Cat Eye Discharge & Tears: Oxygen Pet Doctor's Medicati

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Firstly, it's important to note that a small amount of eye boogers and tears in cats can be quite normal. This is because cats naturally produce a small amount of oils and tears to keep their eyes moist. Moreover, certain breeds with short noses or flat faces, such as Persians, may experience difficulty in tear drainage, leading to more tears and eye boogers. This is also a common occurrence.

However, if your cat is exhibiting a significant amount of eye boogers and frequent tear production, it's time to take notice. Such symptoms may indicate underlying health issues.

Why Do Cats Have Eye Boogers and Tears?

Cats' eyes can produce a variety of substances, including eye boogers and tears, due to a range of factors. Here are some common reasons:

• Eye Diseases: Conditions like conjunctivitis, keratitis, and blepharitis, often caused by bacteria or viruses, can lead to red, swollen eyes, excessive discharge, and difficulty opening the eyes (in the later stages).

• Foreign Body Irritation: Dust, sand, and other small particles can enter the eyes and cause an increase in tears and discharge.

• Allergic Reactions: Allergies to substances like pollen or dust mites can also affect a cat's eyes.

• Structural Issues: Problems like blocked tear ducts, entropion (inward turning of the eyelids), or eyelashes growing in the wrong direction can be congenital or develop due to infections, trauma, or other factors.

• Poor Diet: Sometimes, a diet high in fats and salts can lead to increased eye discharge and the appearance of tear stains and eye boogers.

What Medication Can Be Used for Cats with Eye Boogers and Tears?

1. No Medication Needed

If your cat only has a small amount of brown tears or eye boogers, it might be due to heat or foreign body irritation. In such cases, medication may not be necessary. However, to prevent eye infections, it's essential to clean the area with sterile saline solution to remove discharge and irritants.

Afterward, adjust your cat's diet to avoid highfat and highsodium foods, and ensure your pet drinks plenty of water to aid in metabolism.

2. Antibiotic Eye Drops

If your cat shows symptoms like red, swollen eyes, difficulty opening them, or frequent blinking, antibiotic eye drops can be effective. Options include Levofloxacin eye drops, Baytril (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim) eye drops, and Gentamicin eye ointment. Always clean the eyes with saline solution before applying medication to ensure it's not contaminated and to maximize its effectiveness.

3. Antiviral Eye Drops

If your cat has excessive eye boogers and tears along with symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or fever, it could be due to infectious diseases like herpesvirus or calicivirus. In such cases, antiviral eye drops containing famciclovir should be used, along with other treatments based on the cat's overall condition.

Other Important Considerations

• Use an Elizabethan collar on your cat to prevent it from scratching its eyes.

• Maintain a clean environment to avoid irritants and bacterial infections.

• Regularly clean your cat's eye discharge to maintain eye hygiene.

• Administer medication as directed, and monitor your cat's response. If there are any allergic reactions or if the medication is not effective, seek veterinary care promptly.

In summary, when your beloved cat shows signs of eye boogers or tears, the first step is to observe and keep the eyes clean. Then, decide whether medication or veterinary treatment is needed. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to consult an online pet doctor at OxygenPetDoctor.

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