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Uveitis in cats
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The full guide
Causes, symptoms, treatment options and when to call your vet — in the complete plain-English guide.
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.