---
title: "Uveitis in Cats UK"
description: "Uveitis is painful inflammation inside the cat's eye. UK guide to signs — squinting, colour change, cloudiness — causes and why prompt vet care matters."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/uveitis-in-cats-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/uveitis-in-cats-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-25"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Uveitis in Cats UK

**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](/health/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](/health/kidney-disease-in-cats) or [Hyperthyroidism in cats](/health/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

- [Cat eye discharge](/health/cat-eye-discharge)
- [Kidney disease in cats](/health/kidney-disease-in-cats)
- [Hyperthyroidism in cats](/health/hyperthyroidism-in-cats)
- [Senior pet care UK](/health/senior-pet-care-uk)

## FAQs

### 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.

## Sources

- [International Cat Care — Eye problems in cats](https://icatcare.org/advice/eye-problems/)
- [PDSA — Eye problems in cats](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Cat eye problems](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)

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