic conditions.
What it can be used for: Eye lubrication for dry eyes
Effective formula for clearing up irritation, removing debris and fighting tear stains. Ideal for cats of all ages and sizes, including kittens. Can be used on a daily basis with no side effects.
What it can be used for: Reducing eye irritation, as an eye wash, removing tear stains
Natural eye drops formulated to reduce all kinds of eye problems like dry eyes, irritation, and foreign debris. Instant relief for your kitty friend. Made in the USA.
What it can be used for: Removing debris, encrustations. Daily eye cleanser
Animals intended for: Cats, dogs (12 weeks and up)
Ingredients: Deionized water, traditional hand filet aloe juice HF, FG, witch hazel, goldenseal fluid extract, gotu kola fluid extract, echinacea fluid extract.
Volume: 4 fl. oz. (118 ml)
Pros:
Can be used for young cats and dogs
Natural formula
Perfect for daily use or as needed
Made in the USA
Cons:
Can’t be used as drops only applied to cotton ball/swab
As the name suggests, this is a natural, plant-based formula. Indications include irritation, foreign debris in the eye, and tear stains. One cool thing about this product is it’s also available in moist, ready-to-use wipes.
What it can be used for: Removing tear stains
Animals intended for: Cats, dogs
Ingredients: Water, plant-based surfactants derived from coconut and palm, human-grade preservative.
Volume: 8 fl. oz. (237 ml)
Pros:
One of the best tear stain removers on the market
All-natural ingredients
Easy to apply - available in drops and wipes
Large bottle
Made in the USA
Cons:
None that we could found
What to look for in kitten eye drops
Vet recommendation
Safe ingredients
Read all the reviews
Clearly stated “kitten” or “cats of all sizes” on the label
Please consult a vet. Ignoring eye problems in kittens may lead to vision loss
A gentle eye wash solution used to reduce irritation and remove foreign matter. Helps relieve red, itchy eyes caused by irritants and allergies. Can be applied on a daily basis or as needed.
What it can be used for: Removing debris, soothing irritation, reducing allergy symptoms
Natural, plant-based formula created to soothe and protect the eyes. Intended to be used as a flushing solution when foreign matter is present. Made in the USA.
What it can be used for: Flushing and rinsing away foreign debris
Animals intended for: Cats, dogs
Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Vera, Benzalkonium Chloride, and Sodium Chloride
Volume: Volume: 4 fl. oz. (118 ml)
Pros:
Natural, plant-based formula
No artificial scents
Convenient bottle design
Made in the USA
Cons:
From the reviews, may not be as effective as other productsd
Made specifically to relieve itchy, dry eyes. This formulation is also effective at removing and preventing tear stains. The herbal formula can be used on a daily basis.
What it can be used for: Reducing symptoms of allergy and irritation, removing tear stains
Animals intended for: Cats, dogs, horses
Ingredients: Filtered eyebright extract 2.1%
Volume: Volume: 4 fl. oz. (118 ml)
Pros:
Natural, plant-based formula
Multiple uses
Made in the USA
Cons:
From the reviews, may not be as effective as other products
The Verdict - So What Are the Best Eye Drops for Cats’ Infections?
And for our final bit of advice — we chose the best product from each category:
Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Pet Eye Wash — It’s hard to find something wrong with a product as great as this. It does everything. It soothes tired, itchy eyes, it relieves allergy symptoms and keeps your cat’s coat clean of tear stains.
Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse for Cats — For the kitten category, this wins hands down. The advantage of being able to reduce irritation, wash the eyes and remove tear stains in our smallest furry friends was too much to pass up.
Gold Medal Pets Clean Eyes for Cats — Includes Boric Acid, which has antiseptic properties. The convenient bottle design and advanced formula make it easy to effectively remove any debris and soothe even the most annoying eye irritation.
FAQ
Is it safe to use cat eye drops?
It is perfectly safe if you use the right medicine to treat a specific condition. You should avoid using human medicine. And a consultation with a vet is always a good idea before you start treating the kitty.
What drops should I buy for my cat?
There's no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to eye drops. The vet should provide the definitive answer, as there are different types to treat various problems from infection to mucus buildup around the eyes.
How do I give my cat the eye drops without being scratched?
Wrap your kitty in a thick towel to protect yourself from scratches. It's best to have a second person at hand to help hold the cat's head immobile while you give the drops. Gently push the skin under the eye up to create a tiny pouch. That's where the drops should go.
How long do cat eye drops last?
Depending on the health issue, you might have to administer the drops every four to twelve hours. The thicker the medicine is, the longer it should stay present in the eyes. You should also pay attention to eye drop storage conditions. Some drops are good for merely a few weeks after you break the seal.
Do I really need to use cat eye drops to treat an infection?
Only a medical professional can provide an answer to that. In some cases, the infection can go away on its own, but your kitty will get well sooner with proper medication. Besides, severe infections can cause long-term health issues without proper treatment.
Check our list of the best grooming gloves for cats to find the best brushing glove for your cat and save your hands from ferocious scratching by sticking with the best products.
