Your cat has a black eye, and the crust around it is driving you crazy! So, of course, you probably want to know how to get rid of it. But, before we get to that, let’s take a closer look at what’s going on with your kitty’s eye.
Most cat owners are familiar with the black eye crust around their pet’s eyes. While it’s usually not a cause for alarm, it can be unsightly and irritating.
If your cat has a black eye crust, you may be wondering how to get rid of the crust. This can be a daunting task, but you can do it relatively easily with the right approach.
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Is A Black Crust Around A Cat’s Eyes Normal?
Yes, the black crust around a cat’s eyes is normal in most cases. It is usually an indication of a good night’s sleep.
However, sometimes it may signify an underlying health condition. For example, suppose you notice that the black eye crusts are getting formed with no relation to your cat’s sleeping pattern.
In that case, it is vital to have your cat’s eyes examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible to rule out any potential problems.
How Do I Get Rid Of My Cat’s Black Eye Crust?
You can wipe off the eye crusties with a moist cloth. There are several pet eye wipes available in the market for this purpose. They are safe to use and specifically formulated not to harm your cat’s eyes.
The first step to getting rid of black eye crust is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your pet.
Next, use a clean cloth or paper towels to gently wash your cat’s face, removing any dirt and debris that might still be present on its fur.
You should also check for any other signs of infection near the eyes, such as swelling or discharge, as these may require medical attention.
If there are no other signs of infection, you can move on to cleaning out any black eye crust that remains using a moist cloth. A gentle dab around the eyes should remove the crusties.
Avoid using any chemicals around your cat’s eyes without consulting your veterinarian, as it can cause irreversible damage to your cat’s eyes.
Why Does My Cat Have Black Crusty Eyes?
Your cat has black crusties because the gunk was exposed to sunlight. Crusties usually consist of tears and when exposed to light, they turn black.
You can use a moist cloth to wipe it off from under the cat’s eyes. Many cat owners report black crusties around their cat eyes and are concerned if its an eye infection.
It is not an infection but simply a natural process in most cases. Look out for eye symptoms such as redness, swelling, and lot of discharge from cats eyes that may require a visit to the vet.
Is It Normal For Cats To Have Eye Crusties?
Eye crusties are a normal phenomenon in cats. The boogers or gunk as we call it are usually noticeable in the morning after a good night’s sleep.
It’s similar to what humans experience in the eyes in the morning.
The eye crusties are usually found under the cat’s eyes and mainly consist of tears, oils, and other secretions.
The crust is not an indication of any health problem. Some breeds of cats are more susceptible to crusties than others.
However, do pay attention to the color of the crusts. Black crusts are typical, but you may require a vet visit to rule out health problems if they are of some other color or if they have excessive discharge from their eyes.
Should I Remove My Cat’s Eye Crust?
Yes, you can go ahead and remove your cat’s eye crust.
However, if you notice the crust all around the eyes (instead of just under) or if you notice frequent discharge and swelling or redness around the cat’s eyes, then it is better to get the eyes checked with a veterinarian.
Cat owners usually clean up the crusties at home with simple tools. Follow the instructions given above to clean your cat’s eye crusties.
Conclusion
This brings us to a conclusion about getting rid of black eye crusts in your cat’s eyes.
As discussed, black eye crusts are dried tears mixed with dirt. It is the secretions of Meibomian glands and when the porphyrins are oxidized upon contact with air, it changes color to dark brown or black.
All my cats have this, so there is nothing to worry about. But you can always visit the vet to rule out an infection such as conjunctivitis.
Many cat owners clean the boogers with a soft kleenex and gently wipe it.
You can also take some damp soft toilet paper and clean it off. An interesting fact is that cats themselves never clean it. So it can build up under the eyelids.
Read more:
- Flea Collar for Cats: Does It Make Them Lethargic?
- What Are Those Squiggly Lines in My Cat’s Eyes? A Guide to Eye Health for Cats
- Why Does My Cat Hate Everyone Except Me?
- My Cat Hissed At Me For The First Time: What Does It Mean?
- My Cat Is Leaving Food Crumbs: What’s Wrong?
