Cat Eye Discharge: Causes, Treatments, and When to Worry

Prompt care and monitoring help keep your cat’s vision clear and discomfort at bay.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 8, 2025

Prompt care and monitoring help keep your cat’s vision clear and discomfort at bay.

Every cat owner wants their feline friend to be happy and healthy, but when you spot something unusualâlike discharge from their eyesâit can cause immediate concern. Cat eye discharge is a common symptom, ranging from harmless watery eyes to signs of underlying conditions that need prompt veterinary attention. Understanding what eye discharge means for your cat, the possible causes, treatments, and preventive steps is crucial for any responsible pet parent.

What Is Cat Eye Discharge?

Cat eye discharge refers to any abnormal fluid or film that exits a catâs eyes. While a small amount of clear moistness is normal (as it helps remove dust and debris), any excessive, colored, or persistent discharge should be considered a reason to investigate further. Discharge can appear clear, yellow, green, brown, or even bloody, and each type often signals different health issues.

How to Recognize Eye Discharge in Cats

Wetness around the eyes
Visible crustiness or gunk at the corners of the eyes
Redness or swelling of the eyelids
Tearing or constant wet fur beneath the eye
Cloudy, thick, yellow, green, or bloody drainage
Rubbing, pawing, or squinting
Third eyelid protrusion
Vision problems or light sensitivity

If discharge changes color, becomes excessive, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling, squinting, or impaired vision, veterinary care is needed promptly.

Main Causes of Cat Eye Discharge

While some causes of discharge are temporary and require only minor attention, others point to more serious conditions needing treatment. The following are the most common sources of cat eye discharge:

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane around the eye, often caused by bacterial or viral infections, allergies, dust, smoke, or irritants.
Upper Respiratory Infections: Illnesses like feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, or bacterial infections can lead to runny, red, or crusty eyes along with nasal symptoms.
Allergies: Environmental triggers such as pollen, dust, smoking, or certain types of cat litter may cause watery, irritated eyes.
Corneal Disorders: Injuries, ulcers, scratches (often from cat fights), or foreign bodies in the eye can cause discharge, blinking, and reddened eyes.
Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca): A chronic reduction in tear production, leading to thick, sticky, usually yellow discharge and risk of corneal damage.
Uveitis: Severe internal inflammation of the eye, sometimes caused by injury, infection, or immune conditions, which may produce discharge and pain.
Tear Duct Blockage: Congenital or acquired blockages of the tear ducts can lead to overflow (epiphora) and reddish-brown tear stains beneath the eye.
Eye Tumors or Growths: Benign or malignant tumors can disrupt eye drainage and function, occasionally resulting in abnormal discharge.
Injury or Trauma: Accidental scratches, foreign bodies (such as grass seeds), or blunt trauma may cause discharge due to irritation or infection.

Types of Cat Eye Discharge and Their Meanings

Type of Discharge	Possible Causes	Additional Symptoms
Clear, Watery	Allergies, Irritants, Minor Injury, Blocked Tear Ducts	Tear stains, mild discomfort
Thick, Yellow/Green	Bacterial Infection, Conjunctivitis, Upper Respiratory Infection	Redness, swelling, sneezing
Sticky, Mucous-like	Dry Eye, Severe Conjunctivitis	Red, inflamed eyes, crusting
Bloody	Injury, Uveitis, Corneal Ulcer, Tumor	Pain, swelling, vision impairment
Brown or Reddish Tear Stains	Excess tearing (Epiphora), Blocked Tear Ducts	Wetness, fur staining

Conjunctivitis in Cats

Conjunctivitis, or “pink eye,” is one of the most frequent causes of visible eye discharge in cats. The conjunctiva becomes inflamed, often turning red and swollen. The discharge may be clear or progress to yellow or green if thereâs a bacterial infection.

Causes: Feline herpesvirus, bacteria, environmental irritants (such as smoke, dust, or scented cat litter).
Symptoms: Red and sore-looking eyes, frequent blinking or squinting, excess tearing or pus-like discharge, rubbing at the eyes.
Treatment: Usually involves antibiotic or antiviral eye drops, and sometimes steroid ointments to reduce inflammation.

Upper Respiratory Infections and Eye Discharge

Many upper respiratory infections in cats are caused by viruses such as feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. These infections can extend to the eyes, leading to:

Red, runny, or crusty eyes
Sneezing, nasal congestion, or discharge
Loss of appetite, lethargy

Severe cases or those involving secondary bacterial infection require prompt veterinary intervention with antibiotics and supportive care.

Corneal Disorders and Their Symptoms

The cornea is the clear covering over the eye. If scratched, ulcerated, or infected, symptoms can include:

Increased tearing or colored discharge
Squinting or keeping the eye partially closed
Cloudiness or visible opacity
Pain and pawing at the eye

Corneal issues always warrant veterinary attention to prevent permanent damage or loss of vision.

Other Underlying Causes

Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

This condition is caused by inadequate production of tears, leading to chronic dryness, irritation, and thick, sticky discharge. Treatment may involve artificial tears, cyclosporine drops, or other medications as prescribed by your vet.

Uveitis

Severe inflammation of the eyeâs internal structures, causing pain, redness, cloudiness, and sometimes bloody discharge. The underlying cause may be infectious, traumatic, or immune-mediated. Uveitis can threaten your cat’s vision and should be treated by an eye specialist.

Eye Tumors

Although rare, tumorsâwhether benign or malignantâcan disrupt normal eye function, leading to abnormal discharge. Management can include surgery, laser removal, or more intensive care if the tumor is cancerous.

When Should You Be Worried About Cat Eye Discharge?

Some minor watery discharge isnât always a cause for alarm. But if you observe any of the following, seek veterinary care quickly:

Discharge becomes thick, yellow, green, bloody, or foul-smelling
Swelling, redness, or visible pain
Changes to the color or clarity of the eye (e.g., cloudiness)
Vision changes (bumping into things, reluctance to move)
Sneezing or respiratory symptoms in combination with eye issues
Persistent discharge that doesnât resolve within a day or two

Treatment Options for Cat Eye Discharge

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, and it’s important not to self-prescribe medications without veterinary advice, as some human eye products can harm or even blind cats. Common treatment strategies include:

Antibiotic Eye Drops or Ointments: For bacterial infections or conjunctivitis.
Antiviral Medications: Used when viral infections are implicated, such as feline herpesvirus.
Steroid Drops/Ointments: To reduce inflammation (not suitable for all types of infections).
Artificial Tears and Lubricants: For dry eye or to provide temporary comfort.
Eye Flushing: Saline or veterinary solutions to clear away irritants or flush blocked tear ducts.
Surgery: In rare cases of tumors or severe structural damage.

For mild or allergy-related irritation, removing the suspected irritant, switching to unscented or dust-free litter, and gently cleaning the eye with a damp, lint-free cloth can help.

At-Home Care Tips

Keep the area around the eye clean with a soft, moistened cloth.
Never use human eye drops or ointments unless explicitly instructed by your veterinarian.
Monitor for signs of worsening or improvement and keep your vet informed.
If your cat resists cleaning, avoid forcing the issue as this may worsen injury or stress.

Preventing Cat Eye Health Problems

While not all causes of cat eye discharge are preventable, some simple steps help protect your catâs eye health and catch problems early:

Keep your catâs vaccinations up to dateâespecially for upper respiratory viruses.
Provide a clean environment and use low-dust, unscented litter to reduce irritants.
Monitor for changes in your catâs behaviorâsudden withdrawal, squinting, or eye rubbing can be early signs of trouble.
Manage allergies and avoid smoking indoors as secondhand smoke is a known irritant.
Schedule regular vet checkups, and donât hesitate to seek help at the first sign of eye problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most common cause of eye discharge in cats?

The most common causes are conjunctivitis (pink eye) and upper respiratory infections, often due to feline herpesvirus or other viral/bacterial infections.

Is it normal for my cat to have some eye discharge?

Occasional clear tearing can be normal, especially in breeds with flat faces (e.g., Persians). However, persistent, colored, or thick discharge signals a problem.

Can I treat my catâs eye discharge at home?

Mild symptoms may be eased by gently cleaning the eye and removing irritants. However, if the discharge is persistent, colored, or accompanied by other symptoms, see your vet for an accurate diagnosis and medication.

Does feline herpesvirus cause eye discharge?

Yes. Feline herpesvirus is a primary cause of conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infections in cats, often leading to eye discharge, squinting, and sneezing.

How is infectious conjunctivitis treated in cats?

Treatment typically includes antibiotic or antiviral eye ointments, supportive care, and sometimes anti-inflammatory medication, depending on the underlying cause.

Key Takeaway

Cat eye discharge can stem from minor issues or signify a serious condition needing prompt therapy. Always monitor your catâs eyes closely and partner with your veterinarian to ensure any signs of discomfort, discharge, or vision changes are treated quickly.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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