Why are my cat's pupils always dilated, even in dim light? Is it serious?

I would recommend that Monet see a veterinarian. Sudden onset of blindness and dilated pupils can be secondary to high blood pressure in older cats. They can suffer from hyperthyroidism or a heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Both of these geriatric cat problems can cause these changes with her eyes. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I am very concerned that there may be some other underlying problem. Have you tried to shine a light into her eyes? If so, did the pupils get smaller? If not there is a chance that your cat may have seriously high blood pressure that can cause blindness, however often is reversible if treated quickly. This is serious enough to warrant a veterinary visit right away. This may not have anything to do with her pregnancy, however without a hands-on exam there is no way to tell what is causing this problem. Please take her to a vet ASAP. If you ring your regular veterinary practice they should have information on an out of hours service on the answering machine.

I'm assuming you mean that your cat's eyes have been dilated for days. It could be caused by pain, head trauma, or hypertension due to kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. This is not normal, and your cat needs to see a vet immediately.

Hello, I agree that Buddy's left pupil appears more dilated than the right. This could be associated with age related atrophy of the iris (makes up the pupil). However, cats can get cancer of their eye and this it would be best to have him evaluated to ensure there is not mass growing behind the pupil and to rule out other potential abnormalities within his eye. Hope this helps and best of luck.

There is anisocoria (the two pupils are unequal in size) and possibly ptosis of the upper eyelid (the eyelid cannot open normally) on the left side (where the pupil is bigger). There are many causes that can provoke this presentation: -Corneal injury such as an ulcer. -Disease or injury to the brain or to the nerves running to the affected eye, such as Horner’s syndrome. -Glaucoma, a disease in which there is increased pressure within the eye (the pupil in the affected eye will be dilated). -Uveitis, or inflammation of the interior of the eye (the pupil in the affected eye will usually be constricted). -Retinal disease. -Scar tissue formation between the iris and the lens (called posterior synechia), a condition that may develop following uveitis. -Iris atrophy (a decrease in the amount of tissue within the iris) usually a degenerative change associated with aging. -Congenital defect of the iris, in which the iris tissue does not develop properly. -Cancer within the affected eye. -Spastic pupil syndrome - a syndrome that may be associated with feline leukemia virus infection. -Other infectious diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus or toxoplasmosis. Unfortunately is difficult to be more specific than that and a clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Dilated pupils are a sign of increased sympathetic tone, which can be due to stress or fear. I recommend trying to shine a light in Jimbob's eyes to see if the pupil's constrict appropriately. If so, I would not be concerned. If you are concerned that Jimbob may not be able to see, I would have him evaluated by a veterinarian. I hope this is helpful!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Good job noticing such a small change. This is only a reason of concern if it continues. Sometimes cats can have some minor trauma that may result in pupil constriction and will go away on its own. If this continues though and it is still present in a few days, I would recommend that you have Harry evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!