[Written by a Veterinarian] Are Eye Boogers and Tear Stains in Cats a Sign of Illness? Causes of Conjunctivitis and At-Home Eye Care Methods

"Lately, I feel like the area around my cat's eyes looks dirty," "My cat is squinting with only one eye," or "It looks like their eyes are swollen." Are you seeing symptoms like these? Eye discharge and tear staining are often not just simple dirt, but signs of an illness such as conjunctivitis.

In this article, a veterinarian explains how to identify "dangerous eye discharge" that warrants a trip to the clinic, as well as the correct way to care for your cat's eyes at home.

Check "Cat Eye Discharge" by Color and Amount! Normal vs. Warning Signs of "Conjunctivitis"

Brown or black dry discharge is a "physiological phenomenon." No problem if it happens after waking up.

A small amount of brown or reddish-brown, crusty, dried discharge found when waking up is simply oxidized components from the tears. If the eye is not bloodshot and the cat is not bothered by it, it is a physiological occurrence and is nothing to worry about. Gently wipe it away with a damp cotton ball. Because a slightly reddish-black substance may stick to the cotton, some owners may feel anxious and visit the vet thinking their cat has "bloody tears." Since this is usually a mixture of tears, sebum, and airborne dirt, there is almost never a cause for concern in most cases. Observe your cat to see if there are any issues with how wide the eye opens or if there is any redness other than the discharge.

Yellow or green goopy discharge suggests an "infection."

If you see sticky, yellow (pus-like) or green eye discharge, there is a high possibility of bacterial conjunctivitis. Similar symptoms can also appear when a secondary bacterial infection occurs due to cat flu (feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus), which is caused by a viral infection. In this case, the condition will not improve on its own, so urgent treatment at a veterinary clinic is necessary.

Be careful if the whites of the eyes are bloodshot or if "tear staining" is severe.

Check for the following symptoms in addition to eye discharge. These are signs of eye pain and inflammation.

• The white part of the eye is red (bloodshot)
• Tears are overflowing and the area under the eyes is discolored brown (tear staining/epiphora)
• The eyelid is swollen and the eye won't open
• The inside of the eyelid is swollen and puffy.

Why do eyes get red? Main causes of "conjunctivitis" in cats and the risks of multi-cat households.

The most common cause is infection via "cat flu (viral)."

The most frequent cause of feline conjunctivitis is "cat flu," such as feline herpesvirus or feline calicivirus.

Because it is highly contagious, it spreads rapidly through sneezing, nasal discharge, and other means. It can even spread via the virus attaching to a pet owner's clothing. In multi-cat households, if one cat develops symptoms, you must take measures to prevent spreading, such as isolation, hand washing, and changing clothes after handling an infected cat.

Inflammation due to foreign objects, allergies, or trauma.

Beyond viruses, eyes can become red due to the following causes. It is difficult to judge by appearance alone, so a diagnosis will be made through an examination.

• A foreign object, such as dust or the cat's own fur, has entered the eye
• Allergies to pollen or house dust
• A claw scratched the eye during a fight or grooming (traumatic corneal injury)

When should you see a vet? Eye drop treatment and the correct way to manage "tear staining" at home.

Leaving it alone is dangerous! Go to the vet immediately if "the eye won't open" or "the cat is in pain."

While conjunctivitis can sometimes resolve naturally through the cat's own immunity, it is said that it can take weeks for symptoms to subside, and in some states, it can worsen and lead to blindness. Furthermore, what you think is conjunctivitis might actually be a different disease. Do not wait for it to heal naturally; if you see symptoms, seek veterinary care early. Kittens and senior cats are especially prone to developing severe cases.

Treatment mainly involves prescribing oral medications, antibiotic eye drops, or eye ointments.

Tips for applying eye drops without making your cat hate it.

Many owners struggle with eye drops. The key is to "apply them from behind the cat," "not let the cat see the tip of the bottle," and "give a reward."

I will introduce the restraint method taught by veterinarians (such as wrapping in a towel). It is useful to practice this in advance so you are ready when the time comes.

Holding your cat usually makes it easier to administer drops. If your cat is not used to eye drops, I recommend having two people perform it.

First, get them used to being held. While holding them, give them a treat. While feeding them a treat, place your hand under their chin and gently tilt their head upward. This is the posture for applying eye drops. Even if you don't actually use the drops, doing this will make them less likely to dislike the process. If you are going to use the drops, do so while they are eating the treat, applying them from behind so the cat cannot see the bottle. Once you have applied the drops, praise them and give them a treat.

If your cat dislikes being held, use a large bath towel. It is a good idea to keep the towel scented with your cat's scent and practice wrapping them beforehand. Gently drape the towel over your cat and wrap it to enclose their legs and paws. By wrapping the towel securely, you can hold them stably without them running away. Apply the drops from behind while giving them treats, and once you are finished, praise them and release them immediately.

Measures for "tear staining" using gauze or cotton to wipe gently.

Forcibly peeling off hardened eye discharge or tear staining will damage the skin.

Apply a cotton ball or gauze soaked in warm water, let it soften for a moment, and then wipe gently.

Since facial tissues have rough fibers and may damage the eye, cat-specific wet wipes or sterile cotton pads are recommended. Veterinary clinics also carry cleaning solutions for managing eye discharge and tear staining.

Summary

Eye discharge and tear staining are your cat's way of sending an SOS saying, "My eyes are not feeling well." During your daily bonding time, check the brightness and cleanliness of their eyes, and if there are any abnormalities, consult a veterinarian immediately.

Protect your beloved cat's beautiful eyes through a clean environment and early care.

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