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My cat hit her eye on a branch, it's still closed. Should I see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Mediumhair | Female | spayed | 8 lbs

Hello my cat was chasing a bird and ran into some bushes and must have hit her eye with a branch. Its been a few hours since this and shes still keeping her eye closed, do you recommend going to a vet right away? Or wait a night to see if it gets better. She doesnt seem to be in pain and I did use eye drops to flush it out.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

David Darvishian

Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on August 31st, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Jynx. I always treat eye problems as emergencies since the eyes are very special sense organs and injuries/problems with them can deteriorate very quickly. It sounds like she may have scratched or poked the cornea (the outer surface of the eye). If the cornea is damaged, it needs to be treated right away and evaluated for a possible foreign body also. This condition is very painful so that's another to treat right away. Your vet can get a detailed history, do an exam, advise some tests (corneal stain, tear test if needed, measure eye pressure) and then advise a sound treatment plan with follow up appointments as needed. Eye drops, eye ointments, pain medicines, e collars to prevent self trauma to the eye, etc are all possible treatments. Good luck with Jynx.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on April 20th, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to know what this may be without being able to evaluate the affected area. This could be due to an eye injury or conditions such as a corneal laceration, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, dry eye (also known as KCS), among many other conditions. I highly recommend that you have Toma evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further therapy would be based on the findings. Good luck and best wishes!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 15th, 2019

    Luna needs to be examined by the veterinarian. When pets squint their eyes, it indicates pain. The most common causes are a scratch on the cornea or a viral infection. Both of these conditions are not only painful, but they can get worse quickly. She needs medication to treat the eye and an Elizabethan collar to prevent any rubbing which could make it worse. Have an exam in by the veterinarian today. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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