Cat's Eye Discharge: Can It Lead to Death?

Gumlike, puslike discharge around a cat's eyes can be quite concerning

What to Know About a Kitten's Eye Discharge

When you notice a cat, especially a kitten, with gooey, puslike discharge around its eyes, it's a sign of mixed tears and mucus. This condition is often a result of feline herpesvirus, commonly known as feline rhinotracheitis. Cats suffering from this virus typically exhibit these symptoms, and it's a highly contagious disease among felines. Along with eye issues, cats with feline rhinotracheitis may also show symptoms like runny nose and fever.

Feline distemper, another disease, presents with different symptoms, such as vomiting, yellow diarrhea, and bloody stools. These symptoms can help distinguish feline distemper from feline rhinotracheitis.

Beyond these two diseases, eye inflammation or conjunctivitis could also be the cause of the gooey, puslike discharge. It's advisable for pet owners to consult a veterinarian if they notice such symptoms, as it's crucial to rule out feline distemper and feline rhinotracheitis.

A kitten's eyes can't open due to the gooey discharge

How to Treat a Kitten's Eye Discharge

For simple eye symptoms, such as conjunctivitis or inflammation, you can use physiological eye wash to clean the gooey discharge and foreign particles from your kitten's eyes. Follow up with regular drops of Lantigen eye drops as prescribed.

In cases where the eye discharge is due to feline rhinotracheitis or feline distemper, it's essential to treat the underlying disease first. These are serious viral infections that can be fatal if left untreated. Feline distemper and feline rhinotracheitis are highly contagious and can lead to severe illness in cats.

Important Reminder:

If you have feline distemper test kits at home, it's a good idea to test your cat. Eyes are the windows to a cat's soul. If you're unsure about diagnosing your cat's eye issues, consult an online veterinarian. A proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment.