Administering Eye Drops to Your Cat

Make sure that you wash your hands before and after administering the medication to prevent the spread of infection. Gently clean the cat’s eyes with warm water and a washcloth prior to administering the eye drops.

If you are administering the medication on your own, you may find it easiest to place your cat in your lap. It may be advisable to restrain the cat by wrapping it in a blanket or towel with only its head exposed. The first few times, or if your cat’s eye is painful, it may be helpful to have someone else hold the wrapped cat while you apply the drops.

Make sure you have carefully read the label and understand the instructions.

Hold the bottle using the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand with the tip pointed downwards. Be sure to keep the tip clean and do not allow it to contact the cat, the eye or any other surface. If this occurs, clean the tip by wiping it off with a clean cloth or ask your veterinarian for specific cleaning instructions.

Use the last two fingers of the same hand to pull back the upper eyelid. Place your remaining fingers under the cat’s jaw to support the head. The lower eyelid will act as a pouch to receive the drops.

Hold the bottle close to the eye but ensure you DO NOT touch the eye’s surface.

Squeeze the prescribed number of drops onto the eyeball, aiming for the center of the eye, and then release the head.

The cat will blink, spreading the medication over the surface of the eye.

It is normal for your cat to blink or paw at the eye after administering the drops. If this persists or if the eye appears more inflamed or red after administration of the medication, consult with your veterinarian.