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Why is my cat sneezing and has red, watery, gooey, swollen eyes?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

My cat is sneezing and her eye won’t stop watering and being gooey, and is red and swollen

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 21st, 2019

It looks like Kitty might have an upper respiratory infection causing conjunctivitis. A viral infection is most common, although secondary bacterial infections can also occur. A scratch on the surface of the eye could also cause redness and discharge but would not cause sneezing. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian for an exam. They can check for a scratch on the cornea or prescribe medications to treat a respiratory infection.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 7th, 2017

    From your description, the cats may be having a flare up of a viral infection that causes pink-eye-like symptoms in cats. These infections in cats are very very common and almost all cats are infected as kittens (so it's contagious, but I don't worry about the other cats in the house because they almost certainly all have it for life). During times of stress (like being in a strange home) the virus can cause issues. The membrane in the corner of their eye may be their third eyelid - this a normal structure in dogs and cats. I would recommend a vet visit to see if there are any scratches on the surface of their eyes and to start a treatment. In the mean time, you can buy non-prescription human lubricating eye ointment (such as GenTeal severe) and apply it 3 times a day to both eyes to keep them moist and more comfortable. It's possible to have serious complications from a flare up like this. Good luck! Let me know if this was helpful information and definitely submit another question or set up a consultation if you'd like more information.

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