Red eye in cats: what to do
Conjunctival redness or corneal vessels — distinguish conjunctivitis from glaucoma.
What are the common causes?
Home care & observation tips
- ✓Clean around the eyes with a warm damp pad
- ✓Reduce stress (stress triggers flares)
- ✓Use vet-prescribed antiviral/antibiotic drops
- ✓Use an e-collar
- ✓Fluorescein staining within 24 hours
- ✓Recheck on schedule until healed
When must you see a vet?
- ⚠A white cornea or an eye held shut
- ⚠Repeated flares getting worse
- ⚠Purulent discharge + cloudiness
- ⚠The eye cannot open at all
FAQ
Is red eye in cats serious?
It depends on the combination of symptoms, how long it has lasted, and your pet's energy and appetite.Note that it can appear in problems that need prompt care, such as Corneal ulcer. Enter the full symptom combination in our symptom checker for a more specific urgency assessment.
Can I monitor at home first? What should I watch?
If energy and appetite are normal with no other signs, 24-48 hours of monitoring is reasonable. Keep notes on frequency, duration, appetite, water intake, energy and what the stool/urine looks like — vets find this very useful.
What should I prepare before the clinic?
Note when the symptom started and how it changed; bring packaging or residue if ingestion is suspected; bring vaccination and deworming records; and if possible take a video (odd gait, cough sound) — clearer than describing.
Not sure how serious it is? Assess it with the symptom checker
Start symptom check →