Cat eye discharge: What to look out for

Updated 15/04/2024

Cat eye discharge is always worth looking into. Whilst your kitty may shed a tear due to a fleck of dust or change in temperature, some cat eye boogers can be a real sight for sore eyes. In all seriousness, cat eye problems are relatively common but should never be ignored.

If you’re unsure what to look for, we’ve compiled a list of cat eye abnormalities, how they differ from normal eye discharge in cats, possible underlying causes, and what your vet may recommend.

As always, pet parents, if you’re ever concerned about a change in your cat’s behavior or appearance, always contact your vet first. So, let’s peer into the world of cat eye boogers and what they could mean.

When is cat eye discharge abnormal?

There is such a thing as normal eye discharge in cats. The occasional clear tear or watery eye is often nothing to be concerned about. However, a kitty’s eyes should generally appear clear and bright, anything abnormal should be inspected immediately by a vet. Here are some common symptoms of cat eye problems to look out for:

• Frequent blinking, inflammation, and increased tear production
• Sticky, pus-like eye discharge from one or both eyes
• If your cat is squinting continuously or cannot keep one or both of their eyes open
• Watery eyes and frequent sneezing
• They are constantly or frequently pawing or scratching their face and eyes

If you notice any of these issues with your cat’s eyes, or anything different, you must take them straight to their vet. While some causes may be something as minor as a piece of dust, it could also be a sign of something much more serious.

Conjunctivitis in cats AKA cat pink eye

Conjunctivitis in cats (more commonly referred to as pink eye) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, as explained by Dr. Andrea Lam, DVM, DACVD from The Vet Derm Clinic:

“The conjunctiva is the pink membrane part of the eye. When it becomes inflamed, it can appear quite red and swollen and lead to goopy or watery eye discharge.  A number of viruses and bacteria can cause these non-specific changes, making it all the more important for your vet to perform a thorough eye exam.”

It’s one of the most common causes of cat eye discharge but is easily treated with antibiotics and eye drops. Your vet will know what’s best for your kitty.

Feline herpesvirus

Yep, that’s right, cats can catch the herpes virus, although it affects cats rather differently than us humans. Also known as Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), this virus causes feline upper respiratory infections which can include conjunctivitis. While this condition can be treated, cats often continue to carry the infection in a latent state, so symptoms can flare up again in the future.

Feline upper respiratory infections

‘What are feline upper respiratory infections?’, we hear you ask. Well, as Dr. Brunilda Nazario and Dr. Wendy C. Fries state on WebMD:

“[Feline upper respiratory infections are] A frequent cause of eye discharge in cats, these can be caused by viruses such as feline calicivirus, a contagious respiratory disease; pneumonitis or rhinotracheitis (herpesvirus); bacteria; and protozoa. Symptoms can be mild or become very serious and may include a sticky, pus-like eye discharge.”

Again, these are common amongst cats and can be dealt with quickly if spotted early on.

Blocked tear ducts and foreign objects

Cat breeds with flat faces - such as Persian and Himalayan - have underdeveloped tear ducts, meaning they can easily be blocked by fur, dust, dirt, or other foreign object. Block tear ducts occur over some time, so if you care for a flat-faced feline, be sure to talk to your vet about an eye-cleaning routine.

For other breeds of cats, debris and foreign objects can also cause additional cat eye discharge. Be sure to call your vet if you notice them frequently blinking, continuously rubbing their face on surfaces or with their paws, and, of course, any crusty or goopy cat eye boogers.

Feline infectious peritonitis

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease that can lead to feline upper respiratory infections. It is a form of coronavirus and isn’t related to our recent pandemic in 2020. Often your kitty will be able to fight this virus off on their own, however, occasionally they can become very unwell, so do consult your vet if you have worries or notice a deterioration in your cat’s health.

Can you clean cat eye boogers at home?

You must never attempt to clean your cat’s eyes unless instructed to by a vet first. They will be able to teach you how best to clean their face and eyes to prevent additional harm or stress. Vets will also know which products are safe and appropriate to use for cleaning.

If your kitty has an eye infection, their vet may prescribe eye drops. Again, they’ll show you how to safely apply these to your feline. Some people suggest applying eye drops to a soft cotton pad and gently wiping them over a closed cat’s eye whilst holding them firmly; however, it’s unlikely that much of the medication will enter the eye when they are applied in this way. Therefore, it’s best to apply them directly into the eye, using the technique demonstrated by your vet.

Whatever home treatment your vet prescribes, remember to follow up their medicine with a little treatment or strokes. Paw-sitive reinforcement will help make their daily treatment seem less like an ordeal for them (and you).

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators. 

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