Eye discharge in cats can be a common issue. You may easily clean up the occasional build up of gunk in your cat’s eyes, but discharge from the eyes can also indicate a more serious condition or an infection that needs treating.
If you notice excessive or unusual discharge coming from your cat’s eyes, you must call your regular veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Follow their advice closely.
Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for eye discharge in cats.
Symptoms Of Eye Discharge In Cats
Eye discharge in cats can show itself in a few different common ways. First, there can be the presence of a watery discharge coming from your cat’s eyes.
Secondly, you might notice a thicker, more mucus-like gunk around your cat’s eyes. Your cat could also be suffering from a crustier build up near the eyes.
In some cases, the condition is also accompanied by redness of the eyes.
Causes Of Eye Discharge In Cats
In general, eye discharge in cats is a sign of a deeper condition that usually needs dealing with.
Some of the more common causes of eye discharge in cats include:
- Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye)
- Infections of the eye
- Feline upper respiratory infections (including pneumonitis, protozoa, and feline calicivirus)
- Epiphora (which causes lots of tears)
- Allergies
- Tear ducts that are blocked
- An eye injury or presence of a foreign object
Treatment Of Eye Discharge In Cats
While it’s usually normal for your cat to experience some eye discharge on occasion, if you notice a consistent problem or if the discharge is a murky color or seems to be crusting up a lot, it’s important to consult with your veterinarian.
When a vet examines a cat suffering from eye discharge, they’ll usually carry out a full physical exam, complete with checking your cat’s body temperature and maybe even ordering blood tests.
These steps can help rule out a number of causes and diseases. The vet will also examine your cat’s eyes using special equipment that magnifies the image of the eye.
Your vet’s prescribed treatment will vary depending on the issue causing the discharge. In many cases, they may recommend eye drops along with guidance on how to clean the eyes at home in a safe fashion.
Has your cat ever had a lot of discharge coming from their eyes? How did your vet treat your cat? Let us know in the comments section below.
