Common Causes of Excessive Eye Discharge in Cats

There are numerous reasons why a kitten might develop excessive eye boogers. These can include high levels of dust in the environment, overheating, bacterial infections, dacryocystitis, and feline herpesvirus, among others. When a kitten has an increase in eye boogers, the owner can assess the kitten's overall condition and the frequency of the eye boogers to determine if the kitten is unwell. If necessary, it's important to take the kitten to a veterinarian for a proper examination. Below, we'll delve into some common causes of increased eye boogers in cats.

What Causes an Increase in a Cat's Eye Boogers?

1. High Environmental Dust: If the kitten's environment is dusty, its eyes can become irritated, leading to a buildup of淡青色粘稠物 around the eyes upon waking or a noticeable amount of eye boogers. This is the kitten's way of clearing out debris from its eyes. In such cases, the owner should gently clean the eye boogers away using a clean, damp cloth and a cotton swab. If the excessive eye boogers are due to dust, it's essential to reduce dust in the environment or change the kitten's surroundings to prevent further irritation.

2. Overheating: A lack of adequate water intake, a diet high in additives, or a deficiency in vitamins and fiber can lead to overheating and inflammation in a kitten. This often results in an increase in eye boogers and dry, crusty matter around the eyes. To address this, the owner should adjust the kitten's diet to include a wellrounded, grainfree food with a balance of proteins and essential minerals. Offering homemade meals occasionally can also supplement the kitten's nutrition. It's crucial to monitor the kitten's water intake and ensure it has access to clean water to prevent dehydration and related health issues.

3. Salt or Oil in Food: A diet too rich in salt or oil can also cause an increase in eye boogers. It's best to avoid feeding the kitten human food, as it can be too salty for their delicate systems. Excessive salt can lead to metabolic disorders and other health problems, such as hair loss, osteoporosis, and issues with the heart and kidneys. To keep the kitten healthy, opt for lowsodium, highquality, grainfree cat food and avoid adding any seasonings to homemade meals.

4. Bacterial Infection: If the kitten's eye boogers are dry and accompanied by redness, swelling, and congestion, it may indicate a bacterial or viral infection. The owner should clean the eye discharge and apply a disinfectant eye ointment or eye drops like "Miao Di Jing" to alleviate symptoms until the kitten recovers completely.

5. Dacryocystitis: Excessive eye boogers, particularly if they are yellowgreen and accompanied by excessive tearing, might suggest dacryocystitis. This condition is more common in kittens and can be treated with chloramphenicol eye drops or gentamicin ointment. Treatment involves applying the medication three to five times a day for two to three days, after which the kitten should show significant improvement.

6. Feline Herpesvirus: When a kitten has feline herpesvirus or a cold, it may exhibit increased eye discharge, red eyes, excessive tearing, sneezing, and a lack of appetite. Nasal and eye discharges may be thin and yellowish. Treatment involves antiviral eye drops, antibiotics, and lysine. If the cause is unclear, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian promptly.

When a kitten has an increase in eye boogers, the owner should reflect on the kitten's recent diet and carefully inspect the kitten and its living environment to pinpoint the cause and provide targeted treatment.