Cats Eye Discharge: What Eye Drops to Use?

Recently, a pet owner inquired: "My cat has tears streaming from one eye, and it seems to have difficulty opening it. What could be the cause of this, and what kind of eye drops would be suitable?"

Given these symptoms, it's possible that the cat's eye might be irritated by a foreign object or affected by conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or keratitis. Therefore, a more detailed analysis of the medication is necessary.

Next, let's delve into the common reasons and solutions for a cat's single eye watering.

What Causes a Cat to Have Tears in One Eye?

1. Foreign Body Irritation

When a cat's eye comes into contact with irritants like hair, dust, bathwater, or disinfectant, it can lead to watering in one or both eyes. If not addressed promptly, this can lead to secondary bacterial infections and subsequent eye inflammation. Many cats experience this symptom after a bath, which is typically due to eye irritation.

2. Bacterial Infection

Factors such as foreign bodies, trauma, allergies, or secondary infections from nearby tissues can lead to bacterial conjunctivitis, keratitis, or blepharitis. If left untreated, these conditions can cause symptoms like redness, photophobia, increased discharge, and cloudy corneas.

3. Viral Infection

Cats infected with feline herpesvirus (rhinotracheitis) or feline calicivirus may also experience eye watering and inflammation. Initially, the symptoms may appear in just one eye, but can eventually affect both.

If the eye watering is due to a viral infection, the cat may also exhibit other symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, fever, lethargy, and oral ulcers (more common with calicivirus infections).

What Eye Drops Should Be Used for a Cat's Single Eye Watering?

Firstly, if the cat's eye is only watering without any other abnormalities, you can start by using sterile saline solution to rinse the eye, removing any residual debris and harmful bacteria to prevent secondary infections.

Secondly, if the cat's conjunctiva appears red, or if there are signs of inflammation such as swelling, pus, difficulty opening the eye, or photophobia, you can use Beramycin (Neomycin sulfate eye drops), applying it 3 to 5 times a day, 1 to 2 drops per session. This is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is relatively safe and gentle. However, if the cat develops redness and swelling around the eyes after use, it may indicate an allergy to neomycin, and you should switch to a different type of eye drops immediately.

Lastly, if the cat shows additional symptoms such as sneezing or runny nose in addition to eye watering and inflammation, it's advisable to seek veterinary care promptly to determine if the cat has been infected with feline rhinotracheitis. If diagnosed, antiviral eye drops like ganciclovir or valacyclovir, along with interferon, antibiotics, and nutritional supplements, can be prescribed by a veterinarian for treatment.

Remember to fit the cat with an Elizabethan collar during treatment to prevent it from scratching its eyes, as this can worsen the condition!