Cat Eye Discharge: When to Worry and What to Do

Has your cat woken up with a gunky eye? You’re not alone! Eye issues are one of the most common reasons we cat parents rush our furballs to the vet. Seeing your cat uncomfortable, especially with a swollen eye and white discharge, is scary, so let’s break down what might be going on and when it’s time for a trip to the vet.

Why Does My Cat Have White Discharge in His Eye?

First things first, a little eye booger every now and then is totally normal in cats. It’s like that sleep you sometimes get in the corner of your eye. But, if your cat suddenly has a lot of white discharge, especially if it’s thick, sticky, or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to investigate.

Here are some of the usual suspects behind that white discharge:

• Conjunctivitis: This is just a fancy word for inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the pink lining around your cat’s eye. Think of it like a little pink blanket. When it gets irritated, it can become red and produce discharge. Conjunctivitis in cats can be caused by a few things, from viruses like the dreaded feline herpesvirus (more on that later!) to bacteria, allergies (yes, cats can get hayfever too!), or even just a little dust that found its way into the wrong place.
• Feline Herpesvirus (FHV): Don’t freak out at the word “herpes”! FHV is super common in cats, and it’s different from the herpesvirus humans get. Many cats carry this virus, and it often shows up when they’re stressed (like a new house guest!) or if their immune system isn’t in tip-top shape. Eye discharge is a classic sign, along with sneezing and even little ulcers on the cornea (the clear part of the eye).
• Allergies: Just like us, cats can have allergies! Pollen, dust mites, and even certain types of litter can irritate their eyes and cause that white discharge.
• Something Stuck in the Eye: Sometimes, the culprit is as simple as a tiny speck of dust, a stray eyelash, or even a bit of cat litter.
• Corneal Ulcers: These are little sores on the cornea (the clear part of the eye) and they can be very painful. You might notice your cat squinting or pawing at their eye if they have an ulcer.
• Other Infections: Less commonly, other infections, like those caused by fungi or parasites, can also lead to white eye discharge in cats.

Recognizing the Signs: Is it More Than Just Eye Boogers?

As a loving cat parent, you know your feline friend best. You’re the expert on their usual quirks and routines. So, trust your instincts! Here’s when to be concerned about your cat’s eye discharge:

• The Discharge is Constant: A little clear discharge now and then is normal, but if you’re constantly wiping your cat’s eye, and the discharge keeps coming back, that’s a red flag.
• The Colour and Consistency Changes: While clear or slightly watery discharge can be normal, thick, white, yellow, or green discharge usually means something’s up.
• It’s a One-Eye Wonder (or Not): While infections can affect one or both eyes, if the discharge is only in one eye, it might be something stuck in there.
• Your Cat’s Acting Funny: If your cat is pawing at their eye, squinting, blinking a lot, or holding their eye closed, those are signs of eye pain or irritation.
• Other Symptoms Join the Party: Watch for sneezing, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, or any other changes in your cat’s behaviour.

What to Do If Your Cat Has White Eye Discharge

Seeing your cat uncomfortable is tough, so here’s a game plan for when you spot that white discharge:

1. Stay Calm and Observe: I know it’s worrying, but panicking won’t help your kitty. Take a deep breath and note what you’re seeing. Which eye is affected? What colour is the discharge? How is your cat acting?
2. Hands Off the Eye Drops! I know it’s tempting to use human eye drops, but please don’t! What works for us can actually harm our feline friends. Plus, you want the vet to see the eye in its natural state.
3. No Rubbing Allowed: Your cat might try to rub their eye, but gently discourage this. Rubbing can make things worse, especially if there’s a scratch or ulcer. A cone collar can be a lifesaver here.
4. Contact Your Vet: When it comes to eyes, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Call your vet, describe the symptoms, and follow their advice. They might want to see your cat right away or recommend monitoring the situation.

At the Vet’s Office: What to Expect

When you visit the vet for your cat’s eye issue, they will:

• Ask About History: Be ready to provide details about when the discharge started, any other symptoms, and any potential exposures (like new cats, being outdoors, etc.).
• Get Up Close and Personal: The vet will examine your cat’s eye, looking for signs of inflammation, discharge, ulcers, or foreign objects. Don’t worry, they’re pros at handling even the squirmiest patients.
• Run Some Tests: Depending on their findings, the vet might recommend some tests, like:
  • Fluorescein Dye Test: This test uses a special dye to look for corneal ulcers. It sounds scarier than it is – the dye glows under a special light, highlighting any scratches or ulcers on the cornea.
  • Schirmer Tear Test: This test measures tear production. Sometimes, dry eye can be a culprit behind eye discharge.
  • Cultures: If an infection is suspected, the vet might take a swab of the discharge to figure out if it’s bacterial or viral.
• Create a Treatment Plan: Once the vet has diagnosed the problem, they’ll recommend the best treatment.

Treatment Options: Getting Your Cat Feeling Bright-Eyed Again

The treatment for your cat’s white eye discharge will depend on the underlying cause.

• Medications: Your vet might prescribe:
  • Antibiotic drops or ointment: If a bacterial infection is the cause, these will help clear it up.
  • Antiviral medication: For viral infections like FHV, antivirals can help manage the symptoms.
  • Artificial tears: If dry eye is a problem, these can help keep the eyes lubricated.
• Home Care: Your vet might recommend:
  • Warm Compresses: Gently applying a warm compress to your cat’s eye can help soften any crusty discharge and soothe inflammation.
  • Keeping the Eye Clean: Use a damp cotton ball (one for each eye!) and gently wipe outward from the corner of the eye to remove discharge.

Prevention: Keeping Those Peepers Healthy

Here are some tips to help prevent eye issues in your cat:

• Regular Vet Check-Ups: Just like us, cats benefit from regular check-ups, especially as they get older.
• Keep Those Paws Clean: Cats are meticulous groomers, but sometimes a little help is needed. Wipe your cat’s face with a damp cloth regularly, especially around the eyes.
• Litter Box Hygiene: Keep those litter boxes clean! Scooping daily and changing the litter regularly can help prevent eye irritations.
• Stress Management: Stress can weaken the immune system, making cats more susceptible to infections. Provide plenty of enrichment, like scratching posts, toys, and high perches, to keep your cat happy and stress-free.

When to Seek Immediate Veterinary Attention

While many cases of cat eye discharge are easily treatable, some situations require immediate veterinary attention.

• Sudden Eye Changes: If your cat’s eye suddenly becomes red, swollen, or painful, or if you notice any changes in the shape or size of the eye, don’t wait, get to the vet ASAP.
• Eye Injuries: If you suspect your cat has injured their eye (from a scratch, fight, or foreign object), seek immediate veterinary care.
• Severe Symptoms: If your cat is showing signs of severe pain (like crying, hiding, or refusing to eat), or if the discharge is bloody or foul-smelling, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care.

The Cost of Cat Eye Care

The cost of treating cat eye problems can vary widely depending on the underlying cause and the required treatment. Here’s a general idea:

• Vet Exam: $50-$100
• Tests (cultures, tear tests, etc.): $50-$150
• Medications: $20-$100+
• Emergency Vet Visit: $100-$300+

Product Recommendations for Cat Eye Care:

• Vet Recommended Artificial Tears: These can be purchased over-the-counter at most pet stores.
• Plain Sterile Saline Solution: Use this to clean the eye area and soften any crusty discharge.
• Soft Cotton Balls: For gentle cleaning around the eyes. (Avoid cotton wool as it can leave fibers behind).

Remember, I’m just a blogger, not a veterinarian. This information is for general knowledge only and shouldn’t replace the advice of a qualified vet. When in doubt, always consult your vet!