Cats’ eyes communicate affection and interest, but they can also give you clues about their health. For example, if your cat’s eyes are dilated, it could be due to stress, seizures or a few other problems. Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s Chief Veterinary Officer and Director of Veterinary Affairs, talked to us about what it means when there are changes in your cat’s eyes, from pupil size to color — and when there’s a risk of a health issue.
Cats’ pupils fluctuate in size and shape based on light and emotion. Usually, pupils are vertical and shaped like slits, which means your cat is content and relaxed. However, if a cat is excited and about to pounce, their pupils will become round and large.
Contact your vet if you notice an irregularity in your cat’s pupil shape. Whether it’s unequal pupil sizes in both eyes or if one pupil is shaped like the letter “D,” it could be a sign of an underlying condition, like an infectious disease, trauma or cancer.
Healthy eye dilation in cats happens when their pupils naturally grow larger in dim light or darkness and become narrower in bright environments. However, there are medical reasons that can also cause cats’ pupils to dilate, including:
You should always contact your vet if your cat is showing signs of sickness or their pupils don’t constrict in brightly-lit environments. Here are some illnesses that can accompany dilated pupils in cats:
Treatment for unhealthy dilation in cat eyes depends on the cause — your vet will most likely run diagnostic tests to determine what’s right for your pet. Common vet recommendations include medicated eye drops, eye lubricant drops or incorporating humidified air into their environment.
Cats' eyes come in a variety of colors, from shades of blue and green to brown and copper. Eye color is often linked to a cat’s breed — for example, blue eyes are common in Siamese cats.
Copper-colored eyes can signal when a cat has a liver shunt, a possibly life-threatening condition that impacts their behavior, blood and health. Not all cats with copper-colored eyes have a liver shunt (it’s a common eye color for some breeds), but many cats with liver shunts do have copper-colored eyes. If your cat has copper-colored eyes, consult your veterinarian and watch out for changes in eye coloring to ensure your pet is healthy.
Sometimes cats are born with two different colored eyes, which is totally normal. This trait is generally nothing to worry about, but if you notice your cat’s eyes are changing color, contact your vet as this could be a sign of inflammation, infection or cancer.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
Save up to 90% on unexpected vet bills
Use any veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada
Rated 'Excellent' on Trustpilot
The most comprehensive pet insurance
Photo by Manja Vitolic on Unsplash
up to 90% of vet bills – covered.
Every 6 seconds, a pet parent gets a $1000+ vet bill. Care for your pet & your wallet with Fetch.
Get your price
