Dealing with Cat Eye Discharge: Causes & Steps

When a kitten's eyes exhibit discharge, this can be due to a variety of reasons, such as eye infections, conjunctivitis, irritation from foreign objects, or bacterial or viral infections. Handling this situation requires careful attention to avoid causing unnecessary harm to the little feline.

Here are some common causes of eye infections in kittens:

Bacterial Infections: This is one of the most frequent causes of eye infections, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms typically include red, swollen eyes and an increase in discharge.

Viral Infections: These include feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. These viruses can lead to symptoms like conjunctivitis, stomatitis, and upper respiratory infections.

Chlamydial Infection: A part of feline respiratory diseases, chlamydial infections are less common than herpesvirus and calicivirus. They primarily manifest as conjunctivitis, excessive tearing, thickened eye discharge, sneezing, and coughing.

Foreign Objects: Dust, pollen, hair, sand, or other substances that enter the eye can also cause infections.

Genetic Factors: Certain cat breeds, such as Persians and Siamese, are prone to eye diseases due to their unique eye structure.

Environmental Factors: Unsanitary conditions or prolonged exposure to polluted environments can trigger eye infections.

Dietary Issues: Overfeeding cats with highsodium and highfat foods can increase the liver's metabolic burden, indirectly leading to excessive meibomian gland secretion and increased eye discharge.

What to do if a kitten's eyes have discharge?

1. Maintain Eye Hygiene: Regularly use a cotton ball soaked in physiological saline to gently wipe the kitten's eyes, clearing away any discharge and dirt from the corners.

2. Adjust Diet: Provide your kitten with a balanced diet rich in vitamins and trace elements to boost its immunity. Avoid feeding highsodium foods and ensure your cat has access to plenty of water.

3. Keep the Environment Clean: Regularly clean the indoor environment and your kitten's living supplies to minimize exposure to pathogens. Also, ensure good ventilation indoors and avoid strong odors that may irritate the eyes.

4. Observe Closely: Keep a close eye on your kitten's eye health. If discharge persists or is accompanied by symptoms like red, swollen conjunctiva, photophobia, frequent blinking, inability to open the eyes, or excessive tearing, it may indicate an eye infection. You can start with antibiotic eye drops, such as Baytril (Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim Ophthalmic Solution), applied 3 to 5 times a day, 1 to 2 drops per session. If there's no improvement or the symptoms worsen after 3 days, seek veterinary care promptly.

5. Seek Veterinary Treatment: If your kitten exhibits additional symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, decreased appetite, swollen gums, or drowsiness, it's advisable to visit a vet immediately to determine if these are related to viral infections.

For certain breeds, such as the Persian or Himalayan, their unique eye structure may lead to persistent eye discharge and tears, which may not be completely cured by medication. In such cases, it's recommended that pet owners maintain regular daily eye cleaning to prevent excessive discharge buildup and the potential for bacterial infections.