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Why does my kitten have red, swollen eyes and green, crusty discharge?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 16 days old

Hi, I got a kitten for my daughter about a week ago from my friend. He's about 7 or 8 weeks old and had some sort of eye irritation. I've tried warm compress to clear up the crustyness and clean his eyes but it hasn't gone away yet. His inner eyelids are red and his eyes look like they may be swollen a bit and he's got discharge that is sometimes watery and sometimes kinda a greenish mucus that will get crusty.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2017

Poor Kit Kat. He has what appears to be a very common viral infeciton (either Kitty herpesvirus or calicivirus) and a secondary bacterial infection of the eyes. This needs be treated with topical eye antibiotic ointment through your veterinarian unfortunately. He also should receive oral anti-viral supplements which you can get through online sources or from your local pharmacy, when available. But I would make an appt soon for him before this gets any worse. I hope your sweet kitty feels better soon.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I am so sorry to hear about your kitten! It is impossible to tell for certain from a photo but it appears she may have some conjunctivitis. This could be a result of a bacterial or a viral infection, or both. She needs a visit to the vet for a thorough eye exam and to get prescription eye ointment or drops to help treat her infection. The vet can discuss if they feel it is bacterial or if they are concerned about a condition called feline herpesvirus (not contagious to people) that can sometimes recur later in life. Continue to clean the discharge from around the eyes to prevent skin infection until she can be seen. You can also try rinsing her eyes with a sterile eye wash if they are getting covered in the mucus until she can be seen, but she does need a vet visit!

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 19th, 2017

    Hi and thanks for your post! Sometimes red swollen eyes in kittens can be caused by the feline herpes virus which when transmitted, stays in the cat's system forever. In times of stress or on occasion, the virus starts to replicate and this causes the upper respiratory tract immune system to be compromised allowing for secondary bacterial infections. Conjunctival swelling can be a common sign of this viral infection. You can try lysine powder in the food once daily. Lysine helps to decrease viral replication and may help prevent infection. If she is having ocular discharge, she will need to see a veterinarian for oral and topical antibiotics. I hope this helps and best wishes to you!

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    Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 8th, 2017

    It sounds like your little kitten has an eye infection or conjunctivitis. This can be a component of an upper respiratory tract infection. Your kitten may start sneezing or coughing as well. It would be best to have your veterinarian examine the kitten and start some prescription eye medication. These infections can get worse quickly in a kitten so young, so it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

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