TL;DR: Squinting in cats indicates eye pain that requires a veterinary evaluation within 12 to 24 hours to prevent permanent vision loss. Seek immediate care for bulging, cloudiness, or uneven pupil sizes.
Why is my cat squinting or pawing at their eye?
Squinting, technically known as blepharospasm, is a reflexive reaction to pain or irritation within the ocular structures or eyelids. Common underlying issues include:
- Corneal ulcers (scratches on the clear outer layer of the eye)
- Feline herpesvirus
- Conjunctivitis
- Foreign objects trapped under the eyelid
Is it an emergency if my cat is squinting?
The urgency level for eye discomfort is Medium. While not always life-threatening, these issues can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated within 12 to 24 hours. Seek immediate emergency care if you notice:
- The eye appears to be bulging
- The pupil sizes are uneven
- The eye has turned a cloudy or milky color
How does a photo help the vet triage my cat's eye issue?
A high-quality photo taken in a calm environment allows the veterinary team to see the eye's natural state before clinic stress causes the cat to squint more tightly. This helps identify:
- The color and consistency of any ocular discharge
- The degree of redness and swelling
- The presence of visible scratches or foreign bodies
- The correct priority level for your pet's appointment
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
In cats presenting with squinting and pawing at the eye, common causes include infectious diseases such as feline herpesvirus-1, Chlamydia, and Mycoplasma, frequently manifesting as acute or recurrent conjunctivitis. Feline herpesvirus-1 is also associated with ulcerative and stromal keratitis, proliferative keratoconjunctivitis, corneal sequestrum, corneal symblepharon, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Other systemic diseases like feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis, feline immunodeficiency virus, and feline leukemia virus can present with anterior and posterior uveitis, chronic uveitis, retinal detachment, and secondary glaucoma. Cytologic examination of conjunctival scrapings can aid in identifying Chlamydia and Mycoplasma, while PCR of ocular, nasal, or caudal pharyngeal secretions may help diagnose feline herpesvirus-1, keeping in mind that viral shedding can be intermittent. Treatment is primarily symptomatic and supportive, often involving broad-spectrum antibiotics to combat secondary bacterial infections.
Chapter: Ophthalmology, Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Immunology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 505)