Q&A for How to Treat Conjunctivitis in Cats

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  • Question
    Why is my cat prone to conjunctivitis?
    Jamie Freyer, DVM
    Licensed Veterinarian
    Dr. Jamie Freyer is a Licensed Doctor of Veterinary Medicine based in Washington. With over ten years of experience in clinical practice and industry, she specializes in veterinary medicine and surgery, animal behavior, and animal genetics. Dr. Freyer holds a BS in Life Science from The University of Portland and a DVM from Oregon State University.
    Licensed Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Your cat may be more prone to getting conjunctivitis if they have recurring calicivirus, herpes, immune deficiencies, FeLV, or FIV.
  • Question
    I have a litter of kittens, and their eyes are all closed, pink, and swollen. They have lost hair around their eyes, and two have lost weight. Their noses seem to be congested, too. I cannot afford a veterinarian. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    I too have a litter of kittens with the same issue. Use a cotton ball with an eye wash solution. You'll want to squeeze it out of the cotton onto the closed up eyes, allowing it to penetrate before wiping, as the eye is already red, probably swollen too. You'll have to get the crust off the nose as well. Take them to a rescue organization ASAP to get them meds. They need meds for their eyes. But if you treat one, you must treat them all, so I hope you are in good with the mama.
  • Question
    Can I use human eye drops for conjunctivitis on cats?
    Community Answer
    No, you shouldn't use human medication on your cat unless explicitly instructed to do so by your veterinarian.
  • Question
    My cat is squinting one eye and it looks a bit swollen. I have wiped it with a cotton ball. If it persists for more than a day, should I take her to the vet?
    Community Answer
    Definitely take her to the vet if it persists. Chances are your cat is in pain, so it’s very important to get the issue checked out.
  • Question
    My kitten has what seems like discharge in the corner of his eye, but it could be sleep. He also is sneezing a lot. What has he got, or is it nothing?
    Community Answer
    You should take your kitten to a vet to avoid misdiagnosis. It doesn't sound very serious, but take it to a vet to make sure.
  • Question
    Is conjunctivitis dangerous if left untreated?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it can get significantly worse if it is left untreated.
  • Question
    An outdoor feral cat I am feeding had a partially closed eye. What can I put on his eye to help him? I really cannot afford the vet and want to help him.
    Community Answer
    If he'll let you, wipe the eye carefully with a warm wet towel. Putting anything into the cat's eye without the advice of a vet will likely do more harm than good.
  • Question
    Am I able to buy hydrocortisone myself, or does the vet have to see the cat first?
    Community Answer
    I recommend seeing your vet. That way, if it gets worse or your cat has a reaction or some other problem, the vet will be established with your cat's condition. Plus, s/he will be able to record what is given to the cat, how it is given, and so on.
  • Question
    Whenever I put eye drops in my cat's eyes, she seems to get vicious with my other cats. What would cause this?
    Community Answer
    This could be caused by anxiety and distress surrounding the process of getting the drops into her eyes. She might be feeling nervous, which could result in being more vicious with your other cats. I would try to pet her or offer her some treats after giving her the drops to help her calm down.
  • Question
    How do I know if conjunctivitis is viral or bacterial? Infectious or non-infectious?
    cat plays
    Community Answer
    You can only find out if the vet tells you. I would also suggest monitoring your cat's behavior.
  • Question
    My cat has conjunctivitis and has been seen by a vet and has been given treatment of drops for 7 days it's coming up to 7 days and her eye now looks swollen not red but still watering. What's wrong?
    Community Answer
    Call the vet or take the cat back in.
  • Question
    Is pink eye something that could spread from a cat to a person?
    Community Answer
    No, it is not. However, it is very contagious from cat to cat. If you live in a multi-cat household, you should separate the infected cat so it doesn't spread to the others.
  • Question
    Is there a test to confirm the infection is viral VS bacterial? I'd rather not have blood drawn on my pet.
    M.ranajit
    Community Answer
    If you think your cat has conjunctivitis, contact your veterinarian who will most likely perform a complete ophthalmic examination, including a few eye-specific tests to confirm the diagnosis of conjunctivitis. One of the most common treatments is to apply an eye drop or ointment to the affected eye.
  • Question
    What if the stray kitten is afraid of me and she has a yellow eye infection?
    Community Answer
    Try feeding her if she's old enough to be weaned off her mother. If you can manage to feed her, she'll begin to trust you after a few days. worse comes to worse and she won't trust you, call your local animal shelter or animal rescue. they'll find a way to catch her and get her to a vet so she can at least get better again and maybe find another forever home.
  • Question
    What do I do if my cat's eyes are having green discharge?
    Community Answer
    Take your cat in to the vet as soon as possible. Green means it's really infected. try to keep your cat's eyes clean until you can get into a vet.
  • Question
    Are Tobramycin or Prednisolone drops more effective more treatment for treatment of conjunctivitis?
    Community Answer
    Only use them if you vet gives you the okay. Another one that works is Terramycin, but unlike Tobramycin, Terramycin is a thick translucent ointment you apply into the cat's eye after cleaning it off, and then you have to manually blink their eyelids to make sure it gets into the eye all the way. But again, don't do it unless your vet says it's okay, or your cat can have an allergic reaction or potentially go blind. Better safe than sorry.
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