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Have you noticed that your cat has been bumping into furniture more often or missing its jumps?
These behavioral changes may be the first warning signs of cataracts, an eye disease that can seriously affect your cat's vision.

In the early stages of cataracts in cats, there is a gradual clouding of the lens, which limits vision.
In this article, you will learn all about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, as well as tips for improving your cat's quality of life if he or she has cataracts.

Causes of Cataracts in Cats in the Early Stage

Cataracts are a common eye disease in cats characterized by the clouding of the lens in the eye. This clouding can be caused by a variety of causes. Some cats are genetically predisposed to this disease, meaning they have a higher chance of developing cataracts from birth. Other environmental factors, such as poor diet or lack of certain nutrients, can also contribute to the development of this disease.

In addition to genetic and nutritional factors, there are also other triggers for cataracts in the early stages in cats:

  • Inflammations such as uveitis can damage the lens and promote the development of cataracts.
  • Injuries to the lens, for example from scratches from other cats, are also a possible cause.
  • Diseases such as diabetes mellitus can also affect eye health and lead to cataracts.

Recognizing Symptoms of Cataracts in Cats

Close up of a cat's eyes with visible early signs of cataracts, focusing on the cloudy bluish appearance of the iris, indoor setting with diffused daylight, photography, macro photography with a DSLR camera.

If you have a cat, it's important to look for the first signs of cataracts to detect the disease early. Early symptoms include behavioral changes that indicate your cat is no longer able to see as well. Pay attention to whether your cat is bumping into objects more often, seems unsure, or has difficulty finding its food bowl and litter box. These signs may indicate that your cat's vision is being affected by the beginning of clouding of the lens.

In addition to behavioral changes, there are also physical symptoms that can indicate cataracts:

  • Unusual discharge from the eyes
  • redness of the eyes
  • The cat seems to be more cautious overall

These symptoms are important indicators that your cat's lens may be cloudy. If you notice one or more of these signs, you should have your cat examined by a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and allow for early treatment.

Diagnostic Procedures for Cataracts in Cats

If you suspect your cat may be suffering from cataracts, the first step is to take the cat to the vet. They will usually perform an ophthalmological exam . This specialized eye exam allows the vet to look closely at the structure of the eye and identify specific signs of clouding of the lens. Commonly used instruments include the slit lamp , which provides detailed images of the eyes and allows the vet to accurately analyze changes in the lens.

In addition to the slit lamp examination, other diagnostic procedures can be used to assess the health of your cat's eyes:

  • Ultrasound examinations help identify the structure of the lens and possible abnormalities in the posterior chamber of the eye.
  • If additional complications are suspected, fluorescein angiography may be performed to check blood circulation in the retina. These procedures are crucial to fully evaluate the health of the eye and plan the best possible treatment for your cat.

Treatment Options for Cataracts

The primary and most effective treatment for cats with cataracts is surgery , which involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. These surgical procedures have a high success rate and can significantly improve your cat's vision. It is important that the veterinarian performs a thorough examination before surgery to ensure that your cat is healthy enough for the procedure and that there are no undetected conditions that could cause complications.

For cats where surgery is not an option, there are alternative treatments that can help maintain quality of life. These include:

  • Drug treatment to relieve inflammation and slow disease progression
  • Special eye drops that help keep the lens moist and prevent further damage
  • Household adjustments to make the environment safer for a visually impaired cat

While these measures are not a cure, they can help slow the progression of the disease and provide your cat with a more comfortable life.

Improving the quality of life for cats with cataracts

Cozy indoor setting with a cat resting comfortably on a cushion, near aids for ease of accessibility, warm ambient light, photographic detailed interior scene captured using natural light with a DSLR.

If your cat has cataracts and cannot be operated on, there are still many ways to make their life comfortable. It is important to make your cat's environment safe and predictable . Avoid moving furniture or other objects so that your cat can orientate itself in its home. The feeding area and litter box should also always be in the same place to make the daily routine easier for your cat.

You can also help your cat by providing special tools that improve its quality of life. These include:

  • Raised food and water bowls that are easier to reach
  • Non-slip pads at preferred berths that provide additional safety
  • Sound or smell-based toys to stimulate your cat's senses and keep them active

These adjustments will help your cat live a full and happy life despite limited vision.

Cost overview for the treatment of cataracts

Treating cataracts in cats can be expensive depending on the severity and the procedures required. An operation to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one usually costs between 2,000 and 4,000 euros . These costs are made up of various items:

  • 1000 euros for removing the lens and inserting the new one
  • Additional costs for anesthesia and care during the operation

In addition to the cost of the operation, medication and aftercare can also be added to the costs. Medications such as eye drops, painkillers and antibiotics are necessary to treat inflammation and relieve pain. Regular follow-up checks at the vet will ensure that your cat recovers as best as possible from the operation. These costs vary, but you should expect to pay a few hundred euros extra. It is worth having pet health insurance that covers some or all of these costs.

Aftercare and recovery for cats after treatment

Cat resting in a soft bed with therapeutic items around, in a peaceful room with soft light, photography, a calming and detailed shot taken with a DSLR camera.

After cataract treatment, careful aftercare is crucial for a quick and successful recovery. It is important that you use any medications prescribed by your veterinarian, such as anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops, exactly as directed. Make sure your cat gets plenty of rest and avoid rubbing or scratching the operated eye, possibly by using a protective collar.

During the recovery period, you should schedule regular follow-up visits with your veterinarian to monitor the healing process and ensure that no complications arise. Important measures include:

  • Regular checks : Check your cat's eye daily for redness, discharge or swelling.
  • Restricted activity : Keep your cat indoors and make sure he or she is in a quiet and safe environment.

These steps will help your cat make a full recovery and return to a healthy life.

Prevention of Cataracts in Cats

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants is crucial for your cat's eye health. Make sure your cat's food contains enough nutrients to protect their eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts. Particularly important are vitamins E and C, which are known to promote eye health.

Regular visits to the vet are also an important preventative measure. The vet can identify early signs of cataracts and recommend appropriate measures. By having regular check-ups, you can ensure that any potential eye problems your cat may have are treated early before they develop into a serious health risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cataracts be treated in cats?

Yes, cataracts in cats can be treated. The primary and most effective treatment is surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial lens. These surgical procedures have a high success rate and can significantly improve your cat's vision. For cats where surgery is not an option, there are alternative treatments such as medication, special eye drops, and home adjustments to maintain quality of life.

How much does cataract surgery cost for cats?

Surgery to treat cataracts in cats, where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one, usually costs between 2,000 and 4,000 euros. This cost is made up of various items, including 1,000 euros for removing the lens and inserting the new one, as well as additional costs for anesthesia and care during the operation.

What to do if cataracts are beginning to develop?

At the first signs of cataracts, you should watch for behavioral changes in your cat, such as bumping into objects more frequently or difficulty finding the food bowl and litter box. If you notice such symptoms, it is important to have your cat examined by a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and allow for early treatment. Early treatment measures may include medication or special eye drops to slow the progression of the disease.

How do I know if my cat is getting cataracts?

The first signs of cataracts in cats may be behavioral changes, such as bumping into objects more often, being unsteady, or having difficulty finding the food bowl and litter box. In addition to behavioral changes, there are physical symptoms such as unusual discharge from the eyes, redness of the eyes, and general caution. These signs may indicate that your cat's vision is being affected by the beginning of clouding of the lens.