Most people know that cats need their eyes cleaned regularly, but what many don’t know is how to properly clean a Persian cat‘s eyes. We’ll explain how to do just that, as well as some tips on keeping your Persian eyes healthy in general. So read on and be sure to give your kitty’s peepers the TLC they deserve!
How To Clean A Persian Cats Eyes
It’s not enough to just jump in and start scrubbing away at your cat’s eyes. So we’ve laid out the process step by step including the preparation needed before you begin the actual process of cleaning the eyes.
So without further ado, let’s get into it.
Gather Necessary Supplies
The first step in cleaning your Persian’s eyes is to gather the necessary supplies.
You’ll need a sterile gauze pad or cotton ball, as well as a clean cloth. A mild, unscented baby wipes can also be used in a pinch.
Clean Your Hands
Before you begin cleaning your cat’s eyes, it’s important to clean your hands thoroughly.
This will help to prevent any dirt or bacteria from being transferred to your cat’s delicate eye area.
Prep The Hair
Before you begin the actual eye cleaning, it’s best to prepare the hair around the eye first.
This will help to prevent any soap or water from getting into your cat’s eyes during the cleaning process.
To do this, simply wet a clean cloth with warm water and gently wipe away any debris around the eye. You can also use a cotton ball soaked in warm water to remove any crustiness that may have built up overnight.
Further Reading: Are Persians Easy To Take Care Of?
Cleaning The Eyes
Once the area around the eyes is clean, you can start on the actual cleaning.
Soak a gauze pad or cotton ball in lukewarm water and gently wipe away any discharge from the inner corner of the eye towards the outer edge. Be sure to use a separate gauze pad or cotton ball for each eye so as not to spread any infection.
You can also use a mild, unscented baby wipe to clean your Persian’s eyes. Simply wet the wipe with lukewarm water and gently wipe away any discharge.
Rinse The Eyes
After you’ve cleaned the eyes, it’s important to rinse them with clean water.
This will help to remove any remaining debris and will also help to flush out any soap that may have gotten into the eyes during the cleaning process.
To rinse the eyes, simply soak a gauze pad or cotton ball in clean water and gently wipe away any remaining discharge. You can also use a clean cloth soaked in water to lightly rinse the area around the eyes.
Dry The Area Around The Eyes
Once you’ve rinsed the eyes, it’s important to dry the area around the eye thoroughly.
This will help to prevent any moisture from getting into the eye and will also help to keep the area clean and free of debris.
To dry the area around the eye, simply use a clean cloth or paper towel to pat the area dry.
Apply A Warm Compress
If there is any remaining discharge in the corner of your Persians eyes, you can apply a warm compress to help loosen and remove it.
To do this, simply soak a clean cloth in warm water and hold it against the affected eye for a few minutes. You can also use a cotton ball soaked in warm water.
Gently Massage The Eyelid
After you’ve applied the warm compress, you can gently massage the eyelid to help loosen and remove any remaining discharge.
To do this, simply place your thumb on the inside corner of the eye and your index finger on the outside corner. Gently press and move your fingers in a circular motion.
Repeat The Process As Needed
You should clean your Persians eyes at least once a week, but more often if necessary.
If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away as this could be a sign of an infection.
Persians are prone to tear duct blockages, so it’s important to clean their eyes regularly to prevent any build-up of debris. Left unchecked, this can lead to infections or other serious health problems.
If you’re not comfortable cleaning your Persian’s eyes yourself, you can always take them to a groomer or veterinarian to have the procedure done.
Read More: How Often Do Cats Blink?
What To Look Out For When Cleaning Persian Cat Eyes
When cleaning Persians eyes, it is important to be very careful. Their vision is very sensitive, and their tear ducts are easily blocked.
Do not use any scented products near the eyes as this can irritate them. Only use lukewarm water and mild, unscented cleansers.
Be sure to rinse the eyes thoroughly with clean water after cleaning to remove any soap or debris that may have gotten into the eye.
Dry the area around the eyes thoroughly after rinsing to prevent any moisture from getting into the eye.
Brown Eye Discharge – What Is It?
If you notice that your Persian has brown eye discharge, it is important to take them to the veterinarian right away as this could be a sign of an infection.
Eye discharge can also be caused by allergies, foreign bodies in the eye, or blockages in the tear ducts.
Your veterinarian will be able to determine the cause of the discharge and recommend the best course of treatment.
How To Remove Tear Stains – Step By Step
There are a few things you can do to remove tear stains.
The first step is to gently brush the fur around the eyes to remove any dirt or debris.
Next, dampen a cotton ball or cloth with lukewarm water and gently wipe away the tear stains.
If they are stubborn, you can try using a tear stain remover like the Well & Good Cat Tear Stain Remover.
Simply put some Well & Good Cat Tear Stain Remover on some cotton wool and apply. Let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
Repeat the process as needed until the stains are gone.
Preventing Tear Stains
There are a few things you can do to prevent tear stains from forming in the first place.
First, make sure your cat has plenty of fresh water to drink. A lack of water can lead to dehydration which can cause the tear ducts to become blocked.
You should also try to keep the area around your cat’s eyes clean and free of dirt and debris. Regularly cleaning your cat’s eyes will help to prevent any build-up of debris that could block the tear ducts.
Finally, if your cat is prone to them, there are special diets available that can help to reduce their formation. These diets contain ingredients that help to keep the tear ducts clear and prevent build-up.
Talk to your veterinarian about whether a specially formulated diet is right for your cat.
Why Do Persians Have Dirty Eyes?
There are a few reasons why Persians may have dirty eyes. First, they have very long fur that can sometimes trap dirt and debris near the eyes.
Second, Persian cats are prone to tear duct blockages which can cause a build-up of discharge in the eye.
Finally, because Persian cats have small and flat faces, they are genetically predisposed to improper tear draining, (further reading).
If you notice that your Persian cat’s eyes are dirty, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away as this could be a sign of an infection or other serious health problem.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Persian cat’s eyes is important to their health and wellbeing. It’s a relatively simple process that only needs to be done once a week, but more often if necessary.
If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge, be sure to contact your veterinarian right away as this could be a sign of an infection.
Elliot is the owner and lead writer at Lais Lairs. He is the proud owner of a Maine Coon/Siberian Mix cat named Lai. His oldest cat lived to be 18 years old so he’s learned a thing or two about keeping pets. When he’s not writing you can find him playing video games or playing fetch with Lai.