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Ask the Veterinarian/Pet cat is squinting in one eye

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Expert: - 1/21/2012


Question
I have an 18 month old cat that was originally a rescue animal.  Very sweet and my only companion.  For the last few days I've noted that she seems to be squinting periodically from her left eye.  Nothing in it that I can see.  No obvious redness or swelling.  When I gently try to wipe her eye with a moist towel, she tolerates it OK and it doesn't seem to be hurting her.  No other changes in her behavior of any kind and she seems otherwise as frisky as ever; no change in her eating!  Can you help me with her?  Is there anything I can do to help or do I need a vet?  Thanks.

Answer
There are many things that can cause this squinting, and you might not be able to see what it is as it could be very tiny.

She could have an eyelash stuck into a tear duct. She could have a hair under her third eyelid. She could have piece of rug or weed from outside under her eyelid.

Your best bet anytime an eye is involved is to have it looked at by a vet. Better to be sure than sorry!

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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