Do you ever see your cat rubbing its eyes? You might be wondering why cats do this and what it means for their health. The answer is more complex than you think. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why cats rub their eyes and the potential causes behind it.
Plus, we’ll give advice on how to handle eye-rubbing in cats.
Cats rub their eyes for various reasons. It can be used as a form of grooming or to express joy or contentment. Eye-rubbing can also help them remove dirt from their eyes or provide relief from irritation.
However, there are some medical issues that may cause cats to rub their eyes excessively. Eye infections, allergies and foreign bodies such as dust particles or grass seeds can all irritate the eyes and lead to eye-rubbing in an attempt to relieve the symptoms.
If your cat is rubbing its eyes often, make sure to take it to a vet right away – they will be able to diagnose any underlying medical conditions that may be causing it and provide appropriate treatment options accordingly.
With proper care and attention, you should be able to keep your cat’s eyes healthy and happy.
Reasons Why Cats Rub Their Eyes
If you’ve ever seen your cat rubbing their eyes, you may be wondering why they do it. Eye-rubbing is a normal behavior for cats, and there are a few reasons why they might be doing it. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help you provide your cat with the best care possible.
Cats rub their eyes to spread tears and other secretions from the tear glands, helping to keep their eyes clean and lubricated and reducing the risk of eye infections.
Cats may also use this behavior as a way of self-soothing or relieving stress or anxiety—especially if they’re feeling overwhelmed or scared in a new environment.
It’s also possible that cats are rubbing their eyes due to allergies or an irritation in the eye, such as dust, pollen, or a foreign body like grass or dirt. Rubbing can help reduce any discomfort caused by these irritants.
Lastly, some cats may just be rubbing their eyes as part of their grooming routine—similar to how they use their tongue to groom themselves elsewhere on their bodies.
If your cat’s eye-rubbing habits are frequent or excessive, it’s important to have them checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health condition causing it.
Your vet will look for signs of disease or allergies and recommend treatment if necessary.
Comfort and Stress Relief
When cats rub their eyes, they release endorphins that help them relax and decrease tension. Pheromones are also released during this process, which make cats feel secure and safe.
Cats may also use this behavior to show affection towards their owners. Additionally, rubbing their eyes is a way for cats to mark their territory and demonstrate dominance over other cats in the area.
If your cat’s eye-rubbing habits are frequent or excessive, it’s important to have them checked out by a veterinarian. Your vet will look for signs of illness or allergies and prescribe medication if needed.
Eye Infections, Allergies and Irritations
Eye-rubbing can also be a sign of something more serious. If your cats have an eye infection, allergies, or irritation from smoke or dirt in the air, they may be ruffling their eyes for relief.
Common causes of eye infections in cats include bacterial or viral infections, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the inner eyelid), and feline herpesvirus.
Allergies can also cause cats to itch from allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores.
Cats may also rub their eyes if they have something stuck in them like an eyelash or rubble, or if they are suffering from dry eye syndrome due to inadequate tear production or environmental factors such as air pollution.
Irritations can also be caused by foreign objects such as dirt and debris in the eye, or by contact with chemicals or other substances that cause irritation.
Something Stuck in the Eye
This is a common pet behavior that promotes warmth and reduces anxiety. However, it can also be a sign of something more serious.
If your cat has something stuck in their eye, such as dirt or smoke, they may be scratching their eyes for relief.
If the irritation persists, it’s important to take your cat to the vet for an examination and treatment.
Your veterinarian will check your cat’s eyes and determine the cause of the eye rubbing. It could be an eye infection or another eye condition such as conjunctivitis or glaucoma.
Allergies can also cause cats to rub their eyes; your vet will prescribe antihistamines to remedy this.
It’s also important to remember that cats may rub their eyes due to stress or anxiety, so make sure your feline friend has a calm and comfortable environment.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Cats may be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome (DES).
DES is a condition in which cats’ eyes fail to produce enough tears to lubricate the eye. Symptoms of DES include redness and swelling of the eyes, excessive blinking, and discharge from the eyes. In an attempt to soothe their eyes, cats may paw at their face or rub against objects such as walls or furniture.
If your cat is showing any of these signs, it’s important to bring them to the veterinarian for an examination and treatment.
Treatment for DES usually involves artificial tear drops or ointments that can be applied directly to the affected eye.
It’s also important to remember that cats can rub their eyes as a result of stress or anxiety, so make sure your feline friend has a calm and secure environment.
Don’t hesitate if you think your cat has DES – visit your vet today.
Stress and Anxiety
Cats are incredibly sensitive creatures, and environmental or routine changes can easily cause them to become stressed or anxious. If your feline friend is feeling overwhelmed, they may start rubbing their eyes as a way of calming down.
This releases endorphins which can help reduce their anxiety levels and make them feel more relaxed.
It’s important to pay attention to your cat’s behavior, as they may also rub their eyes when they’re feeling overwhelmed by stimuli in their environment, such as loud noises or unfamiliar smells.
If you find that your cat is rubbing its eyes more frequently than usual, it could be a sign that it needs extra attention and comfort from you.
Make sure to provide your beloved pet with a calm and safe environment, along with gentle petting and cuddles to give them some peace.
It’s also important to note that cats may rub their eyes if they have an eye infection, allergies, or asthma from dust or dirt in the air.
If you notice any signs of discomfort such as redness and swelling of the eyes, excessive blinking, or complete removal from the eyes, take them to the veterinarian for an examination and treatment immediately.
Artificial tear drops or ointments are often used in conjunction with medical therapy for these disorders, which can be applied directly to the affected eye.
How to Help Your Cat When They Rub Their Eyes?
It’s important to understand why they are rubbing their eyes and what you can do to help. Cats can rub their eyes for a variety of reasons, from allergies to infection. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to soothe your cat’s eyes and provide relief.
First, take your cat to the vet for a check-up. This will help rule out any medical issues that may be causing the eye rubbing. If no medical issue is found, then you can try some home remedies to help relieve your cat’s discomfort.
These include using a warm compress on the affected area, using natural eye drops or ointments, and gently cleaning the area around the eyes with a mild cleanser.
If your cat is suffering from allergies, you may also want to consider giving them an antihistamine.
In addition, make sure that your cat is getting enough rest and exercise as this will help reduce any stress that may be causing them to rub their eyes. Provide plenty of toys and hiding spots in your home environment so that your pet feels safe and secure.
Lastly, keep an eye out for any changes in behavior that could indicate an underlying health problem such as allergies or infections which could be causing excessive eye rubbing.
Regular check-ups are essential in ensuring that any potential issues are identified early on and treated accordingly.
Signs of a Serious Problem
If your cat is rubbing their eyes, it could be a sign of something serious.
Cats may smear their eyes for various reasons, such as allergies or irritation from smoke or dirt in the air. However, it could also indicate an eye disease or injury.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, take your cat to the vet immediately:
- Excessive pawing at the eyes
- Redness and swelling
- Discharge from the eye
- Squinting, and visible pain
Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the underlying condition and relieve the symptoms.
It’s also important to keep an eye out for any changes in your cat’s behavior that could signify pain or discomfort.
If your cat is lethargic or stops playing as they used to, it’s time to call your vet right away.
Regular check-ups are highly recommended in order to ensure that any potential problems are identified early and treated accordingly.
Make sure your cat is getting enough sleep and exercise, as well as plenty of toys and hiding places in your household environment to keep them safe and secure.
Conclusion
Cats are incredibly intelligent creatures, and understanding why they rub their eyes can be perplexing. From grooming to expressing joy, cats may rub their eyes for a variety of reasons.
However, if your cat is rubbing its eyes excessively, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue such as an eye infection, allergies or dry eye syndrome.
If you notice any signs of discomfort in your cat’s eyes, like redness and swelling, excessive blinking or discharge from the eyes, it’s important to get them to the vet right away.
Your veterinarian will look for signs of disease or allergies and provide prescription medications if necessary. Additionally, make sure your cat has a quiet and safe environment with plenty of toys and hiding spots to keep them comfortable and contented.
Eye-rubbing in cats can stem from many causes but with proper care you can ensure your cat’s peepers stay healthy and happy.
