Because of their small size, even the tiniest amounts of a poisonous substance can endanger your cats life. However, if the scratch breaks the skin, it can lead to an infection. However, the healing time can vary from cat-to-cat, depending on the severity of the injury, the extent of the surgery (if applicable), and the cats age. Finally, cover the wound with a bandage. Because the eye is such a vital sense organ, anything that threatens the integrity and purpose of your cats eyes should be tackled as soon as possible to avoid vision problems. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the clear surface of the eye that covers the colored portion of the organ known as the iris. There isn't anything much more painful than a scratch on the eye. The risk of infection is greater for people who have weakened or compromised immune systems. A corneal abrasion disrupts the protective outer layer of cells of the cornea (called the corneal epithelium), creating an open wound that increases your . Owners need to leave the wound alone and take their cat to the vet for diagnosis. If youre experiencing pain or discomfort, over-the-counter pain medications can help. Reach out to a veterinarian in your area who has expertise in behavior or a certified behavioral consultant. Although most cat scratches dont cause problems, depending on the location and the depth of the scratch, as well as the health of the person who was scratched, they can lead to health issues. Rinse your hands with soap and water after treating each cat. Last Updated On: May 16, 2022 / By Anthony Duggan Is your kitty pawing at her eye? July 9, 2022 by Karim Banna If your cat has a scratch, don't worry - they will usually heal within a few days. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So, now you know why your cat has done this. Your provider may also. Doing so could damage the eye further. Examine your cats eye in a brightly lit room to give it a thorough examination. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth and apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it. Your cats eye discharge could be caused by anything from a simple cold to a serious illness. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! If your cat is nervous or anxious, restrain the cat if necessary. It turns out that the healing process is different for everyone, and there are a number of factors that can influence how quickly a scratch heals. content. 5. Allergies, foreign objects in the eye, and problems with the third eyelid are other causes of eye discharge. Upper respiratory diseases are probably the most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats. It may cause excessive blinking, cloudiness, inflammation, and an increase in tear. If antibiotics and pain relievers are needed after surgery, your veterinarian will prescribe them. Check to see if the lining is healthy and pink. Besides this, First, you want to try to flush out as much bacteria as possible and then irrigate the wound with water. The pain from a scratch will go away after a few hours to a few days depending on the size of the scratch. Treatment for CSD is typical with antibiotics. Left undiagnosed and untreated, it can cause severe damage to your cats vision and even blindness. Usually, a specialist surgeon is called in. A scratch causes a break-down in the protective layer of the cornea. First, try using clear nail polish. After-all, the cornea needs to be transparent for us to be able to see. -Use a polish or wax specifically designed for scratched paint. If your cat has scratched you, dont worry the scratches will heal in no time! Additionally, certain medical conditions can slow down the healing process. All rights reserved. Tear-production conditions and eyelid abnormalities can also be responsible for corneal ulcers in cats. If youre constantly looking at the scratch, it will seem like its taking forever. You can also try using a cotton ball soaked in witch hazel to apply to the scratch. Serious complications from CSD are rare. Soft, synthetic cotton balls and filtered or sterile water can be used to wipe your cats eyes gently. Moreover, If your skin gets scratched, its usually no big deal. 25 September 2011. Make sure the dropper does not contact the irritated eye, spreading the infection. You may not even know how it happened, but there it is. Keep the affected area clean and dry, and apply an antibiotic ointment if the scratch is open and bleeding. They may even slow down the recovery somewhat. What Do I Do If My Cat Has a Scratched Eye? If the soft tissues around the eye are swollen and there is a danger the eyelids may not be able to blink properly and cover the cornea, then the eyelids may be partially sutured closed for several days. As the limbus produces more cells, these cells push in and build up the layers of cells. If this doesnt occur, the epithelium can be easily brushed away and the whole process will need to be repeated. You can help the healing process by keeping the area clean and dry, and by applying a suitable plaster. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on your eye. If youve ever had a cat, you know that they can be playful creatures. Scars that run parallel to the lines of movement in your skin are less likely to be visible. If the injury is penetrating and there is no opening, your veterinarian will likely recommend an Elizabethan collar to keep your cat from damaging the eye further. This indicates that the cat is susceptible to light in that eye and that when exposed to bright light, the cat may squint or close the eye tightly. Use an at-home microdermabrasion kit. Step 2: Flush the eye thoroughly (three or four times) with saline solution or plain water. If the nail scratch is deep enough to penetrate the nail bed, it can take longer to heal. Use warm water and soap to clean the area around the scratch. [deleted] 8 yr. ago. CatsCaress.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. All sorts of signal molecules are involved to make sure that everything goes as planned. A scratch on your cats eye is a serious issue. It can take anywhere from a day to 3-4 days depending on how large the abrasion is. Your cat will also likely paw at the affected eye due to the discomfort. In most cases, it shouldn't take longer than 24 to . The best thing you can do is to keep the area clean and dry, and to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. The unprotected cornea is the most sensitive structure in our body. Then, wrap the wound in a sterile bandage. These toys can be used to redirect your cat's assertive play to something more appropriate. So, what about a cat scratch? Here are a few tips: -Wash your car regularly. Some of the antibiotic ingredients in Neosporins ophthalmic preparations have been linked to frightening anaphylactic reactions in cats. Examining your cats eyes frequently can help you spot complications before they become severe. 3. This adds an extra protective layer to the site. It usually resolves on its own. Since cat scratch disease usually goes away on its own, treatment is usually to help your symptoms in the meantime. If the scratch is deep, you may need to have stitches. The Lowdown On Cat Hair! Fatigue. If you are worried that your pet is having an emergency or if you have specific medical questions related to your pets current or chronic medical conditions, please contact or visit your veterinarian, an animal-specific poison control hotline, or your local emergency veterinary care center. These new cells come from the edge of our cornea at a position called the limbus. The prognosis depends on the depth and severity of the laceration. Be sure to change the bandage regularly and keep the area clean and dry. And the answer, unfortunately, is that it varies. Therefore, it is recommended that you wash your hands after handling your cats mouth, particularly if your cat hunts outside. Preventive Vet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The healing of the epithelium, however, is a very complex process. Ask your family veterinarian for a recommendation or search the directory of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). If your cat requires surgery to remove a foreign object, the vet will need to see your cat periodically to determine if the eye heals properly. Following surgery, topical medications are then instituted. Typically, 3 to 14 days after the licking or infliction of the wound, it may appear swollen and red with round, raised lesions. As the disease progresses, lymph nodes near the original scratch or bite can become swollen, tender, or painful. Explore lung, breathing and allergy disorders, treatments, tests and prevention services provided by the Cleveland Clinic Respiratory Institute. Please note: The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. The eye also will have a thick discharge or redness. The eyes of a healthy cat should be bright and clear. In general, it takes about three to four days for a scratch to heal. Administer all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. Your cat might start pawing their eye or rubbing it against the furniture. Viruses ,dirt and dust, allergies, fights, and other factors can irritate a cats eyes. Yes, the cat relies on its vision so much; evolution gave it the third eyelid for protection. Because she clearly said the kid pulled the cats tail.. that's how. Bartonella henselae infection or cat scratch disease (CSD). Step 3b: If the cat is scratching at the eye continuously, cut a large piece of cardboard into an Elizabethan-type collar. Symptoms of CSD include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic rash called papular urticaria. Alternatively, clean the wound with a mild salt solution, made by mixing 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of table salt in 2 cups (500 ml) of water. The best course of action is to take the cat to the vet for examination. In order to protect your skin from future scratches, you can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or other ointments to the area. How to Treat Cat Scratches at Home | PetMD Step 4: Transport the cat to the veterinarian immediately. Cat scratch disease, or CSD, is a bacterial infection that is spread through contact with a cat or kitten. One home remedy that you can try is using a mixture of baking soda and water. An irritation can lead to a mild inflammation of the tissue around the eye (conjunctivitis) or severe damage to the cornea. Fill out the form below to leave a comment. What You Should Do for a Cat Bite or Scratch - Cleveland Clinic These cells work similar to how our skin works - protecting everything else inside from the outside. If your cat scratches you during play, give your cat (and yourself) a time-out by simply removing yourself from the situation. The symptoms of cat-scratch disease can manifest about three to 14 days after an infected cat bites or scratches a person hard enough to break the skin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notify your vet if you think there are any signs of infection or complications with the surgery and recovery. Our mission is to help save dogs' and cats lives through our educational An animal is an animal if they feel threatened or scared they will lash out. An affected cat may squint, rub its eyes, and behave as if it is having vision problems. My Cat Has Scratched Her Eye - What Should I Do? - Kitty Insight What are Eye Injuries? This build-up of layers will take about another 24 hours to complete. Cat Scratched My Eye (Now What? Can I Prevent This?) The cells divide here and spread out to cover the cornea. Step 3 Place an Elizabethan collar on the cat if you have one in the house; it protects the eye from further injury. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'kittyinsight_com-box-3','ezslot_7',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-kittyinsight_com-box-3-0');Is your kitty pawing at her eye? Next, apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound. Muscle, bone or joint aches. Use a topical retinoid cream. If any of the above symptoms occur, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Following surgery, oral antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be needed to decrease the chance of infection and to minimize inflammation. Most corneal abrasions and eye scratches are minor and will heal on their own in a few days, but it's always a good idea to see a doctor for an eye exam. The surface layer of the eye called epithelium will take anywhere from a few hours up to 3 days to restore itself following a scratch - depending on how large the scratch is. The epithelium cant attach to the cornea very well. If your cat scratched your eye there are likely to be two possible reasons: It was scared or provoked into a defense response. When it comes to preserving your cats vision, a scratched eye constitutes a medical emergency for cat owners. If the scratch is deep or if you develop any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), see a doctor as soon as possible. These layers all work together to protect the cornea and make sure that it stays transparent. Once the bleeding has stopped, apply a bandage to the area. At this point, most people will consider the scratch healed over. Cats are curious, and they get into all sorts of places and things around the house. Cats are curious, and they get into all sorts of places and things around the house. What is the Cornea Comprised Of? Fights with other cats or poking the eye on a branch while climbing are common injuries. Also, provide your cat with a variety of toys that can be used to touch, bite, and scratch. The epithelium protects the cornea from all the bad guys that we encounter in our normal day to day life. Please do not ask emergency or other specific medical questions about your pets in the blog comments. Treating eye scratches Sometimes a cat may accidentally scratch your face, including your eye area. Corneal abrasions are common eye injuries that cause mild to severe eye discomfort and pain. This means theyre more likely to get a scratched eye or experience eye irritation. Cats rely on their vision; as crepuscular predators, they need their eyes to identify, track, and take down prey. Be sure to use a heavy moisturizer that will help to plump up the skin and smooth out the scar. Copyright 1999 - 2023. If you think you may have CSD, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Its best to seek veterinary care as youre likely to need eye drops to treat the issue. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is important to clean any scratches immediately and keep an eye on them for signs of infection. Cat scratch fever (usually called cat scratch disease or CSD) is an illness caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae (B. henselae). This can occur after injuries to the eye such as chemical burns. Thus, while a scratch is healing up, antibiotics are a good idea to prevent any infections from developing. This will remove any dirt or debris that can aggravate the scratch. If youve ever wondered how long it takes for a scratch to heal, the answer may surprise you. Cat scratch disease usually goes away on its own in a few weeks or months. You should be concerned about a cat scratch and visit your healthcare provider if you have: You should go to the ER if your wound isnt healing and you have symptoms of an infection thats spread to other parts of your body, including: Since cats get B. henselae infections from fleas, its less likely that youd get cat scratch disease from an indoor cat who never goes outdoors. The cornea of a cat, which is a ring-shaped surface protecting the front of the eye, can become injured, inflamed, or ulcerated. A gooey, pus-like eye discharge is mild or severe, one of the most common symptoms. Loss of appetite or weight loss. Because the epithelium covers the cornea, most of the pain will be gone. But try to prevent it as much as you can, sometimes they just happen. Cat scratch disease has two telltale signs: swollen lymph nodes and bumps or cysts under your skin (papules). Unfortunately, eye . As a result, its critical to keep affected cats separate from the rest of the household during treatment. Symptoms of cat scratch disease start three to 10 days after a cat scratch or wound and include: Infection with B. henselae bacteria causes cat scratch disease. If you must be around cats, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contact. Step 1 Approach your cat with caution. Watery eyes Discharge Squinting or winking Rubbing at one or both eyes Third eyelid irritated or covering part of the eye If your cat has any of the symptoms listed above book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. Seek veterinary assistance immediately. Corneal abrasions heal in a matter of days, sometimes less than a week, assuming there is no infection or other complications. The most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats is upper respiratory infections. Do not stop giving it medication until your veterinarian tells you to, and always return for a follow-up visit to ensure that everything has healed entirely before having your cat return to its normal routine. What are the Symptoms of a Scratched Eye in Cats? Antibiotics are essential for large scratches or abrasions which will take longer to heal up and for scratches caused by something unclean - such as a tree branch, pet scratch, etc. Ophthalmic medication can cause a cat to become hypersensitive. Steps that you can take at home to keep flea populations down include: Get more tips on The Best Way to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home. This will help kill any bacteria that could cause an infection. When conducting your examination of your cat, look for the third-eyelid located in the corner of the eye closest to the nose. Corneal abrasions typically cause significant discomfort, red eyes, watery eyes and sensitivity to light. If you have a scratch on your face, you may be wondering how to treat it. If the scratch is only superficial, then the scar will likely be very faint. Nail scratches can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. An eye infection makes your cat sensitive to being patted or handled because of the pain and discomfort it causes. Diagnosis Your veterinarian will give your cat an overall examination and then examine the eye in detail. In addition to being painful, a scratched cornea makes your eye more susceptible to infection, so it's important that you see your optometrist or visit the Emergency Department in hospital as soon as .