routine eye cleaning for seniors

I am looking for a consistent, safe routine for cleaning Simba's eyes. He is 18 now and the crustiness comes back every spring, which I detailed in my post about his springtime issues. Since he is deaf, I want to ensure the process is as predictable and low-stress as possible. I have been using warm water, but I am curious if there are better methods for seniors that do not require a vet visit every time it flares up. What have others found works for daily maintenance?

Hello Kim. I understand the need for order with a senior cat. I have found that plain saline solution is far superior to tap water, which can sometimes contain minerals that irritate. You might want to check the thread I started on gentle techniques for removing crust for the specific motion I use. It is crucial to be precise. I use a fresh, soft cotton pad for each eye to prevent cross-contamination. Do not reuse pads.

Hi kims73. I agree with Pam that saline is a good choice. I actually started a discussion on soft cloths vs paper towels because I found paper towels can be too abrasive for older skin. I use a specific type of soft washcloth that stays damp. For Nala, who is also senior, we have to be careful about her arthritis when we get her to lie down, which is covered in handling tips for arthritic seniors. Since Simba is deaf, the visual cue of you sitting down might help him relax before you start.

Look, just use warm water and a soft rag. My cat Jasper is 5 and he hates when I overthink it. If you keep using saline, you are just making it a whole production. The cat does not care about the purity of the water. Just wipe it. If it looks bad, go to the vet. I feel like you are all making this too complicated.

John, I appreciate the directness, but Simba is not a kitten. His skin is thin and his joints are stiff. I am trying to prevent the need for the vet, not replace it. I did look at the thread on is plain saline safe and it seems to support using it, but I wanted to hear from people who have actually done this daily on a senior. Does the saline help the crust dissolve faster than warm water, or is it just a matter of preference?

Kim, from a safety standpoint, I would stick with the saline or distilled water. Tap water can have chlorine or other additives that might sting if the eyes are already irritated. I also recommend you check out when is eye crust more than just crust before you commit to a routine. It is important to know the difference between seasonal dryness and an early sign of infection. If the discharge turns green or the eyes swell, stop the home cleaning and call the vet immediately.