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My cat has an eye infection. How long until doxycycline helps?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 9 lbs

Hello, my kitty has an awful eye infection which started from a herpes flare up in just one eye but he now has infections in both eyes (swollen eyes with white thick discharge). The other kitty in the house just got through an eye infection (most likely chlamydia or micoplasma) and has improved greatly on doxycycline. The ophthalmologist has advised me to start the infected kitty on doxy. How long does it typically take to see improvement? I am very very concerned. He seems absolutely miserable.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Mariya Gugel, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 11th, 2017

Poor Sky! Depending on the severity of the symptoms, it typically takes anywhere from 5-7 days to see significant improvement. Your vet can also recommend artificial tear drops to keep the eye moist and lubricated as well as certain supplements to help keep the virus from replicating more. Sky can also wear a cone or E-collar to prevent him from scratching the area and causing further damage. I hope this helps and that Sky starts feeling better soon!

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