

This problem not only affects cats, since it can also occur in other animals, including humans. Heterochromia caused by genetics does not seem linked to any health problems, but heterochromia brought on by illness or injury may come with a loss of depth perception.Īnisocoria In Cats: One Pupil Larger Than The OtherĪnisocoria in cats is a condition by which the animal presents unequal pupils, in such a way that one of them is more or less dilated than the other. Albino cats, like all albinos, will be very sensitive to bright lights and will sunburn easily. White cats with blue eyes tend to be deaf. Which Cat Eye Colors Are More Conventionally Linked With Health Issues You can learn to “read” these signals so youll get a good idea of what’s on your cat’s mind. However, if you notice persistently dilated pupils it is important to arrange a check up for your cat with the vet.The information in this article was taken from the Humane Society of the United States website, and the AAHA Healthy Pet website.Indicators such as the look in your cat’s eyes, the tone of her voice, the position of her ears, and the motion of her tail can provide important clues that reveal her feelings and intentions. Temporary dilation of the pupils is a normal physiological response to low light or stimulating or exciting situations for your cat. In the case of sudden or acute blindness another disease process may be the underlying cause. Blindness may also present as wide dilated pupils. In rare cases there could be a significant deterioration in your cat’s vision leading to dilated pupils. If increased blood pressure is to blame for your cat’s dilated pupils it is likely that you will have noticed other signs or symptoms which would alert you to your cat’s ill health such as a change in weight, change in appetite or poor coat quality. High blood pressure can also occur alone (primary hypertension). Kidney failure, and an overactive thyroid gland are diseases which are associated with secondary hypertension. High blood pressure in cats is relatively common and can accompany other disease processes (known as secondary hypertension). Hypertension or high blood pressure is one potential cause for dilated pupils. If you notice this is the case with your cat, then it is best to arrange a check-up with your vet to check them and assess vision. The causes of anisocoria are wide and varied, from conditions affecting the eye itself such as glaucoma to nerve or brain injury. In some health conditions the pupils may appear uneven, with one pupil larger than the other. One dilated pupil and one constricted pupil, known as anisocoria is another potential reason for seeing a dilated pupil. There are medical causes for dilated pupils which should be ruled out if you notice the pupils are persistently large. They will look not only at the eye but looking to rule out any other potential causes of large pupils. Your vet will perform a physical examination of your cat. If your cat’s eyes are persistently dilated and there doesn’t appear to be an obvious cause, then it would be prudent to arrange a check-up with your veterinary surgeon. The pupil would likely be constricted rather than dilated. If the eye itself is painful it would usually only be the affected eye that is different. Persistently dilated pupils could be a clue that your cat is experiencing pain somewhere in its body. If the pupil remains dilated for an extended period of time it is important to rule out any underlying problems. A more relaxed sedate cat may not often dilate its pupils due to excitement. A young playful cat is much more likely to display wide pupils because of excitement or fear as they are naturally more inquisitive and playful. As the cat relaxes the obviously large pupil should return to a smaller size. Changes that occur due to excitement or fear should be relatively short lived. However, fear or surprise could also lead to the same result. There are a few possible causes for this: An excited or playful cat may have wide dilated pupils as they get ready to play. There are medical causes for dilated pupils which should be ruled out if you notice the pupils are persistently large.Ī cat’s pupils may be dilated at times other than dim lighting giving them a wide-eyed starry look.If the pupil remains dilated for an extended period of time it is important to rule out any underlying problems.An excited or playful cat may have wide dilated pupils as they get ready to play.
