Identifying Cat Eye Discharge Colors: A Quick Guide

Every day, cats produce eye boogers, but if the amount of eye boogers suddenly increases, even with prompt cleaning, the issue may not be resolved at its root. Pet owners need to investigate and understand the underlying cause of this sudden change.

White or translucent eye boogers

Typically, the eye boogers cats produce are white or translucent, which is a sign of normal eye secretions. It's important for pet owners to wipe away these eye boogers first thing in the morning to prevent them from drying and changing color.

Yellow eye boogers

Heatstroke

Longterm consumption of a monotonous dry cat food diet or prolonged feeding of goat's milk powder to young kittens can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and fiber, as well as insufficient water intake. This can trigger heatstroke and inflammation, resulting in excessive eye secretions. Pet owners can help by preparing homemade cat meals and ensuring their pets drink plenty of water.

Yellowgreen eye boogers

Inflammation

When cats suffer from eye inflammation, they produce a lot of yellowgreen eye boogers. Over time, the eyes may also become red, the secretions increase, and the eye boogers feel sticky. If not treated promptly, the eyes may eventually become so inflamed that they can't open, and the cat may become photophobic. Immediate veterinary care is necessary, and eye drops specifically for cats should be administered.

Dark red, jellylike eye boogers

Eye Injury

When a cat's eyes are injured, often due to a multicat household, the area around the eyes will produce more eye boogers. These may appear as dark red, jellylike substances or yellow eye boogers with blood. It is advisable for pet owners to take their cat to a veterinary clinic for examination and treatment.

Black eye boogers

Black coloration usually occurs when eye boogers dry out. The color before drying can provide clues for pet owners to determine the nature of the eye boogers.

Excessive eye boogers and tears

Cat cold

If a cat has feline herpesvirus, it will not only have a lot of eye boogers but also excessive tears. This will be accompanied by symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and a higher body temperature, possibly leading to a fever. It is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately and take the cat to the hospital for proper treatment. This situation should not be taken lightly!