Eye infections pop up pretty often in cats and usually bring discomfort, redness, and discharge. Conjunctivitis is the most common eye infection in cats, and it affects the tissue around the eye.
Bacteria, viruses, or allergies can trigger it.
You might spot your cat rubbing its eyes or squinting a lot.
These are signs you shouldn’t ignore—time to call the vet.
Cats with eye infections sometimes have swelling or watery eyes, too.
Scratches or injuries can spark infections, but sometimes, they’re tied to bigger health issues.
Getting help early matters.
If you ignore an eye infection, it can turn into something much worse.
Let’s talk about what causes these infections, what symptoms to watch for, and what you can actually do to help your cat feel better.
Causes and Symptoms of Eye Infection in Cats
A bunch of things can cause eye infections in cats.
You’ll probably notice redness or some kind of discharge when it happens.
Spotting the triggers and symptoms early means you can get your cat help before things get worse.
Common Causes of Eye Infections
Germs like viruses and bacteria are the main culprits behind cat eye infections.
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) shows up a lot and often causes conjunctivitis.
Feline calicivirus can mess with the eyes, too, sometimes along with breathing issues.
Bacteria like Mycoplasma and Chlamydophila felis also play a part.
Scratches or ulcers on the eye surface can lead to infections.
Sometimes, you’ll see problems from dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) or blepharitis, which is when the eyelid gets inflamed.
If your cat has a weak immune system—maybe from feline immunodeficiency virus or leukemia—eye infections are more likely.
Symptoms and Signs of Eye Problems
Redness and swelling around one or both eyes usually show up first.
Watery eyes or thick, colored gunk (yellow, green, or clear) are pretty common.
You might see your cat blinking or squinting more than usual.
Swollen eyelids and changes on the eye’s surface, like ulcers, can pop up.
Some cats rub their eyes a lot, while others get tears running down their face (that’s called epiphora).
If you notice these things, it’s probably time for a vet visit.
Contagious Infections and Underlying Health Issues
Some eye infections spread between cats, especially in shelters or homes with lots of cats.
Feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and chlamydophila are the usual suspects here.
Eye problems can sometimes mean there’s a bigger health issue, like an upper respiratory infection or feline immunodeficiency virus.
Treating those illnesses helps control the eye symptoms, too.
Keeping your cat’s space clean and trying to reduce stress can help lower the risk of catching these infections.
If you want to read more, check out this article on ocular infections in cats.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Cat Eye Infections
Cats with eye infections usually have redness, discharge, or squinting.
Figuring out if bacteria, viruses, or something else is causing it makes a big difference.
Getting the right tests helps your cat heal faster and can stop bigger problems down the road.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Eye Infections
Vets start with a close look at your cat’s eyes to check for redness, swelling, discharge, or ulcers.
They might use a Schirmer tear test to see how many tears your cat makes, which can help spot dry eye.
Fluorescein dye can show any ulcers or scratches on the cornea.
Your vet will probably ask about your cat’s vaccine history, especially the FVRCP vaccine, since it covers some common viruses.
Sometimes, vets take a sample from the eye to test for bacteria or viruses.
This helps them pick the right medicine.
Medications and Treatment Approaches
Treatment depends on what’s causing the infection and how bad it is.
Bacterial infections usually clear up with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
If a virus like feline herpesvirus is the cause, your vet might prescribe antiviral meds or just supportive care.
Anti-inflammatory drops can help with swelling or pain.
You can gently clean your cat’s eyes with a warm, damp cloth to help with discharge.
Most treatments last a few weeks.
Your vet will want to see improvement and might switch things up if your cat isn’t getting better.
Prevention and Cat Eye Health Tips
Catching eye problems early and seeing the vet regularly keeps your cat’s eyes healthier.
Vaccines like the FVRCP vaccine lower the risk of viral infections that mess with the eyes.
Watch for early signs like redness or discharge, and don’t wait too long to get help.
Clean around your cat’s eyes to keep them free from dirt.
Try to keep your cat away from smoke or dusty spots.
Good food and less stress help, too.
If your cat has chronic issues like keratoconjunctivitis, your vet might suggest special care to protect their eyes long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cats with eye infections usually have redness, swelling, and discharge.
Treating them means using medication, and some symptoms can point to specific problems like conjunctivitis.
What are the common treatments for eye infection in cats?
Vets usually prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye drops for most eye infections.
Ointments sometimes work better for coverage.
If your cat has an illness like feline herpesvirus, they might need extra medication.
What symptoms indicate my cat might have an eye infection?
Watch for redness, swelling, squinting, or lots of blinking.
Discharge that’s yellow, green, or brown is a big clue.
Cats might rub their eyes or keep them closed when they’re hurting.
Can conjunctivitis be the reason behind my cat’s eye issues?
Yes, conjunctivitis is a really common cause of eye problems in cats.
It’s just inflammation of the eye’s outer layer.
You’ll usually see redness, swelling, and some kind of discharge.
Are there any home remedies to help my cat with an eye infection?
You can gently wipe away discharge with a damp cloth.
Still, home remedies don’t replace a vet visit.
Don’t use human eye drops or meds unless your vet gives you the go-ahead.
What should I look for in over-the-counter eye drops for cats?
Pick eye drops that are preservative-free and made for cats.
Skip anything with steroids unless the vet says it’s okay.
Always check with your vet before trying new drops, so you don’t make things worse.
Why does my cat have brown discharge in their eyes?
You might notice brown discharge around your cat’s eyes.
It usually comes from dried tears that mixed with dirt or dust.
Sometimes, though, it means your cat has an infection or an allergy.
If you see the discharge sticking around or getting worse, you should probably call your vet to rule out things like conjunctivitis or other infections.
If you want to read more about common eye infections in cats, check out this evaluation of eye diseases.