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Why is my cat's eye red and she keeps rubbing it? Should I worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 3 months old | 7 lbs

My cat suddenly had a red and bothersome eye. She kept licking her paw and rubbing her eye so it really seems to bother her. I'm worried she got something in it, we had spicy chilis for dinner but no one touched her after we ate! It's tough to get a pic because she had her eyes closed but it's her left eye (on the right in the photo, to be clear).

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 28th, 2017

Poor girl. If she is indeed closing the eye and seems bothered by it, there is a good chance she has a scratch or ulcer on the the from some unknown trauma she may have caused herself. She will need prescription antibiotics from your vet to get this to heal properly. I would recommend taking her in soon to get this treated before it gets any worse. Best wishes with Millie and I hope she feels better soon. Take care.

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 1st, 2018

    The third eye lid is exposed in the photos which can be a sign of pain and discomfort. The upper eyelid has some hair missing and seems red. She may have been bitten or have gotten something in her eye to irritate that area and rubbed the hair off the eyelid. She does need to see a vet to make sure there is no trauma or damage to the eye but until then you can apply a warm compress and flush her eye with saline eye drops in case something is in there

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