Do Cats Get Cataracts?

The Short Answer: Yes, cats can get cataracts, but they’re much less common than in dogs. While cataracts can affect your cat’s vision, early detection and proper veterinary care can help manage the condition and maintain your pet’s quality of life.

As a pet parent, you might notice changes in your cat’s eyes and wonder if cataracts could be the cause. This guide will help you understand what cataracts look like in cats, what causes them, and when to seek veterinary care. By learning the warning signs, you can catch potential eye problems early and ensure your feline companion gets the care they need.

What Are Cataracts and Do Cats Get Them?

A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens inside your cat’s eye becomes cloudy. Think of it like looking through a foggy window – this cloudy appearance blocks light from reaching the back of the eye, which can affect your cat’s vision and potentially lead to vision loss if left untreated. When the lens becomes damaged, it starts to cloud over, creating a barrier that makes it harder for your cat to see clearly.

While cataracts can affect cats of any age, they’re much less common than in dogs. Younger cats can also develop cataracts, though this typically occurs due to genetic predisposition, injury, or underlying health conditions rather than normal aging processes.

What Causes Cataracts in Cats and Signs to Watch For

Several factors can lead to cataract formation in cats. The most common cause of cataracts in older cats is simply the natural aging process, though this is still much less frequent than in dogs. Genetic predisposition plays a role in some breeds, with certain cats being more susceptible to developing cataracts at a younger age.

Diabetes is another significant cause of cataracts in cats. High blood sugar levels can damage the lens over time, leading to cataract development. Other health conditions, eye trauma, or significant inflammation from infections can also trigger the disease process that results in the formation of cataracts.

Pet parents should watch for several warning signs that might indicate their cat has developed cataracts:

Visual Changes:

• Cloudy appearance in one or both of your cat’s eyes
• The affected lens may appear white, gray, or blue instead of the normal clear appearance

Behavioral Changes:

• Bumping into furniture or objects
• Hesitating before jumping
• Having difficulty finding their food bowl in familiar environments
• Becoming more cautious in dim lighting
• Seeming reluctant to navigate stairs

Advanced Symptoms:

• Increased clumsiness around the house
• Appearing confused in familiar spaces
• Becoming more vocal as they try to navigate their environment

In severe cases, untreated cataracts can lead to secondary complications like glaucoma, which can cause significant pain and further vision loss.

Treatment Options and What Pet Parents Can Do

If you suspect your cat has cataracts, the first step is a thorough examination by your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist. During a routine physical exam, your vet can distinguish between true cataracts and other eye conditions that might look similar.

For cats diagnosed with cataracts, treatment options depend on the severity and type. Early-stage cataracts may not require immediate intervention if they’re not affecting your cat’s quality of life. However, more advanced cataracts that significantly impact vision may benefit from medical treatment or surgery.

Surgical Treatment

Cataract surgery in cats involves the surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens. This procedure can restore vision in many cases, though it requires specialized equipment and expertise from a veterinary ophthalmologist. The success rate is generally good when performed on appropriate candidates.

Non-Surgical Management

Non-surgical management focuses on addressing underlying causes and preventing complications. If diabetes is contributing to cataract development, managing blood sugar levels is crucial. Your vet might prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent secondary glaucoma.

Home Care and Adaptations

For cats with significant vision loss, you can make home modifications to help them navigate safely. Keep furniture in consistent locations, use verbal cues when approaching your cat, and consider adding tactile markers to help them find important areas like their food bowl and litter box. 

Most cats adapt remarkably well to vision changes. Their other senses often compensate, allowing them to maintain a good quality of life even with some vision loss. However, monitoring for complications like glaucoma or retinal detachment is important, as these conditions can cause pain and require immediate medical attention.

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Certain signs warrant immediate veterinary attention. Contact your vet right away if you notice:

• Sudden changes in your cat’s eye appearance
• Signs of pain like excessive blinking or pawing at the eye
• Your cat seems to have lost vision suddenly

Even subtle changes in your cat’s eyes deserve professional evaluation. What might appear to be normal aging could actually be the early stages of cataracts or other eye conditions that benefit from early intervention.

Regular eye examinations during routine veterinary visits can help catch problems early. This is especially important for cats with diabetes or other conditions that increase the risk of eye problems.

The optic nerve and surrounding structures can be affected by untreated cataracts, potentially leading to permanent vision loss or painful complications. Early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent many of these issues and help maintain your cat’s comfort and vision.

Your Cat’s Clear Vision is Our Priority

At Coastal Veterinary Care in Myrtle Beach, our team understands how important your cat’s health is to your family. If you’ve noticed any changes in your cat’s eyes or behavior that might indicate vision problems, don’t hesitate to reach out. Early intervention often provides the best outcomes for cats with eye conditions.

Our experienced veterinarians can perform comprehensive eye examinations and work with veterinary ophthalmologists when specialized care is needed. We’re here to help ensure your feline companion enjoys clear vision and optimal eye health throughout their life. Get in touch today by calling our office to schedule an examination if you have any concerns about your cat’s vision or eye health. Your cat’s comfort and well-being are our top priorities.