Cataracts in Cats

Cataracts not only affect humans, but also strike pets of all ages. It leads to cloudiness of the lens or the capsule of the eyes. This ailment in cats is not as common as it is in dogs. It is also not surprising to note that this condition in kittens is present at or after birth. Congenital cataract occurs due to nutritional deficiencies in the diet. Cataract can occur in one or both eyes. It is more common in older cats or may occur after an injury to the eye.

This eye ailment clouds the lens that prevents the lens from functioning as it normally does. This clouding initially does not cause much problems, but as more portion of the lens gets involved, the vision of the cat gets blurred. Then the entire lens gets opaque and the eye losses vision.

The Causes

There are many causes behind cataracts in cats that may be inherited or due to some other diseases. Many times, it develops due to inflammation of the eye, trauma or other eye disorders. This condition is rarely inherited and may be seen along with abnormal development of the lens. Nutritional abnormalities may be the cause in young cats. This eye condition often occurs due to aging and does not cause total blindness.

The Symptoms

The following are some of the signs that will help you know if your cat is developing this eye disease.

• Bluish, gray, or white color development on the inside of the eye
• Tendency to bump into things
• The kitten is reluctant to use stairs or jump up onto objects
• The cat is hesitant to move about in unfamiliar environment
• Squinting is noticed in the eye
• Redness or inflammation of the eye

Treatment Options

If you observe any of the above-mentioned symptoms, take your cat to the vet immediately. The vet will be able to diagnose the condition and help provide the necessary treatment. There is no method to clear the lens but the vet may carry out surgery to remove cataract. The cost of surgery may range from $1,500 to $3,000 that covers pre-op analysis, surgery and post-surgery checkups. The vet may also advise anti-inflammatory medicines along with antibiotics that will help reduce the inflammation.

Future of Cats with Cataracts

Felines with this eye disease will quickly learn to adapt to their physical condition. They have strong sense of smell or hearing that will help compensate for vision loss. As a pet owner, you need to keep your cat's environment stable and not move around the furniture. You should keep the food dish and water tray in the same location at all times. Even the litter box should not be moved. You should try to keep the cat indoors at all times.

You need to take good pet care to keep your feline companion happy and secure. At any time, make sure you consult the veterinarian in case you have any concern regarding your pet's eyes.