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My cat has eye discharge. Should I worry? Are there OTC remedies?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 13 lbs

My 6-year-old indoor kitty has been having clear or slightly discolored discharge coming from one eye, for about a week. The eye is not inflamed, and she hasn't been rubbing it. My husband and I have been carefully wiping away the discharge once or twice a day. She is my only pet, and her diet and grooming routine have been unchanged in the past 3 months. Should I be worried about her?? Are there any over the counter remedies to relieve the eye discharge?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 30th, 2017

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Many times cats come down with a viral upper respiratory infection due to the herpes virus. Antibiotics typically do not help treat a viral infection but a supplement such as L-Lysine for cats can help lessen the duration and severity of the infection. You can find this supplement online or at your local pet store. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 30th, 2019

    Herpes infections can reappear in cats over their lifetime, and can cause respiratory issues and eye discharge. If the discharge is cloudy, yellow, or green, this can be caused by a secondary respiratory infection which should be seen by a vet and treated with antibiotics. In the meantime, you can use a clean washcloth to remove the debris from the eyes and help keep them clear, along with keeping Ajax eating and drinking, but I would not put anything into the eye without your vet's instruction.

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