Ragdoll cats are known for being a bit more laid back than other breeds. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need love and care.
One of the best ways to show your kitty how much you love them is by making sure their eyes stay clean and free from infection. This will help keep them healthy, happy and safe from harm!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Regular eye cleaning is essential for ragdoll cats to maintain their eye health. |
| Use a damp, clean cloth or cotton ball to gently wipe away any debris or discharge around the eyes. |
| Avoid using harsh or irritating substances when cleaning the eyes of your ragdoll cat. |
| If you notice any persistent or concerning issues with your cat’s eyes, consult a veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment. |
| Keeping your ragdoll cat’s eyes clean can help prevent eye infections and promote overall ocular well-being. |
Wash Your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling your cat’s eyes.
Washing your hands is especially important after touching the medicine or anything else that may be dirty, such as your cat’s fur or face.
If you don’t have time to wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer instead if you can’t find any soap and water nearby (i.e., a sink).
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your ragdoll cat, including their eye health. Learn more about the recommended feeding guidelines and portion sizes in our comprehensive guide on how much you should be feeding your ragdoll cat.
Use Warm Water
- Warm water cleans better than cold, but it also helps the medicine penetrate into your cat’s eyes.
- It’s easier for your kitty to tolerate warm water because it’s more comfortable on their skin.
- You’ll need a bowl or cup of warm water and a cotton ball (or Q-tip) to soak up the water from the eye cleaning solution.
Have A Warm, Moist Cloth Ready
To clean your ragdoll’s eyes, you’ll need a warm, moist cloth—ideally one that’s been dipped in some sort of mild cleanser (like an ophthalmic solution). This way the cleaning process is not only easy and effective, but also gentle.
If you’re going to use a cloth directly on the cat’s eye area, make sure it’s as soft and smooth as possible. Don’t use tissues or paper towels; they’ll be too rough for delicate areas like this.
Once you’ve got your cloth ready, gently wipe away any debris or dust from around his eyes before moving onto the next step:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Warm, Moist Cloth | Prepare a soft cloth soaked in warm water to gently clean around your cat’s eyes. |
| Eye Wipes | Use specialized eye wipes formulated for gentle and effective cleaning of the eye area. |
| Sterile Saline Solution | Keep a sterile saline solution handy to rinse your cat’s eyes if needed. |
| Eye Irrigation Kit | Have an eye irrigation kit available for thorough and controlled flushing of the eyes if necessary. |
| Veterinary Eye Drops | Consult with a veterinarian and keep prescribed eye drops or ointments for specific eye conditions. |
Prepare The Eye Drops
Now that you know how to get to the eye, it’s time to learn how to keep it clean. When administering drops into an eye, it’s important to use a sterile applicator and the correct type of solution.
For example, if your vet has prescribed a solution for treating eye infections, then you should use that bottle. Once you’ve selected the right bottle of drops from your medicine cabinet, remember these tips:
Use a sterile dropper or pipette—this will ensure that you don’t introduce germs into your cat’s eyes while administering treatment.
To use the dropper or pipette properly: hold the tip against one side of closed eyelid and squeeze out two or three drops; then repeat on other side (never apply directly into center).
Don’t worry if more than one drop leaks down onto cheek tissue—it won’t hurt! And if any accidentally goes into nose area, just wipe away gently with clean tissue before treating again.
- Keep bottle upright at all times until opening is removed from package.
- Shake well before each use because sometimes air bubbles get trapped inside cap during transit from pharmacy/pharmacy warehouse/drugstore shelf.
- If taking prescription medication orally instead of topically (eg via eyedrops), consult physician about possible interactions between drugs taken concurrently.”
If you have a fussy ragdoll cat, finding the right food can be a challenge. Our expert tips on what to feed a fussy ragdoll cat can help you navigate through the preferences and ensure their overall well-being, including their eye health.
Remove The Cat’s Hair (If Necessary)
If your ragdoll cat has long hair, you may need to remove it from around their eyes. You can use a small pair of scissors or clippers for this purpose.
It’s also helpful if you have a comb that is specifically designed for removing hair from the face; however, using any old comb will still work in a pinch.
You’ll want to be careful when removing fur from your cat’s eyelids since they need to be able to move freely without obstruction.
This means only removing hair from around the eyes and not on other parts of their face—for example, under the chin or even around their nose!
Hold Your Cat In Position
When cleaning a cat’s eyes, it is important that you hold its head in position so that you can see what you’re doing.
You can do this by gently holding their muzzle with one hand and gently opening the eyelid with your other hand.
Then, using your index finger, pull down on the lower lid to expose more of the eyeball. Once both lids are open, use your thumbs to raise them up into a “V” shape.
Now that you have access to their eyes, wash them with a clean cloth soaked in warm water and mild soap (this will remove any dirt or debris).
It’s also important not to put too much pressure on them when washing because this could damage the cornea (the clear covering over top)
| Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Cradle Hold | Hold your cat with one arm under their chest and the other supporting their hindquarters. |
| Football Hold | Securely hold your cat with one hand supporting their chest and the other supporting their hind end. |
| Shoulder Hold | Place your cat over your shoulder, supporting their body with your arm and hand. |
| Scruff Hold | Gently grasp the loose skin on the back of your cat’s neck to hold them in place. |
| Lap Hold | Sit down and place your cat on your lap, supporting their body with your hands or arms. |
Wipe Around The Eye
When cleaning your cat’s eyes, you may find that it is difficult to avoid getting water into the eye. If this happens, gently blot the area with a clean tissue or cloth until there is no more water on the surface of the eye.
This can be done by using a circular motion on each cheekbone and gently applying pressure to remove any excess moisture.
Avoid rubbing too hard or pressing down too much, as this could cause damage to your precious ragdoll’s delicate cornea or sclera (the white part of their eyes).
If it is not possible for you to avoid getting water in their eyes while bathing them at home, then it may be helpful for you to wear gloves while performing these duties so as not to risk being scratched yourself!
Regular grooming is essential for maintaining the health and hygiene of your ragdoll cat. Find out the recommended grooming practices, including eye cleaning, in our detailed guide on how often you should groom your ragdoll cat.
Open The Eyelid
Open the eyelid
Gently pull the lower lid down and up, in order to open it.
Use your thumb and index finger to pull gently on each side of the eyelid.
Apply The Eye Drops Using An Applicator Or Pipette
If you’re using drops, apply them using an applicator or pipette. You can find these items at most pet stores, drug stores and even grocery stores like CVS or Walmart.
The eye drops should be administered once a day, preferably in the morning when your cat is most likely to be awake and alert. They should be administered for at least 2 weeks (or longer if needed).
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Applicator | Use an applicator provided with the eye drops to apply them accurately and precisely. |
| Pipette | Utilize a pipette for precise and controlled application of the eye drops. |
Wipe Away Any Excess Medicine Or Tears With A Warm, Wet Cloth
If you are using a drops, it is important to wipe away any excess medicine or tears with a warm, wet cloth. Do not rub the eye as that can cause irritation or even damage to your pet’s eyesight.
Use only warm water and be sure to wring out the cloth before applying it to your ragdoll cat’s eye, so that the ragdoll cat does not get burned by too much moisture.
Curious to know if your ragdoll cat is expecting? Our informative article on how to tell if a ragdoll cat is pregnant provides you with the signs to look for and the necessary care considerations during this special time, which also impacts their eye health.
Discard Any Leftover Medicine & Applicators Properly
- Discard any leftover medication and applicators properly. Don’t reuse the applicators, and do not flush them down the toilet. Instead, dispose of them in a sealed container that is labeled “sharps.”
- Throw away the container in the trash. Do not dump it into your toilet!
Cancer is a health concern for many cat breeds, including ragdoll cats. Explore our insightful guide on the link between ragdoll cats and cancer to understand the potential risks, preventive measures, and regular check-ups necessary to safeguard their overall well-being, including their eye health.
Conclusion
If your ragdoll cat has eye discharge, he or she may have an infection. If the discharge is clear and watery, it’s probably just a minor irritation. If it looks like pus or blood, take the cat to your vet right away.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on ragdoll cat eye problems:
RagdollCare.com – Ragdoll Cat Eye Problems: Explore this comprehensive guide that delves into common eye problems that can affect ragdoll cats, their causes, symptoms, and recommended treatments.
PetCreeks.com – Ragdoll Cat Eye Problems: Learn more about specific eye issues that can occur in ragdoll cats, including preventive measures and tips for maintaining optimal eye health.
Ferplast Blog – How to Clean a Cat’s Eyes in a Few Quick Moves: Discover effective techniques for safely and efficiently cleaning your cat’s eyes, including step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about ragdoll cat eye problems:
What are common eye problems in ragdoll cats?
Ragdoll cats can experience various eye problems, such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, and cherry eye. These conditions may require veterinary attention.
What are the symptoms of eye problems in ragdoll cats?
Symptoms of eye problems in ragdoll cats can include redness, swelling, discharge, excessive tearing, squinting, cloudiness, or changes in the appearance of the eyes.
How can I prevent eye problems in my ragdoll cat?
Maintaining good hygiene, regular grooming, and monitoring your cat’s eyes for any signs of irritation or infection can help prevent eye problems. Additionally, providing a balanced diet and avoiding exposure to irritants can be beneficial.
Can I clean my ragdoll cat’s eyes at home?
Yes, you can clean your ragdoll cat’s eyes at home. It is important to use gentle techniques and appropriate eye-cleaning solutions recommended by your veterinarian.
When should I seek veterinary care for my ragdoll cat’s eye problems?
If your ragdoll cat’s eye problems persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a veterinarian who has spent her career working with cats and has seen firsthand how important it is to understand each breed’s unique needs.
