TL;DR: Red skin around your cat's eyes is often caused by allergies or infections and is typically not an emergency unless your cat shows signs of pain, heavy squinting, or vision changes.
What could be causing the red, inflamed skin I see around my cat's eyes?
Inflammation of the skin surrounding the eyes, known as periocular dermatitis or blepharitis, is a common condition where the eyelid tissue becomes swollen, red, and irritated. This can be caused by various factors including:
- Environmental allergies to dust or pollen
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Parasitic infestations such as mites
- Secondary irritation from the cat scratching or rubbing the face
Is red, inflamed skin around my cat's eyes a veterinary emergency?
The urgency level for this condition is generally Low. However, you should determine the level of care based on the following:
- Routine Care: If your cat is behaving normally—eating, drinking, and active—and the eye itself appears clear without heavy squinting or thick discharge, this can typically wait for a scheduled appointment.
- Emergency Visit: If the inflammation is accompanied by sudden blindness, extreme pain, or a change in the appearance of the eyeball itself, the urgency level increases significantly.
How does a photo of my cat's eyes help the vet with triage?
Providing a clear, well-lit photo of your cat's eyes is one of the most effective ways to assist a veterinary professional during triage because:
- It allows a vet to see the exact pattern of the redness.
- It helps determine if the inflammation is limited to the skin or if it involves the conjunctiva and the eye globe.
- This visual information helps determine if your cat needs an immediate visit or if the condition can be managed with routine care.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats, red inflamed skin around the eyes, or blepharitis, can result from an extension of generalized dermatitis, conjunctivitis, local glandular infections, or irritants. Common underlying causes include dermatophytes, Demodex cati or D gatoi, staphylococci, and immune-mediated diseases. Systemic diseases such as Demodex cati and D gatoi, Notoedres cati (scabies), ringworm, feline herpesvirus-1, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, feline immunodeficiency virus, and feline leukemia virus can also manifest as eyelid inflammation and conjunctivitis. Diagnosis may require skin scrapings, cultures, and biopsies.
Chapter: Ophthalmology, Dermatology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 490)