Yes, cats can develop cataracts, and they happen for different reasons than in humans
Cats do get cataracts—a clouding of the lens that blocks light from reaching the retina. The condition looks similar in cats and people: a white or gray haze over the eye that worsens over time. But the causes differ. While human cataracts are most often age-related, cataracts in cats are more commonly caused by diabetes, eye trauma, inflammation inside the eye, or inherited genetic factors. Some cats are born with cataracts; others develop them later in life.
The progression varies. A cataract might stay small and cause minimal vision loss, or it might advance to cover the entire lens within weeks or months. Unlike in humans, where cataract surgery is routine and widely available, surgery for cats is less common and depends on your veterinarian's expertise and your cat's overall health.
Key Takeaways
- Diabetes is the most common cause of cataracts in adult cats, so a vet will test blood sugar levels as part of diagnosis.
- Cataracts in cats can develop suddenly—sometimes over days or weeks—especially when caused by diabetes or eye inflammation.
- A veterinary ophthalmologist (a vet who specializes in eye disease) can determine whether surgery is an option and whether your cat's vision can be restored.
- Not all cataracts require surgery; some cats adapt well to partial vision loss, and treatment may focus on managing the underlying cause instead.
How cataracts form in cats and what causes them
A cataract forms when proteins in the lens clump together and scatter light instead of focusing it. In cats, diabetes is the leading cause in middle-aged and older cats. High blood sugar damages the lens over time, and cataracts can appear suddenly—sometimes within weeks of diabetes onset. If your cat is diagnosed with diabetes and develops a cloudy eye, the two are likely connected.
Other causes include direct injury to the eye (a scratch, puncture, or blunt trauma), chronic inflammation inside the eye (uveitis), or inherited factors. Some cat breeds, including Persians and Birmans, carry genes that increase cataract risk. Kittens born with cataracts may have had an infection or toxin exposure in the womb. Rarely, nutritional deficiencies or certain medications can contribute.
Age alone does not cause cataracts in cats the way it does in humans. An older cat with a cloudy eye almost always has an underlying condition—diabetes, uveitis, or previous trauma—rather than simple age-related wear.
Signs your cat may have a cataract
The most obvious sign is a visible white, gray, or blue-white cloudiness in the eye. You might notice it first in photographs when light reflects off the eye, or you might see it in bright light. Early cataracts can be subtle; your vet may spot them before you do during an eye exam.
Behavioral changes often appear before the cloudiness is obvious. A cat with vision loss may bump into furniture, hesitate before jumping, move more slowly in dim light, or seem startled more easily. Some cats become less playful or more cautious. If your cat has diabetes and suddenly seems clumsier or less confident, mention it to your vet—it may signal a developing cataract.
Not all cats show obvious signs. Some adapt remarkably well to partial vision loss, especially if only one eye is affected. A cat with cataracts in both eyes may show more noticeable behavior changes than one with a single affected eye.
How a vet diagnoses and evaluates a cataract
Your regular veterinarian can usually spot a cataract during a routine eye exam using an ophthalmoscope or slit lamp. They will also check your cat's overall eye health, look for signs of inflammation, and measure eye pressure to rule out glaucoma (which sometimes occurs alongside cataracts).
If a cataract is found, your vet will likely recommend blood work to check for diabetes, since it is the most common underlying cause. They may also ask about any history of eye injury, previous eye problems, or medications your cat takes. If the cataract is advanced or if surgery is being considered, your vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist—a specialist with additional training in eye disease and surgery. The ophthalmologist uses specialized equipment to assess the lens, retina, and overall eye structure and to determine whether surgery would restore vision.
Treatment options and what surgery involves
Treatment depends on the cause, the cataract's stage, and whether your cat's vision is significantly affected. If diabetes is the cause, controlling blood sugar through insulin therapy may slow or halt cataract progression, though it typically does not reverse existing cloudiness.
For cataracts caused by inflammation, anti-inflammatory eye drops or oral medications may help manage the underlying condition. If the cataract is small and vision is adequate, monitoring over time may be the only step needed.
Cataract surgery in cats involves removing the clouded lens through a small incision, usually with an ultrasonic probe that breaks up the lens into tiny pieces for removal. An artificial lens implant is sometimes placed afterward, though not always. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes per eye. Recovery takes several weeks, during which your cat must wear a protective collar and use prescribed eye drops multiple times daily.
Surgery is most successful when the retina is healthy and the cataract is the main cause of vision loss. If the retina has been damaged by the underlying disease (as sometimes happens with advanced diabetes or chronic uveitis), surgery may not restore useful vision. A veterinary ophthalmologist can assess retinal health before surgery to give you realistic expectations.
Costs and availability of cataract surgery for cats
Cataract surgery in cats is less common than in dogs and humans, and availability depends on your location. Many general veterinary practices do not perform the surgery; you will likely need a referral to a specialty eye clinic or veterinary teaching hospital. These facilities are concentrated in urban and suburban areas; rural cat owners may need to travel.
The cost varies widely depending on your location, the facility, and whether one or both eyes are treated. Surgery typically ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars per eye, plus the cost of pre-operative testing, anesthesia, and post-operative medications. Some facilities offer payment plans. Before committing to surgery, ask the ophthalmologist about the likelihood of vision restoration in your cat's specific case—this helps you weigh the cost against the realistic benefit.
Managing a cat with cataracts when surgery is not an option
Many cats live well with cataracts, especially if only one eye is affected or if vision loss is partial. Cats rely heavily on senses other than sight—smell, hearing, and whisker sensitivity—so they often adapt better than you might expect.
To support a cat with vision loss, keep the home layout consistent so your cat can navigate by memory. Avoid rearranging furniture, and keep food, water, and litter boxes in the same locations. Use nightlights in hallways and dark areas. Be cautious with sudden movements or loud noises, since your cat may startle more easily. Play gently and avoid games that require precise vision.
If the cataract is caused by diabetes, managing blood sugar is the priority—it slows progression and may prevent the other eye from developing a cataract. If inflammation is the cause, continuing prescribed eye drops or medications helps control the underlying condition. Regular vet checkups allow your veterinarian to monitor the cataract's progression and watch for complications like glaucoma or retinal detachment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cataract in a cat go away on its own?
No, a cataract cannot reverse or disappear without treatment. However, if the underlying cause (like inflammation) is treated, progression may slow or stop. In rare cases, controlling diabetes very tightly may prevent new cataracts from forming, but existing cloudiness will not clear.
If my cat has a cataract in one eye, will the other eye get one too?
It depends on the cause. If the cataract resulted from trauma to that specific eye, the other eye may never develop one. If it is caused by diabetes or an inherited condition, the second eye is at higher risk. Your vet can discuss the likelihood based on your cat's diagnosis.
Is cataract surgery worth it for an older cat?
That depends on your cat's overall health, the likelihood of vision restoration, and your cat's quality of life. A healthy 12-year-old cat may be a good surgical candidate if the retina is intact. A cat with multiple health problems or a damaged retina may not benefit. A veterinary ophthalmologist can assess your individual cat's situation.
What if I cannot afford cataract surgery?
Many cats manage well without surgery, especially with environmental adjustments and management of any underlying condition like diabetes. Focus on controlling the cause, monitoring for complications, and keeping your cat safe and comfortable at home.
Can I prevent cataracts in my cat?
You cannot prevent inherited cataracts, but you can reduce risk by maintaining a healthy weight, preventing eye injuries, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes promptly. Regular veterinary checkups catch eye problems early, when options are broader.