My cat has an eye infection. Are OTC eye drops safe for cats?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 10 lbs
My cat has pink eye or some infection in her eye and I was wondering how to help here. A lot of online sites say to buy eye drops from the drug store or just to use a warm wash cloth to wipe away any gunk that comes from her eye. But I was hoping to figure out what I should use if I bought eye drops
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 21st, 2017
I would not listen to online sites saying to buy eye drops from the drug store. A lot of these sites are written by people who have no veterinary education at all, and some of their advice is frankly dangerous and potentially fatal. It is never advised to buy OTC eye drops for a cat because a cat's eye reacts differently to human eye medications than a human's eye does. In addition, some of these drops contain ingredients that are unsafe for use in cats. It sounds like Cleo may have an eye infection, and she will need to see a vet to get a topical antibiotic ointment to treat the infection. I would take her into the vet first thing Monday. Until then, it's fine to use a warm wash cloth to wipe away any gunk that comes from her eye. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on February 8th, 2017
I'm sorry that Matcha is having problems with both a respiratory infection and eye infection! Unfortunately, there are no safe OTC antibiotics for a cat's eye infection. A cat's eye reacts differently to a human eye medication than a human's eye, so using any OTC medication can do damage to her eye. In addition, antibiotics in human are prescription only, so you wouldn't be able to get one OTC. She does have to see a vet for this ASAP, but I would see if your vet does house calls or find a mobile vet to come to your home. It would be less stressful for her to be examined and treated in her own home. I would give your vet a call now to see if they do house calls, or you can search the internet to see if there is a mobile vet in your area. If these options aren't available, then Matcha really needs to back into the clinic for this, and quite soon as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 12th, 2017
Hi Susan. Lucy needs to see a vet immediately. It sounds like she is suffering from a severe infection, and the medications needed to treat these infections can only be gotten from a vet. OTC medications do not contain the strength needed to treat these things, antibiotics are by prescription only. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. Please take Lucy into a vet right away to have her eye examined and the necessary medications prescribed to treat her condition. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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