🔍 What Are Cataracts in Cats?

Cataracts are opacities or cloudiness in the lens of your cat’s eye. The normally clear lens becomes progressively cloudy, blocking light and impairing vision. Unlike nuclear sclerosis (a benign aging change), cataracts interfere with how your cat sees the world—and may lead to blindness if untreated. 👁️😿

⚠️ Causes of Cataracts in Cats

• Uveitis (eye inflammation): The most common cause in cats—often secondary to infection or immune-mediated disease.
• Diabetes mellitus: Can lead to rapid cataract formation—though rare in felines, still notable.
• Trauma: Penetrating injury can disrupt lens structure.
• Genetic predisposition: Himalayans, British Shorthairs, and Birmans may be at increased risk.
• Infection: FeLV, FIV, Toxoplasmosis, and FIP may contribute to lens damage.
• Radiation exposure: Rare, but possible with cancer treatment or environmental sources.

👁️ Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

• Cloudy or bluish appearance in one or both eyes
• Changes in pupil reflection—whitish instead of dark
• Bumping into furniture or walls—vision impairment
• Reluctance to jump or navigate stairs
• Disorientation in dim or changing light
• Squinting, rubbing at eyes, or red conjunctiva
• Secondary signs of uveitis: tearing, inflammation, small or irregular pupils

🩺 How Cataracts Are Diagnosed

Your veterinarian may refer your cat to a veterinary ophthalmologist for specialized care. Key diagnostics include:

• Ophthalmoscopic exam: Direct view of lens opacities
• Slit-lamp biomicroscopy: For detailed anterior segment visualization
• Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure—important to rule out glaucoma
• Ocular ultrasound: For cases where cataracts obscure the fundus
• Bloodwork: Check for diabetes, FIV, FeLV, toxoplasmosis, or systemic inflammation

🔧 Treatment Options

1. Cataract Surgery (Phacoemulsification)

This is the gold-standard treatment and involves removing the cloudy lens with ultrasound and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Performed under general anesthesia by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

• 🌟 ~85–95% success rate in eligible cats
• 🕒 Recovery time: 2–6 weeks with eye drop regimen and follow-up care
• ⚠️ Not suitable for cats with active uveitis, glaucoma, or retinal disease

2. Medical Management (Non-Surgical)

For inoperable cases, focus shifts to comfort and slowing progression:

• 🔹 Topical corticosteroids or NSAIDs to control inflammation
• 🔹 Eye lubricants to reduce dryness and irritation
• 🔹 Antioxidant supplements (e.g. Ocu-GLO™) to support lens health
• 🔹 Monitor intraocular pressure and retinal health regularly

📅 Post-Surgery Care & Follow-Up

Recovery from cataract surgery requires diligent care:

• Daily eye drops: anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and sometimes dilating agents
• Wearing an e-collar to prevent self-trauma
• Activity restrictions—no jumping or rough play for several weeks
• Vet visits at 1-day, 1-week, 1-month, then every 3–6 months

Complications include posterior capsular opacification, inflammation, glaucoma, or retinal detachment—making follow-up essential.

🔄 Living with Untreated Cataracts

Not every cat is a candidate for surgery. Many adapt well to vision loss with accommodations:

• 🐾 Keep environment stable—avoid moving furniture
• 💡 Use night lights to help with navigation
• 🥘 Maintain predictable feeding and litter box routines
• 🧘 Reduce stress with calming aids from Woopf and Purrz
• 📲 Use Ask A Vet for guidance on palliative care, supplements, and long-term monitoring

🛡️ Preventive Eye Health Tips

• Routine wellness checks every 6–12 months
• Bloodwork for seniors or cats with chronic diseases
• Control diabetes, hypertension, and dental disease proactively
• Promptly treat eye infections, conjunctivitis, or trauma
• Vaccinate against FeLV and FIV in at-risk populations

📝 Quick Reference Table