Can I use store-bought eye drops for my cat's mild pink eye?

Question

I've had 4 cats for the last 5 years, and every once in a while they will get eye infections. We just moved to a new area about 6 months ago, and my new vet will not prescribe me antibiotics without bringing my cat in, which I do not feel is necessary as I know the beginning signs and symptoms for pink eye. Is there a store bought eye drop i can use to bring comfort for my cats instead? He only has mild symptoms right now. Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 5 years old | 10 lbs

Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH · Accepted Answer

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If an infection is present in the eye (discharge, squinting of the eye, rubbing or pawing at eye, redness, swelling), Andy will need antibiotic eye drops from his veterinarian. You can try sterile saline eye drops for cats which are available at your local pet store, which can help soothe the eye but this will likely not help with an infection. Often times recurrent eye infections in cats is caused by the feline herpes virus. Giving lysine powder on top of their food or paste once or twice daily (I like the product called Viralys) can help decrease viral replication which can help lessen the recurrent eye infections. I hope this helps!

Can I use store-bought eye drops for my cat's mild pink eye?

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