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Why do my barn kittens keep getting green eye infections every litter?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 13 days old | 2 lbs

I have several barn cats and most have green discharge from their eyes. One so bad it will probably loose sight in the right eye, the eyeball has actually protruded out but is better. This seems to happen with every litter of kittens. Could it be something at the barn they keep catching? The momma cats have no problems. I remember as a child my mother wouldn't let my brother and I hold them for the fear of their eyes getting infected. These barn cats definitely are not held

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2018

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. The most common reason for the green ocular discharge in the kittens is Chlamydia bacteria The other possibility is a herpes virus. ( https://www.petful.com/pet-health/chlamydia-cats/ ) I suggest you get the kittens to your vet for an exam. They can then dispense some eye medication to see if the symptoms will clear. If it is Chlamydia it is easily treated and shouldn't get to the point of them losing sight or the eye itself. If the mother cats are not up to date on their vaccinations you should do that as this can help alleviate symptoms in the kittens. If they are not handleable, you can get humane traps from your vet or the local shelter and trap the cats. They can then be vaccinated through the trap. Of course, the kittens should get their vaccinations too! This should be something easily remedied. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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