Cat Eye Discharge
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Dec 17, 2023
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Dec 17, 2023
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
It’s very common for cats to have watery, goopy or even a little crusty discharge around the eyes.
While it typically isn’t something to be concerned about, it can at times indicate an eye problem that needs to be looked at by your veterinarian.
There are a few reasons why your cat will have watery eyes, discharge or even eye boogers (those little pesky, crusty hard pieces on the corner of the eyes!).
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Eye Discharge in Cats | Should You Be Concerned?
If your cat typically has discharge from the eye, which is dry and slightly brown and crusty, it is usually nothing to worry about.
While most eye discharge is caused by airborne allergens, just as with humans, most cases concerning pets do not point to a significant problem.
However, if your kitty has watery eyes all the time and or any discoloration in the discharge, you should make an appointment to see your veterinarian.
If you have pet insurance, these veterinarian bills should be covered with your plan. If you’re confused about pet insurance, we can help.
It’s an extremely common occurrence in cats, especially depending on the age of the cat.
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Commonly Affected Breeds of Eye Discharge
Due to the shape of the face, Persians, Himalayans, some Tabbys, and other cats with short noses and large, round eyes might have more eye leakage than other cats.
This might be normal, but if your cat’s eye discharge is excessive, ask your vet. A daily wipe around the area is typically all you need.
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Eye Discharge Symptoms
Atypical eye discharge is, however, a sign of a problem. In some cases, mucus could be caused by a simple cold or a more serious illness could be the culprit.
The type of discharge helps clarify the cause.
If your cat has any of the below, take your cat to the vet:
- Clear discharge with no redness or pain points toward a problem in the tear duct department.
- Clear discharge with redness in the eye could indicate conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye), such as from a viral infection.
- Puslike discharge (green or yellow), sticky and stinky, along with a red eye, could indicate conjunctivitis, such as from a bacterial infection.
- Discharge accompanied by pain in the eye could be a sign of cornea or inner eye problems. Signs that your cat is in pain may include constantly pawing at her eye, excessive tearing or sensitivity to light.
- Yellow or green discharge is not normal and indicates a medical issue.
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Causes of Abnormal Cat Eye Discharge
Cat eye discharge is a sign of many different eye diseases and disorders, including:
- Corneal ulcers
- Conjunctivitis
- Entropion (an eyelid that rolls inward, allowing the hairs on the skin to irritate the eye)
Your veterinarian will examine your cat and possibly perform certain tests to find out what exactly is causing your cat’s eye discharge.
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Prevention of Eye Infections
Bacteria can breed in mucus and cause eye infections.
Check your cat’s eyes often for redness, changes in color or shape, or discharge.
Tips to Safely Wipe Your Cat’s Eyes:
Use a soft, wet cloth to gently wipe away any discharge. Make sure to find a cleaner that is labeled as safe to be used around the eyes, and avoid any product that contains alcohol.
Dip a cotton ball in the water. Wipe away the eye discharge, always from the corner of the eye outward. Use a fresh cotton ball for each eye.
Steer clear of any over-the-counter drops or washes unless your vet has prescribed them.
Here is a short video from the ASPCA that explains more about cleaning a cat’s eyes:
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We have worked hard to provide you with all the free resources possible to help give you insight into the best pet insurance for cats, additional cat breeds info, common cat health issues, and a fun look at frequently asked cat questions.
Learn more about common cat health problems:
Arthritis in Cats, Cancer in Cats, Declawing Cats, Diabetes in Cats, Eye Infection in Cats, Hypoallergenic Cats, Hyperthyroidism in Cats, Overweight Cats, Vomiting Cats
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the information on this page secure
Yes, the information on this page is secured with SHA-256 Encryption. This ensures a high level of security for the data presented.
My cat has eye discharge. Should I be concerned?
It’s very common for cats to have watery, goopy, or slightly crusty eye discharge, usually caused by airborne allergens. In most cases, it’s not a significant problem. However, persistent watery eyes or any discoloration in the discharge should prompt a visit to the veterinarian. If you have pet insurance, such veterinary bills are often covered.
Are certain cat breeds more prone to eye discharge?
Yes, due to facial features, breeds like Persians, Himalayans, and some Tabbys may experience more eye leakage. While this might be normal, excessive discharge should be checked by a vet. Regular wiping around the eye area is typically sufficient.
What are the symptoms of abnormal cat eye discharge?
A typical eye discharge, especially with mucus, can be a sign of underlying problems. If your cat has persistent discharge, changes in color, or any unusual symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a veterinarian.
What are the common causes of abnormal cat eye discharge?
Cat eye discharge can indicate various eye diseases and disorders, including infections, injuries, or underlying health issues. A vet will examine your cat and may perform tests to determine the specific cause.
How can I prevent eye infections in my cat?
Bacteria can breed in mucus, leading to eye infections. Regularly check your cat’s eyes for redness, changes in color or shape, and discharge. Safely wipe your cat’s eyes using a soft, wet cloth, avoiding over-the-counter drops or washes unless prescribed by a vet.
Is there information on pet insurance available on this site?
Yes, this site provides information on pet insurance, including the importance of having it, coverage details, and tips on finding the right plan for your pet.
How often is the information on this site updated?
The site is regularly updated, and all content, including pet insurance information, is reviewed by pet insurance experts to ensure accuracy and relevance.
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.