Medicating your cat's eyes is not as difficult as you think. As with any treatment, give a treat before and after the treatment. This will make your cat comfortable and happy. Go slow and be patient. You may want to wrap your cat in a towel for comfort and safety. I don't like to come straight at the head to avoid them feeling like they are about to be poked in the eye. For this reason I medicate from the side or behind the head. Be very soothing and give praise for good behavior. The more comfortable you are the happier your kitty will be and the results will be better.

Applying Eye Drops to Cats

Author: Ernest Ward, DVM

The proper administration of eye medication is critical in helping your cat recover from an eye injury or infection Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the prescription instructions. If you have any questions, contact your veterinarian for clarification.

Wash your hands before and after administering the medication to prevent contamination and/or the potential spread of infection. Be sure to keep the applicator tip clean and do not allow it to contact the cat, the eye or any other surface. If this occurs, clean the tip by wiping it off with a clean cloth and ask your veterinarian for specific cleaning instructions.

If your cat's eye is painful, you may need to have someone assist you with restraint. Usually, as the treatment begins to take effect, the pain lessens and assistance becomes less necessary.

Here are some helpful tips and step-by-step instructions to make administering your cat's eye medications easier:

  • Gently clean away any debris around the cat's eyes with warm water and a washcloth prior to administering the eye drops.
  • If you are administering the medication on your own, you may find it easiest to place your cat in your lap. It may be advisable to restrain the cat by wrapping it in a blanket or towel with only its head exposed. The first few times, or if your cat's eye is painful, it may be helpful to have someone else hold the wrapped cat while you apply the drops.
  • Hold the bottle using the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand with the tip pointed downwards. You may want to rest this hand on the top of the cat's head for stability.
  • Use the last two fingers of the same hand to pull back the upper eyelid. Place your remaining fingers under the cat's jaw to support the head. The lower eyelid will act as a pouch to receive the drops.
  • Hold the bottle close to the eye but ensure you DO NOT touch the eye's surface.
  • Squeeze the prescribed number of drops directly onto the eyeball, aiming for the center of the eye, and then release the head.
  • The cat will blink, spreading the medication over the surface of the eye.
  • It is common for cats to blink or paw at the eye after administering the drops. If this persists or if the eye appears more inflamed or red after administration of the medication, consult with your veterinarian.

If you have any problems treating your kitty, we are here to help. We are most happy to put the drops in for or with you until you become more comfortable. Give us a call.