Looking for a way to clean the gunk collecting around your kitten's or cat’s eyes? Cats can develop gunk or boogers in their eyes because of allergies, seasonal changes, and other natural causes. However, if your cat shows other symptoms like swelling or redness, it may be a sign of a health issue. We spoke to animal behaviorist Daniel Lioy-Ryan to find the best way to safely wipe away the discharge from your cat’s eyes. We’ll also tell you how to know when it may be time to visit a vet.
Cleaning a Cat's Eyes: Quick Overview
Dip a cotton ball or pad in distilled or boiled and cooled water. Gently squeeze it out and wipe the gunk from each corner of their eye down. Once you’ve cleaned one eye, grab a fresh cotton ball or pad for the other eye. Clean their eyes every time you notice discharge to keep them healthy and happy.
Steps
Cleaning Cat Eye Discharge
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Boil water and let it cool until it’s warm. Boiling your water sanitizes it and makes sure that there’s no bacteria or other germs in it that could harm your cat’s eyes. [1] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source Heat some water on the stove or in a kettle, let it cool until it’s barely warm, and pour it into a bowl. Place the bowl nearby so you can reach it while cleaning your cat’s eyes.
- Animal behaviorist Daniel Lioy-Ryan says that a warm cotton ball “feels better to the kitty” and “is going to break up the gunk more easily than a cold compress or a dry compress.” [2]
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Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
Animal Behaviorist Expert Interview. 17 August 2021. - Wash your hands with soap and water before touching your cat’s eyes.
- Alternatively, use warm distilled water. You can also steep two green or black tea bags, allow them to cool, and place them gently on your cat’s eyes to soothe irritation or itchiness.
- Animal behaviorist Daniel Lioy-Ryan says that a warm cotton ball “feels better to the kitty” and “is going to break up the gunk more easily than a cold compress or a dry compress.” [2]
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Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
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Hold your cat in your lap or wrap them up in a towel. Sit your cat in your lap with their head facing away from you and gently hold their chin. If your cat is prone to scratching, lay out a large towel and place them in the middle. Gently press their shoulders until they lie down, pull the front of the towel around their neck, and fold the ends of the towel around the cat. [3] X Research source
- Alternatively, ask a friend to help you hold your cat still.
- If your cat usually doesn’t mind being handled, you can also gently hold their face while they’re comfortably resting in your home.
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Wipe the gunk from your cat's eyes with a cotton ball or pad. Once you have your cat in a still position, dip the cotton ball in the bowl of water and squeeze it out. Wipe the gunk from the corner of your cat’s eye down toward their mouth, pressing gently. Once you have cleaned one eye, use a fresh cotton ball or pad for the other eye. [4] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
- Lioy-Ryan says you can also purchase pet wipes with a solution that is “specifically formulated to break down the salts that actually produce [everything] in the cat's tears.” [5]
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Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
Animal Behaviorist Expert Interview. 17 August 2021. - Using the same cotton ball twice can spread bacteria and may lead to an infection.
- Keep your cat’s eyes healthy by cleaning them whenever you see discharge and taking them to the vet for regular vaccinations.
- If the area around the eye is wet after cleaning, use a tissue to dry it. [6] X Research source
- Lioy-Ryan says you can also purchase pet wipes with a solution that is “specifically formulated to break down the salts that actually produce [everything] in the cat's tears.” [5]
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Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD
Expert Q&A
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QuestionShould I clean my cat's eye boogers?Dr. Daniel Lioy-Ryan is an Animal Behaviorist and the Co-Founder of Cats in the City. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in understanding animal behavior, safely grooming cats, and working with cats at all life stages. Dr. Lioy-Ryan holds a PhD in Neuroscience from The Oregon Health & Science University.Yes, you should, especially if you have a cat with abbreviated nasal passages, as their noses are more pushed-in, which results in a lot of drainage from the eyes.
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QuestionHow can I clean my cat's eyes naturally?Dr. Daniel Lioy-Ryan is an Animal Behaviorist and the Co-Founder of Cats in the City. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in understanding animal behavior, safely grooming cats, and working with cats at all life stages. Dr. Lioy-Ryan holds a PhD in Neuroscience from The Oregon Health & Science University.Well, if you don't want to buy an specific product, you can always use a warm compress. The warm water will help break up the gunk more easily than a cold or dry compress would.
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QuestionWhen should I take my cat to the vet for eye discharge?Dr. Daniel Lioy-Ryan is an Animal Behaviorist and the Co-Founder of Cats in the City. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in understanding animal behavior, safely grooming cats, and working with cats at all life stages. Dr. Lioy-Ryan holds a PhD in Neuroscience from The Oregon Health & Science University.If you're unable to clean the gunk on your cat's eyes easily with a warm compress or a wipe, it's best to take the animal to the vet, as you can hurt him and cause infections if you're not careful or if you rub his eyes with force.
Video
Tips
- Try to avoid using over-the-counter eye drops or washes for your cat unless your vet has prescribed them.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Warm clean water
- Cotton balls, tissues, pet wipes , or cotton pads.
- Black or green tea bags (optional)
- A towel or blanket (optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.michigan.gov/michiganprepares/be-informed/floods/how-to-boil-or-disinfect-water
- ↑ Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD. Animal Behaviorist. Expert Interview. 17 August 2021.
- ↑ https://youtu.be/7U1czeyy2ag?t=28
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips
- ↑ Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD. Animal Behaviorist. Expert Interview. 17 August 2021.
- ↑ https://icatcare.org/advice/caring-for-your-cats-eyes/
- ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-grooming-tips
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/conjunctivitis
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/respiratory-infections
- ↑ https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/corneal-ulcers
- ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/eye-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-nasal-cavity-and-tear-ducts-in-cats
- ↑ Daniel Lioy-Ryan, PhD. Animal Behaviorist. Expert Interview. 17 August 2021.
- ↑ https://cats.com/epiphora-in-cats
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7110830/
- ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/eye-disorders-of-cats/disorders-of-the-nasal-cavity-and-tear-ducts-in-cats
About This Article
To clean gunk from your cat's eyes, start by boiling some water to sterilize it and then letting it cool to room temperature. Next, dip a cotton ball or soft towel in the water, and carefully wipe away the gunk in one of your cat's eyes with it. When you're finished, use a new cotton ball or towel to wipe your cat's other eye so you don't spread bacteria. If your cat won't stay still, try holding it in your lap with its head facing away from you. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, like how to clean your cat's eyes using tea bags, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "My flamepoint Siamese had a tooth abscess and they had to insert a drain tube below the eye, which I had to keep clean. So, the teabag method worked really well and was easy for me as I was nervous about doing this. Thank you." ..." more