Cat Eye Discharge — Types, Causes & What to Do
Eye discharge in cats ranges from normal tear drainage to signs of infection or illness. Cats are prone to upper respiratory infections that commonly cause eye symptoms. The color, consistency, and accompanying signs help determine if veterinary care is needed.
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Common Causes
Normal Tear Production
Monitor at HomeSmall amounts of brownish or rust-colored crust in the corners of the eyes after sleeping is normal. This is oxidized tear residue and is common in light-colored cats.
Upper Respiratory Infection
Schedule Vet VisitCat "colds" caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus commonly cause watery to thick eye discharge, sneezing, and nasal congestion. Very common in shelter cats and kittens.
Conjunctivitis
Schedule Vet VisitInflammation of the eye's outer membrane. Causes redness, swelling, and discharge ranging from clear to yellow-green. Can be infectious, allergic, or from irritants.
Feline Herpesvirus (FHV-1)
Schedule Vet VisitA lifelong viral infection that causes recurring eye problems during stress or illness. Symptoms include discharge, squinting, corneal ulcers, and sneezing.
Blocked Tear Ducts
Monitor at HomeTears normally drain into the nose. When ducts are blocked (common in flat-faced breeds), tears overflow causing wet fur and brown staining below the eyes.
Corneal Ulcer
See Vet ImmediatelyA wound on the eye surface, often from scratches during fights or from herpesvirus. Causes severe tearing, squinting, and sometimes cloudy appearance.
Foreign Body
Schedule Vet VisitGrass seeds, dust, or debris can lodge in the eye, causing sudden onset of tearing, discharge, and pawing at the eye.
Allergies
Monitor at HomeEnvironmental allergies can cause watery eyes, though this is less common in cats than dogs. May be accompanied by itching and skin symptoms.
How to Photograph for Best AI Analysis
Getting a clear photo helps our AI provide more accurate insights. Follow these tips:
- Photograph the discharge before cleaning — color and amount matter
- Capture the eye itself, including any redness or swelling
- If your cat is squinting, try to get a photo of the affected eye open
- Photograph both eyes even if only one seems affected
- Include the area below the eye to show any staining or wet fur
- Natural lighting helps show accurate colors
When to See a Veterinarian
Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
- •Yellow or green discharge (indicates bacterial infection)
- •One eye swollen shut or significantly more affected than the other
- •Cat is squinting, pawing at the eye, or keeping it closed
- •Eye appears cloudy or has a bluish tint
- •Discharge accompanied by sneezing, lethargy, or loss of appetite
- •Kitten under 8 weeks with any eye discharge (can worsen quickly)
- •Discharge persists more than a couple of days
- •Any sign of eye pain or vision problems
How PetSensAI Can Help
PetSensAI's eye scanner analyzes photos of your cat's eyes to identify signs of infection, inflammation, or injury. Our AI can help assess whether the discharge is likely normal or indicates a condition requiring veterinary attention, and track changes with regular scans.
Related Symptoms
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Disorders of the Conjunctiva in Cats
- VCA Animal Hospitals — Conjunctivitis in Cats
About the Author
PetSensAI Editorial Team
Pet Health Content
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Last updated: 2025-01-09