Five Eye Safety Tips for Cats by South Texas Veterinary Ophthalmology
Avoiding Common Eye Injuries this Fall and Winter Season.

(San Antonio, Texas): In the spirit of National Cat Day, South Texas Veterinary Ophthalmology (STVO) is offering five “eye safety” tips for cat owners to help avoid common injuries during the fall and winter seasons.

“We see many feline patients every year that suffer from illnesses that cab be prevented by avoiding some common objects and deterring certain behaviors,” says Dr. Danielle Boyd, DVM, MPH, with STVO. “On National Cat Day, we celebrate the love of our cats by making sure good information is being shared with our clients and community on how to best take care of our pets.”

DR. BOYD’S TOP 5 EYE SAFTY TIPS FOR CAT OWNERS:
1. Keep your cats safe. By keeping your cat indoors, you will decrease the chance of attacks by another animal. Injuries form bites and claws can severely damage the eye and may result in loss of the vision or require surgical correction.

2. Eliminate stress for your cats. Stress in cats can lead to various healthy issues that affect the eyes and other organs in the body. By adding such as interactive toys, cat trees, water fountains, and other engaging items you help decrease stress and enrich your cats home life.

3. Decorate for the holidays with cat friendly ornamentation. Many Decorations may be harmful to your cat if chewed on, swallowed, or may even cause injuries to their eyes. Items such as strings, fishhooks, and pine, needles should be avoided. Talk with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your cats safety with decorations in your home.

4. Keep your cats beauty regimen safe for the eyes. Use caution when bathing your feline friend. It is recommended that you use shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for cats, or prescribed for your cat by a veterinarian. Avoid splashing soap in the eyes as this cause irritation and corneal ulcers. If your cat is getting the full salon treatment, avoid hairdryers, scissors, and clippers around the eyes.

5. Protect your cats eyes while in the car. While your cat might enjoy riding with their head out of the car window, this can cause severe eye injuries by even the smallest debris hitting them at high speeds. Pets safety belts, crates, and safety goggles are recommended to keep your cat safe while traveling in the car.

As part of the Pet Health Awareness calendar, National cat day (www.nationalcatday.com) was founded in 2005 by Pet and Family Lifestyle Expert and Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige to help galvanize the public to recognize the number of cats that need to be rescued each year. National Cat Day is also time to encourage cat lovers to celebrate the cat(s) in their lives for the unconditional love and companionship they bestow upon us.