The essentials
- Cataracts can be more frequently seen in elderly cats — However, cats can develop cataracts at any age.
- Cataracts don’t go away on their own — Your vet can support your pet with tailored treatment options and supportive care.
- Cloudiness can be the first sign pet parents notice — However, cloudiness can also signal other conditions (such as corneal issues, glaucoma, or keratitis, to name a few).
Cataracts can frequently occur in elderly or aging felines, causing visual changes, cloudiness, and behavioral concerns. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can help your cat avoid this common disease—or solutions to try if your cat has already been diagnosed. Read on to learn more about what cataracts are, possible causes and risks, treatment options, and preventative measures for your feline friend.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is defined as cloudiness caused by protein breakdown, nutrient changes, or fluid balance changes occurring in the lens of one’s eye. The condition can affect both animals and humans and commonly occurs as cats age or as a symptom of certain medical conditions.
While cataracts may not be very painful, they can cause discomfort in people or animals that experience them. Human patients report excessive blurriness or “spots” in their vision, along with ocular discomfort and double vision.
Identifying symptoms of cataracts in cats
That being said, pet parents should still stay on alert for symptoms that indicate changes in their cat’s vision. Aside from the visual sign of cloudiness in their eye, some early signs include:
- Lessened agility: Most cats are pretty swift and lithe and enjoy running around the house with a case of the zoomies. Furry friends who might be dealing with cataracts will likely be less interested in this type of disorienting motor activity.
- Clumsiness: This lack of agility can lead to or be accompanied by clumsiness, which you can recognize as frequent collisions (especially with other pet siblings or inanimate objects).
- Less overall interest in adventure or activity: This one is trickier to catch unless your cat is unusually spunky. However, vision changes can lead to a type of reluctance or lethargy in cats, as they may feel especially unsteady or compromised in their ability to see or perceive their environments.
Causes of cataracts in cats
There are plenty of reasons that cats can form cataracts—and not all of them are due to age. Cataracts can occur in young cats as well, albeit less frequently.
Here are a few causes of cataracts in cats for your informational purposes. If you believe that your cat may be dealing with an affected lens or has risk factors that can be a cause of cataracts, medical advice from a vet is your next step.
Diagnosis of cat cataracts
Diagnosing cat cataracts is similar to the process of diagnosing human cataracts. Your veterinarian uses an ophthalmoscope to evaluate the eye’s structures on the inside. If they notice inflammation, damage, or other signs, they may recommend specialty care from a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Routine vet visits should be enough to monitor the health of your cat’s eyes, unless they have a possible underlying cause or a genetic predisposition. You can ask your vet for personalized recommendations if you aren’t sure how often they should be seen.
Stages of cataracts in cats
While the formation of cataracts can vary on a case-by-case basis, there are a few general “phases” they follow as they form:
Treatment options for feline cataracts
There are many different treatment options that pet parents can consider if cat cataracts have already affected your feline. They fall into two main categories:
Post-treatment care
No matter what treatment option you decide to go with, post-treatment care can be helpful—especially for older cats who may be dealing with additional difficulties.
Managing post-surgical care, keeping up with physical examination schedules, and controlling other eye conditions can all be important steps to preserving your cat’s health.
Did you choose surgery as the best option for your furry friend’s needs? It can be helpful to keep in mind that even small incisions can result in itchiness and discomfort, so your vet may recommend the use of an Elizabethan collar (the cone of shame) or another device to keep the iris healthy if your cat’s recovering from ocular surgery.
How will cataracts impact your cat’s life?
Cataracts may not be painful for cats, but there are impacts on a cat’s life if they develop them, such as:
Preventative measures for cat cataracts
While some cat breeds may face higher predispositions for conditions such as cataracts, there are preventative care measures you can take to protect your cat’s vision. Options can include:
Frequently asked questions
Are cataracts painful for cats?
Cataracts aren’t really painful—but the effects can be disorienting and uncomfortable for your feline friend. Intervention can help to preserve what’s left of their vision and keep them comfortable.
How quickly do cataracts progress in cats?
Progression is entirely individual and depends on the cat, as well as any other factors involved in the case (such as age or underlying conditions). Your vet can determine the best possible course of treatment for your pet based on what they observe.
Do cataracts require a vet to fix?
Your vet is your best resource to help your feline who has cataracts. They can recommend surgery, medication or additional intervention to help preserve your cat’s health.
How do you know if cataracts are worse?
Generally, the more opacity you can see, the more severe your cat’s cataracts might be. Your vet can work with you to determine stage and severity.
When should cataracts be removed?
Cataracts can be removed at any stage of development. Your vet can determine the timing and strategy that is the least risky for your pet’s specific case.
