Eye disorders are common in cats. Tears naturally present to moisten the cornea but tend to quickly flush medications administered into the eye. As a result, local treatments need to be applied several times a day! It is therefore necessary to learn how to administer these treatments correctly and effectively.
How often should I administer the drops?
Some drugs only need to be given once a day and others up to 6 times a day. Simply follow carefully the instructions given by your veterinarian. Try not to forget any treatment or to give too many!
Do I need to clean my cat's eyes?
It is often advisable and useful to clean the cat's eyes, especially when they are dirty after returning from a walk, or are soiled by deposits of secretions at the nasal corner of the eye. Cleaning the eyes in animals is often carried out before any administration of medication, but also as routine maintenance care. For this it is important to use cleaning solutions designed for animals, and not eye cleaners produced for humans. Indeed, the pH of animal tears is different from that of humans and therefore solutions used in humans are not suitable for pets. Ask your veterinarian to find out which product is suitable for your cat.
How should I hold my cat?
It is always easier to hold your cat in a position that you consider comfortable for you. Do not hesitate to place the cat on a table or a non-slippery flat surface so it is safe and calm. If your cat struggles, you can wrap him/her in a towel to prevent defensive type of reactions. Do not hesitate to ask someone for help: one of you will hold the cat by approaching it from behind and holding each shoulder in each hand, and the other will hold the head in order to administer the product.
How should I apply the drops?
The person administering the drops holds the head with one hand and pulls it back at 45° while opening the animal's eyes using the thumb and forefinger. The bottle is positioned upside down with the other hand. The tip of the bootle is held a few centimeters above the eye and gently slid down, using gentle pressure, to administer the correct number of drops. Avoid touching the eye with the tip of the bottle!
How do I apply a cream or ointment?
Eye ointments are a little “more tricky” to administer because they are thicker. Hold the cat and open its eyes as described above. You have to hold the tube above the eye, press it and drop a little ointment directly on the surface of the eye, between the eyelids. If the product does not fall into the eye on its own, you can gently apply it to the lower eyelid. It then detaches from the tube. It is essential to avoid touching the eye with the tip of the tube.
Technique in the dog - knowing that the method is the same for the cat. Video on administering eye ointment:
Should the product be applied to a particular area of the eye?
As long as the product is on the eye, it doesn't matter exactly where. This is because when your cat blinks the eyelids, it will disperse the medication over the entire surface of the eye.
Does it hurt?
The eye is one of the most sensitive structures in the body and anything applied to the eyes can cause some discomfort. However, medications designed for the eyes are not painful. Your cat may blink several times or have a runny eye after the treatment has been applied. On rare occasions, the cat may rub their eyes with their forepaws, head against the ground, and eventually have the white of the eye turn red. If this is repeatedly the case, stop applying the product and contact your veterinarian.
How long should I treat my pet?
Always follow your veterinarian's instructions. Thanks to the treatment, the problem should resolve itself quickly. Don’t stop it too quickly, even if it seems cured, as there is always a risk of recurrence.
What if I really can't administer the medicine myself?
Most owners do just fine with a little practice, but if you really can't do this, contact your veterinarian. They may be able to prescribe another medicine that does not need to be given as often or that will be given by another route of administration. Sometimes help from a nurse or a veterinary technician or hospitalization for a few days can be useful.
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