Cat Health
Uveitis in Cats UK — Eye Inflammation, Causes & Treatment
Published Last updated 3 min read
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Diagnosis and treatment
Your vet may:
- Examine the eye with an ophthalmoscope
- Measure intraocular pressure (glaucoma check)
- Run blood tests for infection, FIV/FeLV and organ disease
- Check blood pressure
- Refer to a veterinary ophthalmologist for complex cases
Treatment often includes:
- Anti-inflammatory eye drops (steroid or non-steroid — vet prescribed only)
- Atropine drops to relieve pain from spasm (short term)
- Treatment of underlying disease — antibiotics, blood pressure medication, etc.
- Elizabethan collar to prevent self-trauma
Never use leftover human or dog eye drops on cats without veterinary advice.
Related guides
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is uveitis in cats?
- Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea — the middle layer of the eye (iris, ciliary body and choroid). It is painful and can lead to glaucoma, cataracts or blindness if untreated.
- What are the signs of uveitis in cats?
- Squinting, watery or thick discharge, a cloudy or colour-changed iris, smaller pupil, redness, and pawing at the eye. Some cats hide or become head-shy.
- What causes uveitis in cats?
- Causes include infections (FIV, FeLV, toxoplasmosis), trauma, high blood pressure, cancer, and immune-mediated disease. Your vet may need blood tests and eye pressure checks to find the cause.
- Is uveitis an emergency?
- Yes — same-day veterinary assessment is recommended. Untreated uveitis can cause permanent vision loss or glaucoma within days.