Conjunctivitis in Cats: Signs, Causes, and Home Care Tips
You notice your cat’s eye is red, watery, and partially closed, and when you look closer there’s some discharge in the corner. Conjunctivitis in cats is one of the most common eye conditions vets treat, and it’s uncomfortable enough that your cat will likely be pawing at the affected eye. Catching it early and handling it correctly makes a real difference in how quickly she recovers.
Cat conjunctivitis can affect one eye or both, and the discharge can range from clear and watery to thick and yellow-green. Conjunctivitis cat cases sometimes clear up on their own, but many need veterinary treatment to fully resolve. Knowing the difference matters. Conjunctivitis cats experience often ties back to viral infections, especially herpesvirus, but bacterial causes and environmental irritants are also common. If you’re wondering how to treat conjunctivitis in cats at home, there are supportive steps you can take, but most cases benefit from proper diagnosis first.
Recognizing Cat Conjunctivitis
Common Symptoms
The signs are usually fairly visible. Redness of the conjunctival tissue, which is the pink membrane lining the inside of the eyelid, is the primary indicator. You may also see squinting or keeping the eye partly closed, watery or mucus-like discharge, swelling around the eye, and the third eyelid coming partially across the eye. Bilateral involvement, both eyes affected, often points toward an infectious cause.
Types of Discharge
Clear, watery discharge is common early in viral conjunctivitis or with environmental irritation. Yellow or green discharge typically indicates a secondary bacterial infection has developed. Thick, crusty discharge that mats the eyelids closed needs prompt attention to prevent further damage to the eye surface.
What Causes It
Feline Herpesvirus
Herpesvirus type 1 is responsible for a large portion of feline conjunctivitis cases. Most cats are exposed early in life, and the virus remains dormant, flaring up during periods of stress, illness, or immune suppression. Recurrent eye issues in the same cat often point to herpesvirus. L-lysine supplementation is sometimes used to manage recurrent flares, though its effectiveness varies.
Chlamydophila and Bacterial Infections
Chlamydophila felis and certain bacteria cause conjunctivitis that often starts in one eye and spreads to the other. These infections typically respond well to antibiotic eye drops or ointment prescribed by your vet. Over-the-counter human eye drops should be avoided, as some contain ingredients toxic to cats.
Environmental Irritants
Smoke, dust, pollen, cleaning products, and even litter dust can irritate the conjunctival tissue and produce eye redness and discharge. Environmental conjunctivitis usually resolves once the irritant is removed and doesn’t typically produce the same degree of discharge as an infectious cause.
When to See a Vet
Book an appointment if symptoms don’t improve within 24 to 48 hours, if both eyes are involved, if discharge is yellow or green, if there is swelling or cloudiness of the cornea itself, or if your cat is clearly in discomfort. A vet can prescribe appropriate eye drops or ointment and determine whether an underlying systemic illness is involved.
Pro Tips Recap
Gently wipe away discharge from around the eye with a clean, damp cloth, using a fresh area of cloth for each wipe to avoid spreading any infection. Keep your cat’s environment low in dust and strong chemical odors during recovery. Never share eye medication between pets, as what works for one cat may not be appropriate for another. Follow the full course of any prescribed treatment even if symptoms clear up before the medication is finished.
