Older Cats Eyes Are Always Dilated
While it is true many senior cats develop iris atrophy with age and will have dilated pupils we shouldnt brush off their dilated pupils and assume it is normal.
Older cats eyes are always dilated. Hypertension in cats is one of the leading causes of dilated pupils. Iris atrophy can both inadvertently make your cats pupils look dilated while also making it more challenging for the cat to restrict their pupils. You might also notice very dilated pupils as your cats eyes try to get more light into the back of the eye.
The cats eyes need to be dilated regularly so if the pupils never contract this is a real problem. Iris atrophy occurs in older cats as the iris which is simply the muscle that. Glaucoma is a condition that causes high eye pressure.
Certain diseases including trouble in a cats nervous system can cause the pupils to be noticeably different sizes. In addition to expanding pupils. The first thing we spotted was unresponsive pupils.
Various health concerns are connected to dilated pupils including feline leukemia toxicity dysautonomia and tumors. Cats eyes should dilate periodically so its a real concern if the pupils never contract. Loss of appetite lack of interest in grooming uncharacteristic aggression refusing petting and handling.
If your cats eyes are wide look out for other symptoms of discomfort. Her eyes are always dilated. Watery eyes just like in humans can mean that the eye is dry which is easily resolved with eye drops.
Feline hypertension can be related to several factors including kidney thyroid or heart disease so be sure to take your cat to the vet so that they can prescribe effective treatment. I never see them with slits and they appear dull. Older cats are prone to those underlying diseases which can dilate the pupils many of which are age-related conditions such as an overactive thyroid gland and an increase in blood pressure.