Cat Eye Infections – Causes, Symptoms & Home Remedies

A little eye discharge in your cat might seem harmless, but it could be a sign of something far more serious. Eye infections, such as conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) or keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), may start with mild redness or watery eyes but can quickly worsen if left untreated.

Ignoring early symptoms can lead to pain, vision loss, or even systemic illness, according to the AVMA.

Just like a cracked windshield, small eye issues can spread fast. Take Bella the Persian, for example—what started as a watery eye turned into a painful ulcer needing surgery. If your cat is squinting, pawing at their eye, or showing discharge, don’t wait. A quick vet visit could save their sight—and their comfort.

Symptoms of Cat Eye Infections

Eye infections in cats can start small but turn serious fast. Early signs often include,

• Redness or swelling around the eye or eyelid
• Watery, yellow, green, or brown discharge
• Crust forming around the eyes, especially in the morning
• Squinting or frequent blinking
• The third eyelid is showing or partially covering the eye
• Cloudy or milky-looking eye
• Rubbing or pawing at the eye
• Avoiding light or hiding more than usual
• Loss of appetite or vocalizing when touched
• Bulging eye or changes in pupil shape or color
• Bumping into furniture or signs of vision loss

If symptoms last more than 48 hours or worsen, don’t wait—contact a vet immediately. Catching signs early can protect your cat’s vision and health.

Common Causes of Cat Eye Infections?

Not all cat eye discharges are the same. Some are contagious and tied to viruses or bacteria, while others stem from everyday irritants like dust or grooming products. Even indoor cats aren’t immune—allergies, scratches, or blocked tear ducts can lead to infection.
Below are the most common causes, explained clearly to help you identify the right treatment path.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial eye infections often occur when a cat comes into contact with contaminated surfaces or infected animals. They’re especially common in stray, shelter, or immunocompromised cats.
The signs are usually thick yellow or green discharge, noticeable swelling, and discomfort. These infections often respond well to antibiotic eye drops, but it’s important to identify the exact bacteria for effective treatment.

Viral Infections

Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV) are the most common viral culprits. These viruses are highly contagious, especially in multi-cat households or shelters. They can cause watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal discharge. FHV-1 often stays dormant in a cat’s system and flares up during stress.

According to a 2022 veterinary survey, FHV-1 causes over 80% of viral cat eye infections, particularly in kittens.

Allergies

Felines can develop eye inflammation from common allergens like pollen, mold, dust mites, or cleaning agents. These reactions usually cause red, itchy, and watery eyes, often without thick discharge. Allergies aren’t contagious, but they can make your cat miserable and may require antihistamines or lifestyle adjustments to manage.

Environmental Irritants

Irritants such as smoke, perfume, and harsh cleaning chemicals can trigger temporary eye discomfort. While not infectious, repeated exposure can lead to chronic inflammation. If your cat’s symptoms appear after cleaning or lighting candles, the environment might be the problem.

Scratches & Injuries

Play-fighting, running into sharp objects, or even excessive rubbing can cause small eye injuries. While minor scratches may go unnoticed at first, they can lead to secondary infections. You may notice your cat pawing at one eye, keeping it closed, or squinting in discomfort.

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Foreign Bodies

A sudden onset of eye irritation might mean something is stuck. Grass seeds, fur, or debris can get trapped in a cat’s eye, causing squinting, redness, and excessive pawing. If the issue doesn’t resolve quickly, a vet visit is necessary to prevent scratching or infection.

Dry Eye Syndrome (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

This condition leads to reduced tear production, leaving the eyes dry and prone to infections. It’s often missed because symptoms mimic other issues. Flat-faced breeds like Persians are more likely to suffer from this condition, requiring long-term care and vet-prescribed treatments.

Tear Duct Blockages

Some cats, especially brachycephalic breeds, suffer from blocked tear ducts that cause tears to overflow and irritate the skin. This can lead to bacterial buildup and infection if not cleaned regularly. It often looks like constant eye discharge but requires a different treatment than infections.

Now that we’ve covered common causes, here’s how vets pin down the exact issue.

How Vets Identify Eye Infections

When your cat shows signs of an eye problem, your vet doesn’t just “take a look”—they follow a precise diagnostic process. First, a visual exam checks for redness, discharge, swelling, or cloudiness. Then comes the fluorescein dye test—a special blue light test that reveals scratches or ulcers invisible to the naked eye.
A Schirmer tear test measures tear flow to detect dry eye, while tonometry checks for dangerous pressure changes linked to glaucoma. Vets may also take swabs or scrapings to identify specific bacteria or viruses, and an ophthalmoscope exam offers a closer view of the retina and lens.
My Tip – Getting the right diagnosis is key to safe treatment. Many infections mimic other conditions, and a wrong guess could cost your cat their sight.

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Cat Eye Infection Treatments

When your cat has an eye infection, guesswork isn’t just risky—it can make things worse. Vet-approved treatments are the safest and most effective route. Topical antibiotic drops like Terramycin or Chloramphenicol target bacterial causes, while oral antibiotics such as Clavamox are used if the infection spreads.
For viral flare-ups, especially from Feline Herpesvirus, vets often prescribe Idoxuridine drops or Famciclovir, paired with L-Lysine supplements to reduce recurrence.
Human eye drops can contain preservatives or steroids harmful to cats—always consult your vet first, complete the full course, and avoid home remedies without guidance are key.

Home Remedies for Cat Eye Infections

When your cat shows early signs of an eye infection, gentle home care can sometimes help ease mild symptoms. Safe at-home treatments include warm compresses, which reduce swelling and loosen discharge, and saline rinses that gently flush irritants without causing harm. Chamomile tea compresses may provide natural anti-inflammatory effects.

According to PetMD, chamomile, when used properly, can offer soothing relief due to its mild anti-inflammatory properties.

L-lysine supplements are also commonly recommended for cats prone to viral flare-ups, particularly feline herpesvirus. Avoid using human eye drops, essential oils, or harsh cleaners—these can do more harm than good.
Keep a close eye on your cat’s condition: if there’s pus, swelling, or no improvement within 48 hours, it’s time to see the vet. Home remedies can offer relief at the start, but should never replace professional medical care.

Safe At-Home Care Options

For mild eye irritation, use a warm, clean cloth to apply gentle compresses for 5–10 minutes, two to three times daily. Rinsing with sterile saline or cooled chamomile tea—both of which are generally considered safe and soothing—can help clear discharge and reduce irritation. These methods are simple, effective, and often recommended by veterinarians for early-stage infections.

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FAQs

Final Thoughts

Your cat’s eyes may look small, but they tell a big story. Early detection is crucial—those tiny signs like squinting or mild discharge aren’t just minor annoyances; they can be the first warning of an infection that, if left unchecked, could lead to serious complications.
Catch issues early: simple home care like warm compresses or saline rinses can often ease mild symptoms and prevent bigger problems, saving you vet bills and protecting your cat’s vision. But don’t wait for things to escalate. If you notice green discharge, persistent pawing, or withdrawal, it’s time to call the vet.
From early detection to vet-guided care, understanding your cat’s eye health is the first step to prevention. Make a weekly eye check part of your routine—it’s quick, easy, and makes a big difference. Set a reminder now: Quick Eye Check Every Saturday Morning!