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My cat's eye is red, squinting, and has discharge. Should I see a vet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 11 lbs

Something is wrong with my cats eye

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 10th, 2017

Poor Bubby! It definitely does look like there is a problem with his right eye. Squinting, excessive discharge, and an elevated third eyelid are usually signs of conjunctivitis (either bacterial or fungal), or an injury to the eye such as a corneal scratch or ulcer. Bubby will need prescription eye drops to treat this, so I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to. He/she can use a special stain if needed to help determine what is causing the problem and get him started on appropriate medication to treat it. In the meantime, you can try gently rinsing his eye with plain saline eye wash to help clean off some of the discharge. This will not treat the underlying problem, but it may help to make him a bit more comfortable until you are able to see the vet.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 15th, 2019

    Very handsome cat!! The treatment you are doing is ok but I am a bit worried about his squinting of the eye. They squint from pain and light sensitivity so he could have a corneal ulcer/scratch or possibly uveitis. I would suggest you have Shifu examined by your vet. He needs the eye looked at with an ophthalmoscope. I can't really tell what is going on just by looking at the photo other than the eye is obviously painful. Hope this helps. If you have more questions you can always opt for a private consultation where we can chat back and forth. That way you can ask as many questions as you'd like. Best wishes.

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    Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 20th, 2019

    Poor girl. Nila is experiencing all the symptoms of an eye infection, squinting, bothersome eyes, discharge and redness. She needs to have this looked at by your vet in order for this to resolve. The vet will prescribe some topical eye antibiotic ointment to help resolve the infection and also do a thorough eye exam to ensure nothing else serious is going on here. Most eye infections in cats are either caused by an underlying viral infection or some kind of trauma to the eye. I hope that Nila's eye resolves soon! Best wishes and take care. : )

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 21st, 2020

    Poor Tombo. Yes, I would take him into the vet. Any eye problem should be checked out by a vet promptly as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. The vet can diagnose what is causing his eye problem and can treat it. I'd take him into a vet today. I hope this helps!

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