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Feline uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammation of the interior of the eye, more precisely of the structures which contain the vessels: the iris, the colored part, and the tissues located behind it. In cats, it has an important characteristic: it is very often...
What is it?
Uveitis is an inflammation of the interior of the eye, more precisely of the structures which contain the vessels: the iris, the colored part, and the tissues located behind it.
In cats, it has an important characteristic: it is very often the visible sign of a general disease, viral or parasitic, which affects the entire organism.
An eye affected by uveitis is painful and the inflammation, if prolonged, can lead to glaucoma and loss of vision.
Key point
A painful, red or closed eye is an ophthalmological emergency: internal inflammation can cause loss of vision and often reveals a general illness.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Painful eye, held half closed, with tearing.
Diffuse, sometimes discreet redness of the white of the eye.
Change in appearance of the iris: duller, darker or irregular color compared to the other eye.
Shrinked pupil, which no longer reacts normally to light; the two pupils can be of different sizes.
Eye that appears cloudy, cloudy, or has a clear or reddish deposit at the bottom of the anterior chamber.
Discomfort with light and loss of confidence when moving if both eyes are affected.
Common general signs: depression, weight loss, fever, depending on the underlying disease.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
General infectious causes are at the forefront in cats: feline leukosis, feline immunodeficiency, feline infectious peritonitis, toxoplasmosis and certain bacterial or fungal infections.
Trauma to the eye or a deep ulcer can trigger reactive internal inflammation.
A tumor cause should be considered in older cats, particularly lymphoma or a tumor developed from the iris.
Metabolic abnormalities, such as high blood pressure, sometimes contribute to the picture.
In a certain number of cases, despite a complete assessment, no cause is identified.
Cats with access to the outdoors, exposed to fights and therefore to viruses transmitted by bites.
Cats not tested or positive for FIV or feline leukosis.
Community life, where the agents responsible for feline infectious peritonitis circulate.
Hunting and consumption of raw prey, which exposes people to toxoplasmosis.
Advanced age, for tumor causes and hypertension.
History of ocular trauma or deep ulcer.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
A complete eye examination is essential: evaluation of the pupil, observation of the interior of the eye and measurement of intraocular pressure, which indicates between uveitis and glaucoma.
A fluorescein test looks for associated corneal damage.
Because the eye is often the mirror of a general illness, an assessment is proposed: complete clinical examination, blood test, tests for feline leukosis and feline immunodeficiency, search for toxoplasmosis depending on the context.
Blood pressure measurement and imaging can complete the process.
Close monitoring is necessary, as the pressure in the eye can change over a few days.
Treatment
The treatment has two objectives: to calm the inflammation of the eye and to treat the cause when it is identified.
Local and sometimes general anti-inflammatories are prescribed by the veterinarian, with particular caution if the cornea is damaged.
Eye drops intended to dilate the pupil are often used to limit pain and prevent adhesions between the iris and the lens.
Treatment directed against the causative agent is added when an infection is identified, for example an antiparasitic for toxoplasmosis or an antibiotic for a bacterial infection.
Eye pressure is monitored throughout treatment.
No eye drops should be applied without a prescription: in uveitis, the choice of product depends directly on the condition of the cornea and intraocular pressure.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Have your cat vaccinated and tested, and avoid cohabitation between cats positive and negative for feline leukosis.
Limit unsupervised outings and fights, the main route of transmission of feline viruses.
Avoid raw meat and limit hunting to reduce the risk of toxoplasmosis.
Have older cats' blood pressure checked during annual check-ups.
Consult at the first ocular sign: uveitis caught early is much better controlled.
Possible complications
Secondary glaucoma, when inflammation blocks the flow of fluid from the eye.
Adhesions between the iris and the lens, permanently deforming the pupil.
Cataract and lens dislocation.
Retinal detachment and loss of vision.
Chronic inflammation leading to a painful and blind eye, for which surgical removal sometimes becomes the most comfortable solution.
When to see a veterinarian
The eye is red, painful or appears cloudy: consult without delay.
The two pupils are not the same size or one no longer reacts to light.
The color of the iris changes or a spot appears on it.
Your cat bumps into things, hesitates when moving or seems to no longer see.
The eye signs are accompanied by weight loss, fever or depression.
A whitish or reddish deposit is visible in the eye.
Prognosis
The prognosis of the eye depends on the speed of treatment: uveitis controlled early can heal without sequelae.
The overall prognosis depends mainly on the underlying disease, with some feline infections being much more serious than others.
Chronic or recurrent forms put people at risk of glaucoma and blindness, hence the importance of regular check-ups even when the eye seems calm.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the veterinarian suggest a blood test for an eye problem?
Because in cats, uveitis is frequently the visible manifestation of a disease that affects the entire body. Finding the general cause changes the treatment and prognosis.
Is uveitis contagious to my other cats?
Inflammation itself is not transmitted, but some diseases that cause it, such as feline leukosis, are contagious between cats. The balance sheet allows us to know this.
Will my cat stay blind?
Not necessarily. Many cats retain their vision if the inflammation is brought under control quickly. The risk increases with prolonged or complicated forms of glaucoma.
Can we stop treatment as soon as the eye is less red?
No. Internal inflammation often persists even though the eye appears calm. Premature termination is a classic cause of relapse and complications.
References
AAFP — American Association of Feline Practitioners
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 09 August 2026
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