A crusty, squinting, or watery eye is one of the more common reasons cat owners call us, and it usually raises the same two questions: is this serious, and what should I do right now?
The answer depends on what is behind it. Some causes settle with simple care, while others need a vet's attention before they damage the eye. This guide walks through both, so you can tell what you are dealing with and act on it.
What a Cat Eye Infection Looks Like
Cats cannot tell you their eye hurts, so the signs show up in how the eye looks and how your cat behaves. Watch for:
- Redness or swelling around the eye
- Discharge, from clear and watery to thick, yellow, or green
- Squinting, excessive blinking, or an eye held shut
- Pawing or rubbing at the affected side
- Sensitivity to light or a cat who seems withdrawn
An infection can affect one eye or both, and symptoms sometimes come on within hours.
What Causes Eye Infections in Cats
The cause shapes the treatment. The most common triggers are:
- Viruses: Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus are the usual culprits. Many cats carry herpesvirus for life, and it tends to flare during periods of stress.
- Bacteria: Organisms such as Chlamydia and Mycoplasma can cause infection on their own or move in after a virus or injury.
- Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin pink membrane lining the eye, and one of the most common eye problems vets see in cats.
- Allergens and irritants: Dust, smoke, or pollen can inflame the eye.
- Injuries and foreign objects: Scratches, foreign material, or a stray eyelash can all lead to infection.
In multi-cat homes, several of these infections spread easily from one pet to another, so a single squinty eye needs to be watched closely.
How to Treat a Cat Eye Infection
Two eyes can look almost identical and still need very different care, because a viral infection, a bacterial one, and a scratch on the surface of the eye each call for a different approach. Reaching for the wrong remedy can let the problem worsen.
To find the cause, your vet examines the eye and may run a couple of quick tests. A fluorescein stain uses a harmless dye to reveal scratches or a corneal ulcer on the surface of the eye, and a tear test checks whether your cat is producing enough tears. These tell your vet whether they are treating an infection, an injury, or something like dry eye, which can all look similar.
Once the cause is clear, treatment usually involves medicated drops or ointment applied directly to the eye, sometimes alongside treatment for an underlying illness if one is driving the problem. Your vet may also recommend gentle care at home while the eye heals. Started early, most infections resolve without affecting your cat's sight.
What You Can Safely Do at Home
While you arrange a visit, a few things will keep your cat comfortable:
- Gently wipe away discharge with a clean cloth dampened in warm water, using a fresh section of the cloth for each pass.
- Keep the area around the eye clean.
- Stop your cat from rubbing or scratching the eye.
- Keep the environment calm and low-stress, especially when a virus is involved.
A few things make matters worse and should be avoided:
- Never use human eye drops or leftover medication. Products made for people or for a past problem can seriously harm your cat's eye.
- Do not try to wait out an eye that is painful, swollen, or producing thick, discolored discharge.
Home care is useful while you get help, but it is not a substitute for it.
When to Book a Same-Day Visit
Some eye symptoms can wait a day for a regular appointment. Others call for a same-day sick visit. Reach out promptly if you notice:
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- An eye your cat is holding shut
- Obvious signs of pain
- Cloudiness or a visible film over the eye
- Noticeable swelling
- An eye that is not improving within a day or two
These signs mean the eye needs to be seen sooner, when treatment tends to work faster and more easily. offers same-day and weekend appointments, so you do not have to wait days while the problem lingers.
Helping Your Cat Recover
Most of a cat's recovery happens at home, and consistency is what makes it work. Follow the full course of any medication your vet prescribes, even if the eye looks better after a few days, since stopping early can let the infection return.
If the infection is contagious and you have other cats, keep them separated where you can. Check in with your vet if anything seems to stall or slide backwards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cat eye infection go away on its own?
Some mild irritation clears up quickly, but an infection usually needs treatment to resolve fully and to avoid lasting harm to the eye. Because it is hard to tell the difference at home, it is safest to have a vet take a look.
Is a cat eye infection contagious to other cats or to people?
Several common causes, including feline herpesvirus and certain bacteria, can spread between cats, so watch your other pets closely. Most feline eye infections do not spread to people, but washing your hands after handling the eye is always a good habit.
Can I use human eye drops on my cat?
No. Eye drops made for people can contain ingredients that are unsafe for cats and may worsen the problem. Only use products your veterinarian recommends for your cat specifically.
How long does a cat eye infection take to clear up?
It depends on the cause and how quickly treatment begins. Many cats improve within a week or two of starting the right care, while infections tied to an underlying condition can take longer to resolve. Your vet can give you a clearer timeline once the cause is known.
Caring for Your Cat's Eyes, Close to Home
Eye infections are common, and with prompt care most cats recover fully. If your cat's eye is red, weepy, or bothering her, Hometown Veterinary Partners can help, with same-day and weekend appointments at a hospital near you. .
