Do your cat’s eyes look really big sometimes? It means they’re dilated. We can help you understand why are your cat’s eyes are sometimes dilated.
What does it mean when your cat’s eyes look so big? Cats have many unique behaviors that keep us intoxicated with love while also scratching our heads with confusion. If you’ve ever looked into your cat’s eyes throughout the day, you have probably noticed their pupils dilating at various points. Why are your cat’s eyes dilated? The team at Union Lake Veterinary Hospital is here to help you finally figure out this feline trait and better understand your cat.
Big Eyes for Big Excitement
Just like a little kid opening a present, your cat’s eyes will get big when he is feeling happy or excited. This can happen when he’s playing with his favorite toy, spying on a bird outside the window, or ready to pounce on some potential prey (or the laser pointer). If your kitty’s eyes dilate just before a fun activity, you can safely assume this is a physical manifestation of their excitement.
Fear in the Eyes
Pupil dilation could also be a sign that your cat is feeling scared about something. You might notice it happening when someone rings the doorbell. Or when a new animal comes over to visit, or you suddenly start playing a loud and unfamiliar noise inside your home. If your cat’s eyes are big because they’re nervous, try to speak in calm tones and give your cat some space to calm down.
The Eyes in the Lights
Your cat’s eyes might enlarge when the light changes in a room. If you’ve recently turned on a bright light or your cat has walked from a dark room to a lighter space, you might notice that his eyes change shape.
Cat’s Eyes Dilate When Something Is Wrong
If you notice any strange dilation with your cat’s eyes, it might be time to call your veterinarian. Unusual dilation could be a signal that something is going on with your kitty’s health. These pupil changes could be an indication of:
- Excessive stress
- A seizure condition
- A bad reaction to medications
- Ingestion of something toxic
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), which is a condition that could lead to blindness
- Iris atrophy
Your veterinarian can examine your cat to determine if your cat’s eyes are dilated, the reason for the dilation and decide whether or not further treatment is necessary. If there is a medical issue at play, it is important to get quick medical attention. This is why it is so important to pay attention to your cat’s everyday behavior so you can notice when something changes.
Are your cat’s eyes dilated? We hope this explanation helps. Whether your cat is having a problem with his eyes or is ready for his next wellness exam, the caring team at Union Lake Veterinary Hospital is here to ensure your pets always get the veterinary care they need. To learn more about our services or to schedule your next exam, please call (248) 363–1508.