Excessive Cat Poop: Is Your Pet Sick?

Understanding the Formation of Cat Eye Discharge

Cats produce a type of oily liquid near the inner side of their eyelashes, which continuously secretes. This substance, resembling oil, is spread across the eyelid edges with each blink, serving as a protective measure for the eyes. When cats sleep for extended periods, the constant secretion accumulates, mixing with dust and tears that enter the eyes, eventually forming eye discharge in the corner of the eye. This explains why cats often have eye discharge when they wake up.

Hairless cats, lacking eyelashes for protection, tend to accumulate more dust in their eyes than other breeds, resulting in a higher amount of eye discharge and a slightly darker color.

Normal and Healthy Symptoms of Cat Eye Discharge

Normal eye discharge in cats is usually white or pale yellow, semitransparent, and has a smooth texture. The amount is minimal, and if not cleaned promptly, it dries into granular particles. In environments with high dust levels, dried discharge may appear as dark brown granules. Normally, a cat's eye area should be dry, without excessive tears or other secretions.

Abnormal Colors and Symptoms of Cat Eye Discharge

1. An increase in eye discharge quantity, with a deep brown color, may indicate insufficient water intake in the cat or poor quality cat food and canned products.

Reason: Ensure the cat has access to clean, fresh water and consider adding waterrich foods like cooked meats. If increased water intake doesn't improve the situation, consider changing the cat's food and monitor for signs of further inflammation or redness.

2. Red, swollen eyes, along with watering and discomfort, may suggest an early stage of eye inflammation, possibly caused by a bacterial infection.

Reason: Clean the environment and eyes thoroughly, and seek medical attention promptly.

3. Yellow or greenish puslike discharge, accompanied by excessive tears, may indicate severe eye inflammation, likely due to a viral infection.

Reason: Clean the eyes thoroughly and seek immediate medical treatment. Monitor for other symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or lethargy and seek veterinary care if these appear.

4. Red eye discharge, difficulty opening the eyes, excessive tearing, and pain upon touching the eyes might be due to an injury causing eye inflammation and congestion.

Reason: Reflect on any possible injuries the cat may have sustained and seek veterinary care if necessary.

5. Excessive puslike discharge from the eyes, along with symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, fever, and decreased appetite, may indicate feline rhinotracheitis.

Reason: Seek veterinary care immediately.

Young cats with eye inflammation may exhibit a combination of the abovementioned eye discharge and eye conditions. Regardless of the cause, it's crucial to clean the eyes and surrounding area thoroughly before applying medication. Encourage the cat to drink more water and consume wet food, and keep an eye out for any new symptoms.

Cat Eye Cleaning Method

Avoid using your fingers or nails to remove eye discharge, as this can introduce bacteria. Instead, gently use a moistened cotton swab to carefully remove the discharge from the corner of the eye. For small granular discharge, use a moist towel to gently wipe it away. If the discharge is firmly attached to the eyelid or eyelashes, apply a moist towel to soften it before cleaning.

When dealing with eye inflammation, ensure the eyes and surrounding area are completely clean before applying medication. Use tissues to wipe away puslike discharge and tears, then clean solid secretions with a wet wipe. If the discharge is firmly adhered, apply a moist towel to loosen it before cleaning.