[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

"I feel like my cat's eyes are dirty lately," "One eye is squinting," or "Their eye looks swollen." Are you noticing any of these symptoms? Eye discharge and tear stains are not just dirt; they can often be a sign of underlying conditions like conjunctivitis.

In this article, a veterinarian will explain how to identify "dangerous eye discharge" that warrants a vet visit, and proper eye care methods you can perform at home.

Check "cat eye discharge" by color and amount! Normal discharge vs. warning signs of conjunctivitis

Dry brown or black eye discharge is "a normal physiological phenomenon." No problem if it's upon waking.

Small amounts of dry, crusty brown or reddish-brown eye discharge found upon waking are oxidized components of tears. If the eyes are not red and the cat isn't bothered by it, it's a physiological phenomenon and generally not a problem. Gently wipe it away with a damp cotton ball. When wiped with cotton, a reddish-black substance may adhere to it, leading some owners to worry that "blood-tinged tears are coming out" and seek veterinary attention. However, this is usually a mixture of tears, sebum, and airborne dirt, so in most cases, there's no need to worry. Observe whether there is any redness or unusual eye opening other than the discharge.

Thick yellow or green eye discharge suggests "infection."

If your cat has sticky, yellow (pus-like) or green eye discharge, it's highly likely to be conjunctivitis due to bacterial infection. Also, if bacteria secondarily infect a cat with cat flu (feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus) caused by a viral infection, similar symptoms may appear. In this case, the condition won't improve on its own, so prompt veterinary treatment is required.

Watch out if the whites of the eyes are red or tear stains are severe.

In addition to eye discharge, check for the following symptoms. These are signs of eye pain or inflammation.

• Red whites of the eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Tears overflowing, staining the area under the eyes brown (tear stains/epiphora)
• Swollen eyelids that prevent the eye from opening
• Inner eyelid swollen and puffy.

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

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

The most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats is "cat flu," caused by feline herpesvirus, feline calicivirus, and similar viruses.

It is highly contagious and spreads rapidly through sneezing and nasal discharge. Viruses can also adhere to the owner's clothes, further spreading the infection. In multi-cat households, if one cat develops symptoms, it's essential to isolate them from other cats, wash hands thoroughly, and change clothes after handling the infected cat to prevent further spread.

Inflammation due to foreign objects, allergies, or injury

Besides viruses, eyes can turn red due to the following causes. Since these cannot be determined by appearance alone, a diagnosis is made through examination.

• Foreign objects such as dust or their own hair entering the eye.
• Allergies to pollen or house dust.
• Claws hitting the eye during fights or grooming (traumatic corneal injury).

When to go to the vet? Eye drop treatment and proper "tear stain" care at home.

Leaving it untreated is dangerous! Go to the vet immediately if "eyes won't open" or "they're in pain."

Conjunctivitis can sometimes heal naturally with the cat's own immune system, but it's said to take several weeks for symptoms to subside, and in some cases, it can worsen and lead to blindness. Also, what you thought was conjunctivitis could be a different illness. Do not wait for natural healing; seek veterinary attention as soon as symptoms appear. Kittens and senior cats are particularly susceptible to severe complications.

Treatment primarily involves oral medication or antibiotic eye drops and eye ointment.

Tips and tricks for administering "eye drops" without resistance

Many owners struggle with administering eye drops. The key is to "administer from behind the cat," "keep the tip of the container out of sight," and "reward them."

Here's how to safely restrain your cat (e.g., by wrapping them in a towel), as taught by a veterinarian. Practicing this regularly will be helpful in emergencies.

When giving eye drops, it's easier to hold your cat. If your cat isn't used to eye drops, it's recommended to have two people.

First, get your cat used to being held. Hold them and give them treats. While giving treats, place your hand under their chin and gently tilt their head upwards. This is the posture for administering eye drops. Even if you don't actually give eye drops, doing this will make them less resistant to eye drops later. If you are administering eye drops, do so from behind the cat, out of their sight, while giving them treats. Once the drops are administered, praise them and give them a treat.

For cats who dislike being held, use a large bath towel. It's a good idea to get them used to the towel by letting them get their scent on it and practicing wrapping them. Gently place the towel over the cat and wrap them so that their front and back legs are enclosed. Wrapping the towel securely will prevent them from escaping and allow you to hold them steadily. While giving treats, administer the eye drops from behind the cat, then praise them and release them immediately.

"Tear stain" prevention: gently wipe with gauze or cotton.

Forcibly removing hardened eye discharge or tear stains can injure the skin.

Apply a cotton pad or gauze moistened with warm water to soften the discharge slightly, then gently wipe it away.

Tissues can be rough and potentially scratch the eyes, so cat-specific wet wipes or sterile cotton pads are recommended. Your veterinary clinic may also carry cleaning solutions for eye discharge and tear stains.

Summary

Eye discharge and tear stains are your cat's way of saying, "My eyes aren't feeling well." In your daily interactions, check for eye brightness and any discharge, and consult a veterinarian immediately if you notice anything unusual.

Maintain a clean environment and provide early care to protect your beloved cat's beautiful eyes.

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