Is an enlarged pupil in a cat's eye, signs of a cataract ?

Question

Umm.. Okay... So I noticed my cat has an enlarged pupil in one eye. And it's like twice the size it should be.. And it's worrying me.. She'll be fifteen in about two months.. Here's a picture of her: http://i328.photobucket.com/albums/l350/xxFinal/20080812_2.jpg

Answer 1

Cataracts are cloudy looking.  Either way, a vet should take a look at it to rule out any injury or eye infection.

Answer 2

ok so there are three things that pop into my head with one dilated pupil.

1. Trauma which could have caused some ulceration to the cornea. but not in the dilated eye, the normal sized one. You may think that the big pupil is big, but it could be the other is small because the eye is trying to block out as much light as possible because it hurts (any squinting in the small eye?) Your vet can tell by staining the eyes and looking at it with a Wood's Lamp, it will pick up any surface trauma.

2. I don't mean to sound so up front or want to make you worry, but it's still always a possibility. But sometimes when cat's pupils are different sizes, it can be a brain tumor, affecting the way the brain is catching signals. Look at the eyes very closely. Do you see any nystagmus? This is when the eyes are moving back and forth quickly. It may be subtle, or very noticeable. If they are moving left to right, this can be SOMEWHAT more normal, f it's up and down, usually points towards a brain tumor.

3. Allergies causing irritation. Sometimes when allergies are acting up a lot, the eyes get very very irritated and a pupil may dilate.

If it persists overnight, make an appointment, eyes are precious, and can be costly...better safe then sorry if your catching something early.

Hope I was of some help to you...

*smile*

-Special K

Answer 3

could have been caused by an injury or even brain damage. take the cat to the vet and have it evaluated. she is so sweet looking.

Answer 4

This sounds like an injury, it could be that he's been fighting and the eye itself is slightly damaged or it could be more serious such as blindness (Only usually older cats) a brain injury or a tumor. If the eye has only been like it for a day or so it's probably ok but if it continues you'll have to take him/her to the vets.