My cat is keeping one eye closed

smitten4kittens

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My cat Bailey is holding his eye closed. Not constantly, but a lot of the time. It just started tonight. It's not red and the only discharge was a tiny bit of clear fluid like water. He rubs it sometimes with his paw. He is happy and eating and playing with his toys like usual.

I worry a lot about him and wonderd if I should see a vet tonight (after hours). I called the 24 hour vet but they don't think it's an emergency and thought it was fine to wait until tomorrow. I'll call my regular vet in the morning.

Are there any signs to tell if it's a scratched eye or an infection starting? Anyone else have an experience like this?
 

eb24

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It does sound like he has an eye infection coming in. You were smart to call the after hours vet just to be on the safe side but so long as he is eating and drinking normally and isn't lethargic I would probably agree with them that you should be fine to wait until morning. I would get him in as soon as you can tomorrow though. You do want to be sure it's not scratched and if it is an eye infection getting him on the meds early helps tremendously. 

Take a deep breath for tonight and give the vet a call tomorrow. Good luck! 
 
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smitten4kittens

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Thanks EB for your reply. I love seeing Diego's picture when you post.

Bailey's eye looks perfect this morning. It's wide open and he's happy. He's not rubbing it or anything. The vet said I don't need to bring him in unless it starts up again. If it was an abrasion he would be keeping it closed. I'm increasing his L-lysine to help prevent any infection.

So happy he's ok.
 
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smitten4kittens

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Thank you. He's been fine all day
. He probably had a little dust or something in it that worked it's way out.
 

eb24

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Oh good! Yes, the fact that he's got it open today is a good indication that it's not an abrasion. I just went through that myself and it hurt more than I ever thought it could. If he had one he would not be opening that eye at all!

He may have had the beginning of an ocular infection but the L-Lysene on it's own if given early can clear that right up. If he starts squinting again then re-make the appointment, but woohoo on not needing to take him right away! 

Go, Bailey, Go! 

And, I love that you know my posts based on Diego's picture. 
 I wish I could have one of Ella too but she's not nearly as camera happy. Homeboy legit poses whenever I bust out the phone- such a ham! 
 
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smitten4kittens

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Oh good! Yes, the fact that he's got it open today is a good indication that it's not an abrasion. I just went through that myself and it hurt more than I ever thought it could. If he had one he would not be opening that eye at all!

He may have had the beginning of an ocular infection but the L-Lysene on it's own if given early can clear that right up. If he starts squinting again then re-make the appointment, but woohoo on not needing to take him right away! 

Go, Bailey, Go! 

And, I love that you know my posts based on Diego's picture. 
 I wish I could have one of Ella too but she's not nearly as camera happy. Homeboy legit poses whenever I bust out the phone- such a ham! 
One of my favorite kitty pictures is Diego in his Batman halloween costume...so precious
. I think I remember that he was your foster kitten that you just had to keep. I can understand why.
 
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smitten4kittens

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This is a most delightful thread hi-jacking
  We went from Bailey possibly having an eye problem, to him being fine, to adorable pictures of Diego. It's all good.

I have a book about clicker training, maybe I'll give it a try. Did it take a long time for him to learn?

I would love to be giving your little kitty a belly rub.
 

eb24

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Haha good I'm glad you aren't mad! 


No it didn't take him long at all. The key is finding the jackpot treat that Bailey will do anything for. Once you have that it's pretty easy to teach them just about anything! Just keep the sessions short at first and don't tackle too many things. Start with something simple like come and sit and work your way up from there. It's also really helpful if you have some kind of a target (I have a clicker stick but you could just as easily use a wooden spoon). When I started I would tap where I wanted him to come to and call him and as soon as he got there I would click and treat. Then, I would hold a treat above his nose. For him to smell it he would have to go into a sitting position and as soon as he did I would click and give it to him. Once he associates those actions with the treats then you can add the words. Now, I just use the words, then click and treat. 

Also, don't stress in the beginning over teaching him things- just reward what he already does. Diego already liked to head butt, sit on his hind legs, and have his belly rubbed. When he would do one of those things naturally I would click and treat and say the word I wanted associated with it. It didn't take him long to put it all together so he could get that delicious morsel! 

The key is following through. If he does a desired action you best make it rain deliciousness or he will call your bluff and stop participating. 

I swear once you get going it's fun for both of you- it's mentally stimulating for Bailey and fun for you to watch him figure things out. I also found it increased our bond as it's something interactive to do together. 
 

charlieliv

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Thats whats happening to my cat Charlie it started yesterday and she keeps doing it.

I think it might be an eye infection
 
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