Caring for a Kitten's Eye Discharge: Best Eye Drops for

When a kitten's eyes are oozing pus and are sealed shut, it's often a sign of conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, or other conditions caused by bacterial or viral infections. The treatment for these eye issues can vary depending on the underlying cause, so it's crucial to understand the diagnosis before administering any medication.

How to Distinguish Between Bacterial and Viral Infections?

● Bacterial infections that lead to eye inflammation are typically caused by factors such as trauma, eye structure issues, infections in nearby organs, foreign body irritation, or direct contact with pathogens in the environment. These can result in symptoms like pus, redness, photophobia, difficulty opening the eyes, and tearing, but without other physical abnormalities.

● Viral infections that cause eye issues in cats are usually herpesvirus, followed by calicivirus. Besides eye symptoms, cats may exhibit other signs like runny nose, sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, redness of the oral mucosa, and listlessness.

However, in the early stages of viral infection, kittens may not show any other symptoms. The best way to diagnose the issue is to consult a veterinarian for a professional examination.

What Eye Drops Should You Use for a Kitten with Pus and Sealed Eyes?

1. Bacterial Infection

Conjunctivitis and blepharitis caused by bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments, such as levofloxacin eye drops, tobramycin eye drops, chloramphenicol eye drops, gentamicin ointment, and erythromycin ointment. We particularly recommend Beranming (neomycin sulfate eye drops), a petspecific aminoglycoside antibiotic eye drop that can be used in conjunction with erythromycin ointment. It has strong antibacterial effects against most Gramnegative bacilli, such as Escherichia coli, Proteus, Salmonella, and Pasteurella multocida, and is also sensitive to Staphylococcus aureus.

Before using the medication, make sure to clean the eye secretions with sterile saline to ensure the drug works effectively.

2. Viral Infection

Herpesvirus and calicivirus infections can be treated with antiviral eye drops containing ganciclovir or valacyclovir, and alternating with antibacterial eye drops to alleviate secondary bacterial infections. Additionally, administering Kenjia (amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium) orally to control internal inflammation, and supplementing with lactoferrin, lysine, vitamin B, and other nutrients can help enhance the cat's antiviral ability.

How to Use Eye Drops Properly

（1）Wash your hands or wear clean gloves to avoid direct contact with the cat's eyes.

（2）Gently tilt the cat's head back and use your thumb and index finger to gently pull the cat's eyelids apart.

（3）Drop 12 drops of the eye drops into the cat's eye.

（4）Gently massage the cat's eyelids to ensure the eye drops are evenly distributed.

（5）Use the eye drops as prescribed by your veterinarian, and follow the schedule carefully.

Important Notes

• Do not change medications or stop treatment prematurely, even if the symptoms improve. Complete the entire course of treatment as prescribed.

• Monitor the kitten's reaction to the medication and stop immediately if any adverse reactions occur, then consult a veterinarian.

• Keep the kitten's living environment clean and hygienic, regularly clean the eye secretions to help prevent the occurrence of eye diseases.

• If the kitten is scratching its eyes, consider putting on an Elizabethan collar to prevent further injury and infection.

In summary, when a kitten has pus and sealed eyes, it's essential to understand the cause and use medication scientifically. If a viral infection is suspected, it's best to seek veterinary care to avoid poor outcomes. We hope this article helps you better care for your beloved pet and provide them with a healthy living environment.