The kitten's eyes do not open: the main reasons and what can be done

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Ten days after birth, the kittens’ eyes begin to open, initially narrow slits appear, and then two small buttons glow like beads. This is a normal process. But what to do when the kitten’s eyes do not open? This phenomenon causes concern among owners.

Watching the little beads open is just a pleasure. To begin with, tears appear in the inner corner, then a small crack forms, which increases every day. As a result, small shiny buttons appear. But if your eyes are difficult to open, is it worth doing anything?

Therapy or surgery?

Depending on the cause of anisocoria and the general health of the cat, a treatment program is selected:

• anti-inflammatory therapy for uveitis;
• elimination of the damaging factor and the use of antibiotics for corneal injury;
• surgery or use of antihypertensive drugs for glaucoma;
• steroid hormones for diseases of the optic nerve;
• removal of a tumor on the operating table.

The cat's recovery is determined by the cause of anisocoria and the adequacy of treatment at home. The owner of the animal must be prepared for the fact that in some cases a long therapeutic course and careful control over the source of the disease will be required.

Anisocoria requires a thorough examination and a competent approach to treatment. That’s why, if you notice that your cat’s pupils are of different sizes, you need to urgently seek professional help from a veterinary clinic. If your pet goes blind, it will be almost impossible to restore his sight.

If for a long time the owners notice that the cat has different pupils, they often suspect health problems. Depending on the symptoms, the cause may not only be an eye disease. A change in the cat's behavior and the obvious consequences of a blow as a result can lead to irreversible consequences if the size of the pupil is not monitored in time.

Treatment of pathological processes

If the eye problem does not go away within a couple of days, you should contact your veterinarian. He will prescribe a treatment regimen and medications appropriate for the cause.

Prescription of drugs

Treatment of nictitating membrane prolapse is based on identifying and eliminating its main causes. If parasitic infestation is detected, then anthelmintic therapy is carried out followed by prophylaxis.

In case of allergic conjunctivitis, the animal is protected from contact with possible allergens and treated with antihistamines and hormonal agents.

Infectious diseases are treated comprehensively using local and systemic specific therapy with antimicrobial, antiviral and fungicidal (antifungal) agents. Additionally, antipyretics and immunomodulatory drugs are used.

Somatic diseases are treated with appropriate medications and corrected with medicinal foods. Foreign objects and foreign bodies are removed on an outpatient basis or surgically.

Treatment of an eye injury boils down to the use of anesthetic drops to alleviate the cat’s condition and prevent secondary infection. Treatment is carried out until the symptoms of third eyelid prolapse completely disappear.

Surgical intervention

Surgical treatment of the third eyelid in a cat depends on causes not related to diseases of the internal organs. It is required for adenoma, because because of this “pink bean” the animal cannot completely close its eyes, which means that the gates to infections and injuries are open.

When removing a tumor, they try to preserve the membrane at all costs, because it is responsible for the distribution of tear fluid and local immunity. During cartilage eversion, again, not all of the cartilage is removed, but only its convex part.

After the operation, antibiotic drops, healing ointments and an “Elizabethan” collar are usually used so that the cat does not harm itself with its paws - it does not scratch its face and does not wash itself for some time.

In general, there are not many indications for surgery and they occur infrequently. In other cases, one visit to the clinic and home treatment recommended by a veterinarian is enough.

What not to do

Self-medication and diagnosis by watching videos on the Internet have not yet helped a single pet. Therefore, if you have any alarming symptoms, you need to go to the veterinarian and start treatment.

Absolutely forbidden:

• use medications without a doctor’s prescription;
• try to remove foreign bodies from the eye yourself;
• try to straighten the third eyelid;
• violate the integrity, squeeze out, cut the “bean”;
• help the cat scratch its eyes.

Just an idea of ​​treatment is not enough - you need skills, tools, equipment for diagnosis. This is only available at the doctor's office. And at home, the only safe manipulations are washing and instilling drops, and not all of them - only those that the doctor has approved.

Prolapse of the third eyelid in cats requires treatment in cases where the color, shape and size of the fold have changed. In other cases, you can consult a veterinarian by phone and do the rinsing yourself.

Will my cat recover?

The prognosis for cure depends entirely on the cause of anisocoria. In some cases, your cat will require long-term medications to control the source of the disease. If your cat goes blind as a result of anisocoria, it will be very difficult to restore vision.

Eyes are the mirror of a cat's health. They see perfectly in the dark, their pupils dilate and contract. But owners are alarmed by a condition in which the pet’s eyes are constantly or for a long time dilated.

What is this? Normal or pathological? Why does it happen that one eye is widened and the other is narrowed? What to do in this case? This publication will help you find answers to these questions.

Normal timing of eye eruption in kittens and factors that can slow down this process

It is believed that normally, kittens' eyes begin to erupt seven to ten days from the moment they are born. By about the second week after birth, the eyes should be fully open. But this rule also has its exceptions. Sometimes the teething process takes noticeably more or less time:

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• Breed characteristics. In cats of the Rex and Sphinx breeds, their eyes begin to open within two (!) days after the babies are born.

• The degree of illumination of the place of detention. Interesting fact: if sunlight constantly falls on a basket with kittens, then the process of eye eruption in such animals can take three weeks or more. But if pets are in a constantly darkened place, their eyes will open noticeably faster.

• Cats of long-haired breeds develop noticeably slower . This also applies to the speed of eye opening, which is much slower in such animals. In particular, the eyes of “Persians” can erupt by three weeks from the moment of birth, and this is considered a variant of the norm.

• Duration of pregnancy. If the kittens are born on time, then their eyes will open on time. But in case of prematurity or postmaturity, this period will certainly increase.

What is anisocoria?

In cats, the pupil is an elliptical hole in the middle of the iris that allows light to pass through the eyeball to the retina. The pupil constricts or dilates (enlarges) depending on the amount of light entering the eye, with both pupils typically dilating in dim light and constricting in bright light.

Anisocoria is a condition in which the two pupils of a cat's eye are different sizes.

; in other words, one pupil is larger than the other. In some cases, the abnormal pupil may be the one that is smaller, and in other cases, the abnormal pupil may be the one that is larger.

What is this third eyelid?

As the cat Matroskin said, “Whiskers, paws and tail - these are my documents!” And veterinarians might add: and the third eyelid. Because not all mammals have it.

Human ancestors once had a nictitating membrane, but now it is a small fold at the inner corner of the eye, called the lacrimal. In cats, the membrane opens and sometimes reaches the middle of the eye.

The third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, is a thin film (light, sometimes pigmented) in the corner of the cat's eye, which protects the mucous membrane from damage and dust. It secretes a little tear fluid, which, when blinking, wets the surface of the eyeball and thus collects foreign particles, trapping bacteria.

This fold of mucosa is covered with immune tissue. The complex structure of the structure ensures the distribution of tear fluid and antibodies throughout the cornea. Most of the eyelid is hidden in the eye socket and does not normally attract attention. The nictitating membrane in a cat usually attracts the attention of owners when there is an injury or infection.

A cat's third eyelid becomes covered with a film or falls out for several reasons, and it is difficult for a non-specialist to identify the nature of the damage. The cat hides from the light, often scratches its face, and experiences itching. An animal cannot help itself, so caring owners take this responsibility upon themselves.

About the vision of cats

To clarify the problem and correctly assess the current circumstances, the owner must know about the structure of the kitten’s eye. In relation to the human organs of vision, the eye size of pets is much larger. The retinal area also contains nerve endings or rods. There are almost 7 times more rods than cones, which indicates that furry friends have much better vision than humans, so they see well in the dark.

shutterstock

Research has found that cats see the world in color, and not in black and white, as many people think. It’s not for nothing that the kitten likes to sit next to the screen when watching TV.

The main diseases that cause red eyes:

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by an increase in intraocular pressure. With glaucoma, the eye itself may swell, the pupil dilates and does not respond to light, the cornea becomes cloudy and takes on a gray tint. The blood vessels in the white of the eye are enlarged. Glaucoma can be either congenital or acquired. In the second case, it develops as a result of injuries, displacement of the lens, and various inflammatory processes in the eye. If you have glaucoma, you must immediately consult a specialist: glaucoma is dangerous and can cause rapidly progressing blindness.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye and eyelids. Very common among pets, dog breeds with protruding eyes and flat-faced cat breeds are especially susceptible. Conjunctivitis is caused by various injuries, allergic reactions, dust and other debris getting into the eyes, as well as infections and parasites. With conjunctivitis, in addition to redness of the eyes, there is profuse lacrimation and swelling of the conjunctiva; there may be purulent discharge and ulceration.

If conjunctivitis is suspected, an ophthalmological examination and analysis of conjunctival cells should be performed. Treatment depends on the cause of the disease.

Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the choroid of the eyeball. The animal squints its eyes and is afraid of light, the pupil is constricted, the iris swells, the cornea becomes cloudy, and there is profuse lacrimation. Uveitis is caused by various infections and diseases of internal organs.

It is important to identify the cause of the disease and carry out comprehensive treatment of the animal.

Keratitis

With keratitis, the cornea becomes inflamed and blood vessels grow into its surface. Keratitis is caused by the same reasons as conjunctivitis. Manifested by photophobia, lacrimation, purulent discharge. For keratitis, treatment depends on the cause that caused it.

Slightly less common causes of red eyes are:

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. The eyelids are red and swollen. The cause may be infections, injuries, allergies, or foreign bodies getting into the eye. It is necessary to eliminate the cause that caused the inflammation and select appropriate medications.

Prolapse of the third eyelid gland

Prolapse of the third eyelid gland is also called “cherry eye”, as a thickening in the corner of the eye becomes noticeable, resembling a berry. Unfortunately, in this case they most often resort to surgical excision of the gland.

Lens luxation

The lens of an animal's eye can become displaced due to cataracts, glaucoma or uveitis, or trauma can also cause displacement. Dislocation can also be congenital. The problem is corrected surgically.

Tumor

The tumor can be located not only in the eyeball itself, but also near or behind the eye. External signs can vary greatly depending on the nature of the disease. The tumor requires radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical treatment.

Proptosis

Proptosis is the loss of the eye, the eyeball protrudes strongly from the socket. Often provoked by trauma, it requires an ophthalmological examination and subsequent surgical treatment.

Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is diagnosed when there is insufficient tear production. In addition to dry eyes and redness, whitish discharge may occur. Antibiotic treatment and tear replacement drops are required.

Corneal ulcers

A corneal ulcer can also cause red eyes. It is not visible to the naked eye, but the animal squints, is afraid of the light, and tears flow from it. Special tests using fluorescent markers help identify ulcers.

Causes of third eyelid prolapse in cats

In healthy animals, the third eyelid is visible only when blinking and tilting the head. In pathological situations, the nictitating membrane is always noticeable - this is a reason to contact a veterinary clinic. The appearance of a nictitating membrane can lead to loss of vision and cause a number of serious diseases. In addition, the third eyelid causes discomfort to the cat and interferes with a normal view of the outside world.

Allergy

Allergic conjunctivitis is not always associated with food components or ordinary dust. Sometimes it occurs with sensitivity to sunlight and household chemicals (laundry powder or deodorants, human cosmetics, floor cleaners and room disinfectants).

Allergic redness of the third eyelid may be accompanied by swelling of the larynx, redness of the skin, and lethargy of the pet. It is possible to identify an allergen in the blood only in a hospital setting. Then everything depends on the scale of the lesion: for mild cases of the disease, Zyrtec, Fenistil, Kestin are used, that is, antihistamines. In severe cases, the veterinarian prescribes hormonal treatment: Dexamethasone, Prednisolone.

Parasitosis

If your cat has a third eyelid due to parasites, it will need to be rinsed with cleansing drops. When using gels and drops for inflammation, you need to make sure that the cat does not wipe them with its paws.

If the problem is fleas or worms, you can deal with it at home. Antihelminthic measures can be carried out without a doctor’s prescription if the cat is completely healthy and has no allergies or chronic diseases. Kittens, pregnant and weakened individuals must consult a veterinarian before deworming.

Fleas are most often driven out with a spray or drops on the withers. Anti-flea collars can be used as prevention.

Complex cases of infection are treated under the supervision of a veterinarian. Sometimes therapy lasting 1-2 months is required for complete recovery.

Adenoma

A benign tumor of the third eyelid is called an adenoma. Externally, it is a voluminous pink formation that prevents the cat from closing its eye. The disease is dangerous because there is a risk of injury to the cornea and secondary infection.

If the tumor grows and causes concern, it is removed in surgery, while trying to preserve the nictitating membrane itself to avoid dry eye, conjunctivitis and blindness.

Foreign body rejection

Often, lacrimation and prolapse of the third eyelid contribute to the natural rejection of insects, small particles of dust or sand, and other foreign bodies that have entered the eye. Indoor cats and those that are outdoors have approximately the same likelihood of such injuries. Often the usual copious rinsing leads to recovery.

If a secondary infection occurs, the cat will require treatment.

Injuries

Injuries to the delicate membrane in kittens occur during a period of rapid growth. Due to curiosity and childhood clumsiness, they can damage any part of the eyes.

Adult animals, as a rule, avoid eye damage in everyday life. Cats that go outside may get into fights or damage the fold while fleeing from dogs. Therefore, there should be increased monitoring of walking pets: after a long absence from home, you need to examine the cat as a whole.

If the bleeding of the membrane is slight and there are no moving torn fragments, the damage will heal on its own. The main thing is that the pet does not scratch the injury with its paws and does not introduce an infection into the wound.

Getting infected

Fungi, viruses, and bacterial infections are insidious in that they can lead to complete loss of vision. If because of them the cat has a third eyelid, a set of measures will be needed:

• antifungal injections;
• antibiotic drops;
• pain reliever;
• antipyretic;
• drinking plenty of water;
• vitamins;
• immunostimulants.

There are situations when microbes were “targeted” in the ear, but they also grabbed the eyes nearby, then, for example, otitis media and inflammation of the conjunctiva are treated at the same time. A veterinarian will help you prescribe the medicine and dosage correctly. Getting rid of the infection on your own will not bring results, but will only worsen the pet’s condition.

Anatomical disorders

The most common disorders - cartilage eversion and lacrimal gland prolapse - can only be treated surgically.

A natural predisposition to prolapse (loss) is expressed in British, Persian and exotic breeds. Prolapse refers to the loss of the normal position of the gland, the structure of the tissue does not change. It would be a mistake to confuse prolapse with an adenoma (neoplasm).

The tissues are sutured, since removing the eyelid will lead to the development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This is a chronic disease, and owners will have to monitor the cat's eyes for the rest of his life. Therefore, veterinarians try to preserve the cat’s nictitating membrane at all costs.

During eversion, the curved part of the cartilage is removed, and the decision about the operation is made by the doctor. It identifies potential risks and can make a more or less accurate forecast.

Other diseases

Some diseases of the internal organ systems can lead to loss or enlargement of the third eyelid. Typically, the disease is in its acute stage during the period when it can affect the eyes. This:

• chronic somatic diseases, for example, renal failure;
• hormonal imbalances;
• damage by viruses (distemper, leptospirosis);
• recovery from anesthesia after surgery.

Each of these conditions requires treatment of the underlying cause. Viruses are especially dangerous - they can cause rapid death.

Features of eye washing

The eye wash procedure does not require any specific knowledge. But in order not to harm the animal, it is recommended to follow certain rules. Before you start processing, you must wash your hands with soap or a disinfectant solution. Then you need to moisten the gauze in the solution and carefully apply it first to one eye, and then to the other.

Why does a kitten's whiskers break: the main reasons and what to do

It is best to secure the kitten by wrapping it in a blanket so that it does not resist and does not harm itself. It is recommended to choose the position of the animal lying on its back. All movements should be smooth from the inner corner of the eye to the outer.

Important! It is strictly forbidden to press hard on the eyes. It is not recommended to make sudden movements, so as not to frighten the kitten even more.

Washing procedure

If the medicine needs to be instilled, it is necessary to open the eyelids slightly, then the drops are squeezed into the center of the eyeball.

Other Possible Problems

If more than two weeks have passed since birth, and one of the kitten’s eyes does not open, this should alert the owner. This phenomenon may be the cause of the development of a pathological deviation. It is best to show the animal to a doctor.

Young kittens are very vulnerable to viral infections. Harmful bacteria can come from both the external environment and the womb. Therefore, owners of newborn kittens often experience inflammation of the organs of vision.

Eye is leaking

The reasons why a kitten's one eye is watery can be due to many factors:

• the appearance of infection is the most common phenomenon. The most common are chlamydia, herpes and mycoplasmosis, which are also contagious to humans. The presence of infection can only be determined through analysis of eye wash;
• allergic reactions may occur to food, dust and household chemicals;
• mechanical eye injuries that appear either after active play of kittens or due to burns. A speck of dirt can also get into the kitten’s eye, which will cause injury to the cornea, the eye will begin to hurt and leak;
• infection of an animal with parasites;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• prolonged exposure to lighting devices, a bright light source.

Why doesn't the cat open one eye?

Often, owners notice with caution that the cat does not open one eye. Why does this happen, and what to do in this situation? Most often, the causes of this phenomenon are completely natural and not dangerous, but in any case you must always be on alert and, if necessary, provide assistance to the injured animal.

The cat does not open one eye: reasons

If a cat does not open one eye, it is worth considering that this phenomenon may be completely harmless and temporary. For example, many cats wash their paws too intensely, often accidentally touching their eyes. After this, the animal may not open the damaged eye for some time or squint it. Usually everything returns to normal within a few hours or even earlier. Sometimes a cat's eye does not open after sleep. This occurs because the fluid in the eye dries out, causing the eyelids to stick together. And again, there is no need to panic: relatively quickly the outflow of eye fluid will normalize, and everything will return to normal.

An equally common case is when a foreign body, such as a speck or grain of sand, gets into the eye. In such situations, the animal becomes more restless, often shakes its head and blinks the injured eye, and tries to clear the eye with its paw. If these actions continue for a long time, and the cat cannot open his eyelids, it is necessary to take measures, which will be discussed in more detail a little later. Please immediately note that the apartment where the cat lives must always be clean and tidy to avoid accidental dust or dirt getting into the animal’s eyes. Also keep an eye on what your pet plays with, especially if he is still young.

The presence of a foreign body in a cat's eye for a long time, as well as severe contamination, can lead to the development of conjunctivitis and other inflammatory diseases. In this case, the affected eye practically does not open, and if the cat opens its eyelids, it becomes clear that the cornea is severely inflamed and burgundy-red. Increased tearing may occur. The last symptom is often associated with various allergic reactions - to dust, insects, plants, foods, etc. In such cases, it is very difficult to cope with the situation on your own, therefore, most likely, you will need the help of a veterinarian.

What to do if the cat does not open one eye

If you notice that the cat does not open its eyes, do not panic, but carefully observe the animal’s behavior. If it does not show much concern, and after a while it begins to gradually open the swollen eye, no action needs to be taken. If this does not happen, think about more serious reasons - what could have happened to the animal recently? If a speck is to blame, you can try to rinse the eye by dripping warm water or tea tincture into it from a pipette, first opening it slightly (the animal must be held firmly in your arms).

If you suspect that eye damage may be serious, or your cat may have a strong reaction to an unknown allergen, do not wait until the last minute, contact your veterinarian. Treatment of eye diseases is based on several stages, including special procedures on an outpatient basis, as well as at home - instillation of eye solutions. The prognosis in many cases is positive - most diseases are treatable. There may be exceptions if the victim is a kitten or a very old and weak animal (over 15 years old). In these cases, if there is any suspicion of damage to the organs of vision, you must immediately run to the doctor. Remember that your pet’s vision also depends on your actions.

Reasons for not opening eyes

Cats fight: the main reasons for the behavior and what can be done to wean them off.
The eyes of small kittens open gradually. First, a small crack appears, most often this can be observed from the inside. Then the iris becomes visible. They become cloudy within a week, so you should not expose babies to bright light. Most often, the cat itself brings the cubs out of hiding when the time is right.

Each kitten develops individually. Even within the same litter, some develop faster and more actively than others. There are often situations when the first kitten born begins to see before everyone else.

Late eye opening depends on several factors.

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Breed

Each breed has characteristics at the genetic level. They consist in the fact that opening the eyes can take quite a long period of time. These breeds include:

• Siberian and British kittens. Their eyes open only on the 17th day after birth;
• Siamese, Abyssinian and Sphynx breeds are born with open eyelids, and already on the fourth day their vision is focused;
• Fold-eared Scots and Bengals begin to see clearly within a week after birth;
• Newborn ragdolls take the longest to open their eyes. This is due to the fact that their visual organs develop slowly. These pets begin to see only on the 21st day of life.

Beautiful kitty

Siberian kittens

For your information! Representatives of short-haired breeds develop faster than long-haired ones.

Accommodations

The conditions in which children are kept have a great influence on the process. Healthy kittens that receive the maximum amount of nutrients develop faster. Viruses and congenital pathologies slow down the process of formation of the visual organs.

How does a cat's eye work?

Why do cats see better in the dark than people? The main reason lies in the structure and shape of the eyeball. Representatives of the cat family have larger eyes than humans (in relation to the size of the skull). The round shape of the eyeball with a centrally located lens provides a wide viewing angle, thanks to which cats have well-developed lateral vision.

There are many nerve endings located in the retina of the eye in cats, which provides the animal with clear vision in the dark. The eyeball, in addition to the eyelids, has a mucous membrane, which contributes to additional protection of the organ from infections and injuries. This film is called the third eyelid and can be seen when your pet rolls its eyes in sleep.

Cats see the world around them in color, not black and white. Many years of scientific research have confirmed this fact. In addition, the pets themselves love to spend time watching television.

At what period do kittens' eyes open?

For kittens, opening their eyes is an important event that occurs within two weeks of their birth. The process lasts about a week. First, small cracks appear, which expand more and more every day. For the first week, newborn babies do not see or hear anything.

Newborn babies

For your information! It is recommended that at the very beginning of life they should be kept in a dark room, since bright light has a bad effect on the development of the visual organs.

As soon as the eyes open, they still look like cloudy, motionless dots with a film on them. The pupil becomes mobile after three days, the membrane becomes transparent.

Cubs are born blind. Nature designed it this way to preserve vision. There are also several reasons for this phenomenon:

• babies' vision organs are closed to protect them from infections that can be transmitted from a cat;
• this will help avoid infection in the womb from amniotic fluid;
• Pregnancy in a cat proceeds very quickly, and therefore the visual organs do not have time to develop, and the process continues after birth.

Note! In cats, the process occurs faster than in males. Also, the eyes open earlier in a baby who is stronger and more active than others.

Opening process

It is believed that it is useful to hold small kittens in your arms. In such a situation, the cat will begin to lick them more intensively, this will speed up the development process.

About the vision of cats

To clarify the problem and correctly assess the current circumstances, the owner must know about the structure of the kitten’s eye. In relation to the human organs of vision, the eye size of pets is much larger. The retinal area also contains nerve endings or rods. There are almost 7 times more rods than cones, which indicates that furry friends have much better vision than humans, so they see well in the dark.

shutterstock

Research has found that cats see the world in color, and not in black and white, as many people think. It’s not for nothing that the kitten likes to sit next to the screen when watching TV.

Factors influencing the opening of the eyes

The following factors influence how a kitten's eyes open:

1. Breed. In breeds such as Rex and Sphynx, the eyelids open on the second day after birth. Many Sphynx cats are born with their eyelids already open. The offspring of Persian breeds become sighted in the period from 5 to 9 days, Siamese open their eyes on the 5th day, the British are fully sighted on the 10-12th day.
2. Accommodations. If kittens are kept in a brightly lit room, it will take a longer period of time for them to fully see.
3. Wool length. In smooth-haired pets the process goes faster than in long-haired pets.
4. Length of pregnancy in a cat. If the kittens were born on time, then their eyes will open on time.
5. Health of mother and offspring. If the pets are healthy, eat properly and the mother takes care of the kittens for a long period, the eyes will open at the appointed time.

When kittens open their eyes after birth: how many days later does this happen?

One of the most exciting questions occupied by owners of cute meowing creatures is when kittens’ eyes open after birth.

After all, they come into this world absolutely helpless, deprived of the ability to see, hear and move freely in space. All their activities are limited to clumsy crawling and searching for mother's milk.

Why are people born blind?

It is worth noting that the “unfortunate” cubs of the cat family share this fate with another faithful companion of man - newborn puppies. Both spend some time after birth with their eyelids completely glued together. How can this feature be explained?

Kittens with closed eyes

There have been no scientific studies on this issue. But caring owners of furry and squeaking creatures, through simple observation, deduced three main reasons:

1. Kittens are born two weeks premature. This physiological feature was formed during the time of their wild ancestors. The female had to quickly recover in order to continue hunting, obtaining food, which is almost impossible to do with a huge belly at the ready.
2. Closed eyes act as a defense mechanism. A newborn kitten has a very weak immune system and is unable to cope with hostile viruses and bacteria in the environment. When the body becomes stronger, the eyes begin to open.
3. Performing a protective role, but already in the womb. It is believed that the liquid in which the embryo resides is not clean or sterile. Therefore, nature, by “covering” the kittens’ eyes and ears, made sure that no pollution entered the developing body.

How long does it take for kittens to open their eyes?

It is impossible to say for sure on what day the eyes open. Everything is very individual. Some babies begin to see sight already on the 5th day after birth. For others, the process is delayed for two or even three weeks. The average period is 10-12 days. There are several factors that determine when kittens begin to see:

• breed;
• developmental features;
• the course of pregnancy in a cat;
• living conditions of the cubs.

Kittens with open eyes

Interesting fact: post-term babies develop much faster than their peers. Consequently, their eyes open much earlier (sometimes already on the second day after birth).

Features of breeds

The breed of cat also affects the time when kittens first open their eyes:

1. In this series, the “foremost” are the sphinxes. Their cubs may already be born with open eyelids. As a rule, representatives of this breed begin to see clearly on the third day.
2. Thai and Siamese babies gain sight between the third and sixth days of their stay in this world.
3. In Usiberian cats the process begins 5-7 days after birth.
4. During this period, Persians also become sighted.
5. British babies are helpless until the 6th day of their life, and sometimes longer.
6. Oriental cats also gain vision on the 6th day.
7. Some kind of record holders in this area are ragdolls, whose eyelids become unstuck no earlier than three weeks of age.
8. Scottish “fluffies” begin to open their eyes on the fifth to eighth day, finally gaining sight only on the 14th day.

Interestingly, according to statistics, girls acquire vision earlier than boys, and representatives of long-haired breeds lag behind short-haired and hairless cats.

Also, often the eyes of the first kitten born open earlier than the others.

The entire process of opening the eyelids does not occur in one day, taking up to three days.

Scottish kitten

The opening begins from the inside of the eye. First, a small gap is formed, which gradually increases and reveals to the world a dull blue iris.

But that is not all. Only after 5-10 days will babies gain the ability to see the outlines of objects

Therefore, for the first time after opening the eyelids, it is important to ensure that the kittens stay in a semi-dark place. Otherwise, bright light may damage the developing pupils

Conclusion

It is important to know how many days it takes for kittens to open their eyes. This will help to take timely measures if deviations are detected

The main symptoms of the disorder are the absence of the first signs of opening the eyes after 10-12 days. Particular attention should be paid to suspicious discharge from under closed eyelids in the form of mucus or pus. If they are present, you must urgently contact a specialist.

If obvious traces of inflammation are not found, then you just need to wait a few days. Perhaps the reason for the delay is one of the factors listed above, and soon the baby will look at this world with wide open eyes.

Reasons for not opening your eyes

Newborn fur babies develop quickly, and their eyes usually open within 1-2 weeks. But there are exceptions when babies remain with their eyes closed for more time.

So, kittens can open their eyes depending on the following factors::

1. From the breed. There are breeds in which the eyes open already on the 2nd day, but these cats are purebred: Rex and Sphinx.
2. From living conditions. If babies are exposed to light, their eyes will open completely for a long time. Kittens grow in a dark place, their eyes will open faster.
3. In long-haired kittens, this process lasts much slower than in smooth-haired ones. This feature depends on the breed.
4. Length of pregnancy in a cat. If the fluffies were born on time, then their eyes will appear on time.

2 weeks have passed, and the baby is still blind or the kitten’s eyes are barely visible, this should alert the owners, since pathological deviations are possible. In this case, contacting a veterinarian is mandatory.

One of the baby's eyes cannot open, but the other one looks great. This phenomenon is cause for concern . This may be due to a foreign body or a cold. If the eye begins to fester, it may be conjunctivitis. If a kitten has not fully opened one eye, then in any case you cannot do without an experienced veterinarian.

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If the kittens' eyes are not fully open, but they only look through small slits. Just like people, animals are vulnerable to viral infections. Harmful microorganisms can also enter, both from the external environment and from the womb.

How to help kittens open their eyes

What to do if kittens' eyes do not open completely? Is there any way to help your pets solve the problem? You need to follow simple steps:

• Brew a thick tea, judge, strain. Using a cotton swab, treat small cracks with preparation.
• Dilute a weak solution of boric acid and also regularly treat the kittens' eyes.
• If pus is discharged, you should contact a specialist, but for the first time you can provide help and make lotions yourself from a baking soda solution.
• Chamomile decoction will also relieve inflammation.

Under no circumstances should you use medication yourself, especially antibiotics. Such a decision can only harm the health of the babies. However, many people believe that they can cope with cat problems themselves, but this is a misconception.

How to treat lacrimation at home?

It is important to note that you should not put human medications in your pet's eyes. Firstly, they are ineffective for animals, and secondly, exceeding the dosage can have a detrimental effect on the cat.

As an additional means to the main treatment, you can treat with decoctions of herbs, such as chamomile, sage or calendula. Also, instead of herbs, you can use strong tea leaves or a weak solution of manganese. Such washing helps to get rid of pus in the pet’s eye, stop inflammation, and heal the affected eyeball.

Read also: The paint on my car is peeling off, what should I do?

Measures to prevent eye diseases

It is easier to prevent an ophthalmic disease in an animal than to treat it. Prevention includes:

• regular vaccination;
• preventing pet hypothermia;
• examination of the animal’s visual organs after street walks;
• washing the mucous membrane and eyelids with saline solution if wounds are found on them;
• timely contact a veterinarian.

A cat squinting its eye is not necessarily due to illness. Sometimes this is a variant of the norm, for example, when the animal is sleepy or calm. It is necessary to seek veterinary help if this symptom persists for a long time and is accompanied by lacrimation, pus discharge and deterioration in the pet’s physical condition.

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Treatment of eyes in cats that do not open

Unfortunately, even if an animal such as a cat is completely domestic, it is not at all immune from various types of infections and diseases. Diseases can await a cat almost anywhere, regardless of whether it spends all its time at home or walks outside. Eye diseases are especially dangerous in representatives of the cat family.

Signs of eye disease in a cat

In principle, it is not difficult to determine that a cat is suffering from a certain ailment. It is much more difficult to understand its cause. The owner of the animal should be alerted to absolutely any deviations from the norm of the animal’s behavior. For example, if a cat has some kind of discharge from the eyes or clouding of the eye, and also if the cat’s eyes do not open, this indicates that it is susceptible to a disease from a fairly large list.

A particularly large list includes eye diseases that cause clouding of the cornea. In this case, we can talk about completely different reasons: starting from the presence of too much pressure in the eyes, and ending with real viral infections, which as a result can lead to death.

Accordingly, if your cat suddenly begins to show signs of illness, it is advisable to immediately contact a veterinarian. This applies not only to opacities, but also to the presence of various discharges from the eyes, which are purulent in nature.

How to treat a cat's eyes

In principle, the main method of treatment, in fact, as well as the reason why eye treatment in cats is required, can only be determined by a doctor. It is not advisable to self-medicate an animal without the support of a specialist, especially if the treatment does not involve qualified methods.

If we are talking about only a slight inflammation of the eyes, then most likely it will be possible to get by with a “small scare” when carrying out various eye rinsing procedures will be sufficient.

Washing the eyes will not require the use of any specific medications; sometimes veterinarians advise rinsing the cat’s eyes with a tea leaves solution. It will help soothe your eyes and draw out any infections.

However, in most cases, the use of antibiotics cannot be avoided, especially when it comes to various viral diseases.

Further care

As soon as the babies begin to see, the owner must provide them with proper care. Clean eyes without discharge indicate that the animal is healthy. Often small pets injure the surface of the cornea; specks or any dirt can get on it.

To prevent the development of inflammation, you need to regularly examine your babies and wipe their vision organs with clean cotton pads with water or tea leaves. Veterinarians may recommend special drops for kittens. The most commonly prescribed remedy is diamond eyes. Kittens whose eyes are washed regularly tolerate this procedure well. Treatment with tea leaves and instillation of drops are necessary until the animal begins to fully see and move well. But even after this, you need to examine the babies daily so as not to miss the development of inflammation.

Proper care of your animal's visual organs will ensure their proper development and healthy condition. It is important to ensure that the animal’s eyes open on time. If the pathology is left without attention and necessary treatment, it can lead to blindness.

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Diagnosis of the disease

If your pet constantly closes its eye, a veterinarian will find out the reasons. If alarming symptoms are detected, it is necessary to take the cat to the clinic.

Diagnostics includes procedures such as:

• visual acuity test;
• assessment of the general condition of the body;
• examination of the visual organs for damage;
• comparison of symmetrical features (size and shape of pupils, eyelids, eyeballs and slits);
• Ultrasound of the affected area;
• staining test;
• CT or MRI of the brain;
• X-ray of the skull.

Ophthalmological pathology may be a consequence of traumatic brain injury. Therefore, the examination must be comprehensive.