What is a Cat Cataract? A Veterinarian Explains Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

As cats enter their senior years, their eyesight may deteriorate, and they may bump into objects more frequently.

When humans age, their pupils can become cloudy due to cataracts. What about cats?

This article will explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment methods for cataracts in cats.

What causes cataracts in cats?

Cataracts are a condition where the lens of the eye, called the crystalline lens, becomes cloudy. The structure of a cat's eye consists of the cornea, iris, crystalline lens, vitreous humor, retina, choroid, and sclera, from the outside in. The crystalline lens is the part commonly referred to as the pupil and is normally colorless and transparent.

In humans, cataracts occur as the crystalline lens becomes cloudy with age. However, age-related cataracts are rare in cats; they are often caused by genetics, congenital factors, trauma, or underlying diseases. Therefore, cataracts are not exclusive to senior cats and can occur even in young cats.

What are the warning signs and symptoms of cataracts in cats?

Cataracts are caused by clouding of the crystalline lens, so owners typically notice cataracts due to the cloudiness of the pupil. As cataracts impair vision, cats may become less active, avoid eye contact, and bump into objects more frequently.

Cataracts can cause inflammation in the eye, leading to keratitis, conjunctivitis, and dry eye. Cats may experience watery eyes or increased eye discharge. Furthermore, if cataracts progress, the ligaments supporting the crystalline lens can tear, causing the lens to dislocate into the eye (lens luxation). Lens luxation can lead to elevated intraocular pressure, causing glaucoma with pain and blindness.

How to identify cataracts in cats

With cataracts, the pupil appears white. A similar condition where the cornea becomes cloudy often leads to more veterinary visits.

The cornea is the outermost structure of the eye, and when viewed from the side, the transparent part is the cornea. If a cat develops conjunctivitis due to cat flu or corneal damage due to trauma, the cornea may appear cloudy.

Corneal opacity makes the surface of the eye look white, while cataracts typically manifest as a whitish appearance deeper within the eye.

How to treat cataracts in cats

It is almost impossible to prevent cataracts in cats. Since many feline cataracts are caused by trauma or disease, it is crucial to ensure adequate space between cats in multi-cat households and to trim their claws regularly to prevent injuries.

For cataracts in cats, the primary approach is treatment to suppress their progression once they have developed.

Cataract treatment

To cure cataracts in cats, surgical replacement of the crystalline lens with an artificial lens is necessary. However, only a limited number of veterinary hospitals, such as specialized ophthalmology clinics, have the advanced equipment and expertise to perform such surgery. Furthermore, the cost is extremely high.

Treatment at general veterinary hospitals typically focuses on slowing the progression of cataracts and managing associated symptoms. If cataracts are caused by an underlying disease (e.g., diabetes, infection), that condition will also be treated concurrently.

Eye drops are essential for cataract treatment and will likely be required for the cat's entire life.

If glaucoma also occurs, eye drops to lower intraocular pressure are used, but if the pressure is difficult to reduce or pain is severe, enucleation (surgical removal of the eyeball) may be recommended.

Trim claws regularly

Sharp claws can pierce the crystalline lens, potentially causing cataracts. This can even happen with a cat's own claws. Therefore, trim their claws regularly.

Avoid conflicts between cats

In multi-cat households, conflicts between cats are unavoidable. Especially if they don't get along, even minor skirmishes can lead to traumatic cataracts.

It is essential to ensure a sufficiently large living space to maintain a certain distance between cats. Additionally, areas where cats can escape are necessary. If fights persist, consider measures such as separating them into different rooms.

Ensure reliable eye drop application

For eye problems, including cataracts, eye drops are the main course of treatment. Therefore, it is essential to administer eye drops reliably. The following method can help you do this smoothly:

【Eye drop procedure】

1. Prepare necessary items (eye drops with the cap open, treats, and a towel if needed).
2. If administering alone, hold the eye drops in your dominant hand, hidden, and restrain the cat from behind. If two people are involved, the person not holding the eye drops should restrain the cat from behind. If the cat resists, wrap its entire body in a towel.
3. Hold the eye drops in your dominant hand, and have the person restraining place a hand under the cat's neck, tilting its head slightly upward.
4. If administering alone, apply the eye drops from above the cat's head. If two people are involved, apply the eye drops from a position where the cat cannot see them.
5. After administering, give a treat and release the cat immediately.

The key to administering eye drops to a cat is to do it smoothly and efficiently. If you try to apply eye drops from the cat's front, it may resist and become impossible. Don't forget the reward treats.

Do not change the arrangement of objects

When a cat has cataracts, its vision appears like frosted glass. As a result, it loses the ability to recognize the shapes of objects. Changing the arrangement of objects in the room can lead to unexpected accidents. Try to avoid changing the arrangement of objects and remove any dangerous items.

Summary

Cataracts in cats can occur from a young age, not just in their senior years.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to prevent cataracts. If your cat develops cataracts, how well you care for its eyes becomes crucial.

Veterinary hospitals also provide guidance on how to administer eye drops and care for your cat's eyes. Owners aren't expected to be experts at administering eye drops from the start. If you have any questions about the method, please feel free to ask.