Newborn Kittens Eyes Crusted Shut

Here s how i helped hank recover from neonate ophthalmia.

Newborn kittens eyes crusted shut. Most kittens open their eyes within eight days of being born while some kittens take as long as two weeks. The infection will typically take place after the top and bottom eyelids separate and open at about 10 to 14 days of age. The veterinarian will show you how to do this and you may need to repeat it. Now for the past 2 or 3 days one one of their eyes on each kitten is crusted shut.

Cat eye discharge can be a little gross. I ve tried to wipe it clean with a wet q tip and tissue but i don t want to hurt them. Often this occurs in newly born kitten because the eyes are becoming used to seeing. If the kitten s eyes are crusted shut the veterinarian will use warm water compresses to loosen the debris gently and get them open and then saline or warm water can be used to wash the eyes.

At this stage they are very helpless and as they are also unable to hear they use their powerful sense of smell to navigate the world. Vetinfo states that consistent application of the eye drops is the best way to ensure an infection is cleared. One of the infections that can affect a newborn kitten is infection of the conjunctiva the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the eyeball or of the cornea the transparent front surface coating of the eyeball. Kittens are born with their eyes closed.

Sometimes it may indicate an eye problem that needs veterinary attention. Do your cat s eyes ever get watery goopy or downright crusty. In most cases eye drops formulated especially for use in kittens are recommended by veterinarians. Then again this may be the result of a bacteria or viral infection.

Learn the signs causes and treatment of eye infection in kittens. Being someone who has both fostered orphaned kittens and worked in animal shelters for over 6 years keeping kitten eyes clean is an important task. My 2 kittens are a day less than 2 weeks old. Newborn kittens can get an eye infection before their eyes even open.

What should i do. Eye infections in newborn kittens. Application of warm compresses and consistent removal of. It s important to get the kitten to a veterinarian to determine the cause of the crusted and matted eyes.

Always consult a veterinarian. A saline solution is recommended for clearing the crusty debris from around the kitten s eye prior to applying the eye drops. Kittens are absolutely adorable. They opened their eyes about a week old.

While a kitten who has not opened its eyes at all within two weeks should be taken to the veterinarian you. Sometimes kittens will develop crusted and matted eyes.