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My 12-week kitten has a red, puffy, watering eye. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat that's 12 weeks, and has gotten a puffy eye and sometimes it starts watering. It's also a bit red. Could it be pink eye possibly? He can see fine out of and has plenty of energy. Should I see a vet right away, or wait a few days.

2 Answers

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Answered By Meredith L. Voyles, DVM, DAVCO

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist

Published on March 14th, 2017

Young kittens often get conjunctivitis. It's not pink eye (meaning it's not contagious to you), but it may require medication from your veterinarian for clinical signs to resolve. It does not sound like an emergency, but I would schedule an appointment with your veterinarian within the next several days if clinical signs have not resolved or certainly if they worsen.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would definitely see a vet right away. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. Your kitten could have an eye infection, but he also could have injured his eye. Have him seen by a vet right away to have his eye examined and diagnosed so it can be treated. I hope this helps!

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