Why Do Siamese Cats’ Eyes Turn Red?

If you’ve ever noticed how red the eyes of Siamese cats can be, it might have made you wonder: why do Siamese cats’ eyes turn red? It can be scary if you have no idea why these beautiful cats look this way! Let’s dive into the reasons behind this strange color change and learn how to treat Siamese cats’ red eyes. You may be surprised by what you find out! 

What does it mean when a cat’s eyes turn red?

When Siamese cats’ eyes turn red, it’s usually a sign that they are frightened or in pain. The appearance of red eyes can vary depending on the cause. For example, it could be a result of being startled, a scratch, a blockage, conjunctivitis, an infection, or a tumor in the eye. 

There are a few reasons your Siamese cat’s eyes might turn red. 

1. It could be a sign of illness, such as an infection or allergies. One of the most causes of infection is a tapeworm. 

Even though the tapeworms are easily treated, the eye infection must be taken care of as quickly as possible. It can cause your Siamese to be very uncomfortable. 

2. It could also be a reaction to stress, either from a change in the environment or another pet in the house. 

3. A Siamese cat’s eyes turning red is usually a sign of injury.

4. It may be caused by a parasite called the “brown dog tick.” 

5. Cat’s eyes turning red could also be a symptom of a serious condition called uveitis. Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of a cat’s eye called the uvea. It can lead to blindness, usually caused by bacteria or viruses. 

6. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or dry eye, a condition in which the body ceases to produce tears, may cause redness, irritation, and discharge in cats. 

When my dear Siamese cat began experiencing a decrease in tear production, I began to worry. That is until I remembered Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) in a feline publication! Turns out there are several reasons for eye redness, irritation, and discharge in Siamese cats. But, KCS is one of the most common causes of all three problems! 

7. Eye redness may also be a sign of something more serious. Siamese cats can have glaucoma. It is a condition that causes increased pressure in the eye. This can cause noticeable eye changes, such as redness and cloudy vision. 

8. The bright red eyes are also a sign of conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that coats the white part of the eye. Symptoms include discharge from the eyes and discomfort. 

The bacterium Chlamydophila felis mainly caused conjunctivitis, with sore, inflamed inner eyelids and excess tears. It can also cause mild cat flue. 

Other conditions that can cause red eyes include:

Endophthalmitis is an inflammation of the eye’s interior and is usually caused by a bacterial infection. It is the most serious of all eye diseases and can result in blindness if not treated immediately. 

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, causing it to become opaque. Cats with this condition may become blind if the cataract affects both eyes. 

Corneal ulcers are a common and painful problem in Siamese cats. They occur when the protective layer around the eye (cornea) is eroded, scratched, or ulcerated. Various factors can cause this, including poor nutrition, immune system problems, and injury. 

What causes pink eye in cats?

There are many causes of pink eye or conjunctivitis in cats, ranging from allergies to viral infections. 

Allergies are the most common cause of pink eye in cats, and they can be triggered by anything from pollen to smoke. 

Viral infections, such as feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus, are also common causes of pink eye in cats. These viruses can cause severe respiratory infections, so you must get your cat to the vet if you suspect they may have a viral infection. 

Is it normal for cats’ eyes to glow red? 

There are many Siamese cats with eyes that glow red, or at least look like they are glowing. 

This trait is believed to be due to low-light conditions and the tapetum lucidum, a structure in the eye of animals that reflects light back to the retina, causing them to glow red. 

The tapetum lucidum helps improve a cat’s vision in the dark. 

Some cats’ eyes appear to glow but are not always red. The tapetum appears as a bright golden or green disk when a light source strikes a cat’s eyes at night. 

What should I do if my cat’s eyes are red?

If you notice that your Siamese cat’s eyes are red, you must take them to the vet as soon as possible. While there are several potential causes for red eyes in cats, including allergies and infections, only a professional can determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment. 

In the meantime, there are several things you can do to help at home. 

Cleaning around the eyes

If your Siamese cat has an eye infection, you will need to make sure that you clean its eyes frequently. 

1. Keep the Siamese eyes clean by wiping the eyes with a small, damp cloth to remove any discharge and help them feel more comfortable. 

1. Wipe the eyes gently wipe around the eyes with a cloth. Be careful not to touch the eyeball. Make sure you’re using a clean piece of cloth for each eye.

1. Do not use soap because it can damage your cat’s eyes, causing the infection to worsen. 

1. It’s essential to ensure that your Siamese cat is relaxed and comfortable at all times. When cleaning your kitty’s eyes, take alternate hand strokes using soft, gentle motions as you clean each one until the product is removed. To calm your Siamese down as you clean his eyes, pet near the area but keep yourself out of reach and focus on the task at hand. 

1. It’s essential to thoroughly clean your Siamese cat’s eyes. The infection can worsen if you don’t remove any discharge from the eyes. 

1. If you are unsure how to properly clean your Siamese cat’s eyes, take him to the veterinarian for further treatment. 

Administering Medicine 

Cats with a weak immune system are more susceptible to infection. Antiviral therapy such as topical and antibiotics are needed if your cat has a weak immune system. 

1. It is best to have your veterinarian examine your Siamese cat. Your veterinarian can prescribe topical ointments that you can apply directly to your Siamese cats’ eyes. 

1. If the infection does not clear up within a week, your veterinarian may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. 

1. Only give your cat medicine that a vet has prescribed. Do not give more than the recommended dose. It is also essential to follow your vet’s directions on giving medication and complete the entire course, especially with antibiotics.

1. You can also use over-the-counter eye drops to relieve the irritation. If unsure, ask your vet to demonstrate how to administer eye or ear drops. 

1. It’s pretty easy to administer eye or ear drops to your feline friend – but always be careful with the dropper because it’s not a good idea to accidentally touch sensitive areas like your cat’s eyes or ears. 

Additional Information

There are a few possible explanations for why Siamese cats’ eyes turn red. It could be infection and stress, among others. However, further research is intended to determine the exact cause. In the meantime, if you notice your Siamese cat’s eyes turning red, take them to the vet for a check-up. 

We gathered all the health tips tailored toward maintaining your Siamese cat’s optimal well-being. Check it out here: Siamese Cat Health: A Complete Guide