Bulging eyes in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
DVM
Updated November 18, 2025
3 min read

What to do

Causes

When to worry

Prevention

What to look for

Home care

Vet treatment

Risk

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Bulging eyes in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
DVM
Updated November 18, 2025
3 min read

Bulging eyes in cats is considered an emergency. If you notice your cat’s eyes are bulging or swelling or have changed position, contact your vet immediately.

Bulging eyes occur when one or both eyeballs appear enlarged, or when normal-sized eyes protrude abnormally from the socket. This is a veterinary emergency, as some causes can rapidly lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.

Bulging may affect one or both eyes, sometimes unevenly. The altered appearance may result from changes in the size or position of the affected eye(s). Common causes include trauma or serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma or retrobulbar disease (problems behind the eye). A prompt veterinary examination is essential to identify the cause and to prevent pain or permanent vision loss.


What to do if your cat has bulging eyes >
What to do if your cat has bulging eyes [What to do

Why does your cat have bulging eyes >Why does your cat have bulging eyes [Causes

When to call a vet if your cat has bulging eyes >When to call a vet if your cat has bulging eyes [When to worry

How to prevent bulging eyes in your cats >How to prevent bulging eyes in your cats [Prevention

What to look out for >What to look out for [What to look for

How to help at home >How to help at home [Home care

Vet treatment for bulging eyes in cats >Vet treatment for bulging eyes in cats [Vet treatment

Are some cats more at risk of having bulging eyes? >Are some cats more at risk of having bulging eyes? [Risk

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