# Uveitis in Cats UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/uveitis-in-cats-uk): Uveitis in Cats UK — Quick answer. Uveitis is painful inflammation inside the eye. Squinting, a cloudy eye, colour change in the iris, or thick discharge need same-day vet assessment. Untreated uveitis can cause glaucoma and permanent blindness — and may signal underlying infection or high blood pressure.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/uveitis-in-cats-uk): Uveitis in Cats UK — What uveitis is. According to International Cat Care, uveitis means inflammation of the uvea — the vascular middle layer of the eye that includes the iris. It is one of the most common causes of painful eye disease in cats. Uveitis is a symptom as much as a diagnosis: finding and treating the underlying cause is essential for long-term eye health.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/uveitis-in-cats-uk): Uveitis in Cats UK — Signs to watch for. Uveitis may affect one or both eyes. Common signs include: - Squinting or keeping the eye closed - Watery, mucous or bloody discharge — see also Cat eye discharge - Cloudy or hazy appearance to the front of the eye - Change in iris colour — the coloured part may look darker, mottled or uneven - Constricted (small) pupil in the affected eye - Redness visible at the edge of the iris - Pawing at the face or rubbing the eye on furniture - Avoidance of bright light Sudden blindness, a bulging eye, or severe pain warrant emergency care.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/uveitis-in-cats-uk): Uveitis in Cats UK — Common causes in UK cats. Infectious disease - Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) - Toxoplasmosis and other parasites - Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) — especially in young cats Blood tests help identify infectious triggers. ### High blood pressure (hypertension) Hypertension is common in older cats with Kidney disease in cats or Hyperthyroidism in cats. It can cause retinal detachment and uveitis. Blood pressure measurement is standard in senior cat work-ups. ### Trauma Scratches from other cats, accidents, or foreign bodies can trigger inflammation. ### Immune-mediated and idiopathic uveitis Sometimes no underlying cause is found — treatment still matters to prevent complications. ### Cancer Ocular tumours are less common but important to rule out in persistent cases.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/uveitis-in-cats-uk): Uveitis in Cats UK — Why prompt treatment matters. Untreated uveitis can lead to: - Glaucoma — painful high pressure inside the eye - Cataracts - Retinal detachment and blindness - Permanent scarring of eye structures The PDSA advises same-day veterinary assessment for painful or cloudy eyes — not waiting for a routine appointment in two weeks.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/uveitis-in-cats-uk