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).
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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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
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 2nd, 2020
Yes, Callie has an eye infection and she needs to be examined by the veterinarian. The squinting and rubbing means Callie may be in pain and that she could have a scratch on the cornea. The rubbing can also make the eye worse. She needs to wear an elizabethan collar at all times and try to have her examined today if possible. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 26th, 2020
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Maya. Poor girl. This looks like a large of discharge, and I suspect she has an eye infection. Any eye problem needs to be checked out by a vet immediately because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I'd have her seen by a vet now. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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