What do the cat’s eyes tell us? These extraordinary sense organs are capable of capturing the most imperceptible movement and seeing in detail even in very low light conditions.
But the enigmatic feline eyes can also be an important means of communication: a single glance can reveal a lot about the mood and health of our beloved cat.
That’s why it’s important to learn to observe them: let’s see what are the causes of a cat with dilated pupils and what to do.
Causes of pupil dilation in cats
The cat with dilated pupils (o midriatiche) doesn’t necessarily have something wrong: just like it happens in humans, even the pupils of our 4 legs can dilate for various reasons, most often for by natural cause.
Why do cats’ pupils dilate?
The pupils of our felines have a precise task: filter just the right amount of light which allows them to see at their best. They dilate (mydriation) automatically to collect as much light as possible when the environment is dark, and contract instead (myosi) when the light intensity is strong. The shape of the pupil also changes: from narrow and elliptical to black and round.
But this is not the only case in which the cat can have naturally dilated pupils.
The activation of the sympathetic system
A cat with dilated pupils may be in the throes of strong emotionsas in moments of fear or intense stress, but also of play and concentration.
The dilation of the pupils occurs by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which intervenes in the control of involuntary functions.
Try to pay attention to it: while Micio prepares to intensely target a prey or a toy, we could see his pupils literally expand like wildfire. Even in an intense moment of pampering he could have a languid and irresistible gaze due to his pupils, which will appear more round and dilate.
Likewise for a strong frightcaused, for example, by thunder from a storm or fireworks.
Cat with dilated pupils: what to do?
If mydriasis is only one transitory phase don’t worry: it’s completely natural.
However, sometimes it is possible that the cat, even after some time, continues to have the pupils always dilated even if subjected to direct light. Or again, it may happen to notice one pupil larger than the other. What to do in these cases?
These signals could indicate disturbances of various nature. So if you suspect that Micio may have a problem, it would be advisable to ask for a veterinary consultation.
Health problems in cats with dilated pupils
If you notice that your cat has dilated pupils for no apparent reason, observe him for additional symptoms. Dilated pupils can be due to:
If the cat’s eyes also appear swollen and red, or if you notice any abnormal behavior in your cat, do not hesitate to contact a veterinarian.
Due to the anesthesia Your cat’s dilated pupils can remain dilated for several hours after waking up, but this also depends on the type of sedatives and anesthetics used.
Anisocoria in the cat
If you have noticed that your friend has one eye bigger than the other, or rather, that one pupil is dilated and the other is notwe speak of anisocoria of the cat.
Anisocoria can also occur in humans and it is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom. Anisocoria must be treated immediately since it is often the alarm bell that can indicate, among the various disorders, a eye problem. Anisocoria is quite easy to recognize, in fact it is almost always accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
These problems can occur more frequently as your cat gets older, so don’t forget the routine checks and respect the frequency suggested by the vet.
Prevention is always the most effective tool we have to protect our beloved animals!