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My cat has a squinty, leaking eye and sneezes. How to give eye drops?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 7 lbs

My cat's right eye is slanted, squinted, droopy, and leaking discharge; and he's sneezing and drinking alot of water. I noticed the eye a few days ago. The vet confirmed the eye has no ulcers and gave me a suppliment called viralys powder to give with food and an eye ointment called vetropolycin, but I'm having a hard time getting the ointment in his eye and he also licks (digests) the discharge and the ointment from his eye. Is this ok. Also, is there anything else I can do to help him? See pic

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on August 8th, 2017

I would recommend calling your vet and asking for a drop instead of an ointment. I have found that drops are much easier to administer. I would recommend trying to continue with the recommendations from your vet.; The eye is most likely infected with a viral and secondary bacterial infection. The viralys will help with the viral part of the infection. You can take a warm wash cloth and wipe off the eye a few times a day to help remove any discharge.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 19th, 2018

    Poor Beuller! First, you can try starting him on an L-lysine supplement - this is an amino acid that has been shown to help the immune system fight off respiratory infections more effectively. Enisyl and Viralys are both good brands, and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription - just follow the dosing instructions on the label based on your cat's weight. If he's congested, you can also try using a humidifier or bringing him into the bathroom with the door closed while you take a hot shower - the steam and humidity help to break up congestion and temporarily relieve symptoms associated with respiratory infections. Finally, I recommend a visit to the vet tomorrow. The vet can prescribe medications to help with his symptoms. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 19th, 2018

    Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the image it appears that Fuzz's eyes have conjunctivitis (redness of the third eye-lid can be seen), as well as squinting. He also seems to have some 'goop' present in the eyes. The eye changes along with sneezing are suggestive of a viral infection, such as herpes virus. I recommend you have him seen by a vet to confirm this, as well as check the eyes for ulcers or objects stuck under the third eye-lid. I am also worried he might have uveitis because the one image looks like the pupil might be too small, but it is hard to see from the image. Your vet will also check the lungs and airway, and see if there is a secondary bacterial infection present that requires antibiotics. A viral infection alone won't be helped with antibiotics. He also looks 'sad', as cats often appear if they have a fever which can go along with a virus. Your vet can get you medications for this if a fever is present. Best of luck with Fuzz, I hope he feels better soon!

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    Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 16th, 2018

    Poor guys! I would start them all on a regimen of L-lysine and multivitamins to help boost their immune system. Vetriscience has good products for both of these. There is also a L-lysine paste called Viralys that you can buy. I would talk to your vet about an antibiotic eye drop for when the eyes get bad. You can also try benadryl twice a day to control the nasal discharge. See link below. Sometimes if the nasal discharge gets bad or they are sneezing/coughing, they may need oral antibiotics which you will need to get prescribed by your vet. I hope this helps https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/cat/benadryl/#!

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