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

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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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.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Published on July 30th, 2019

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an upper respiratory infection though something else like bilateral corneal ulcers or even dry eye are possible. This is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and cats usually respond well to therapy. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If they agree that based on an examination, that seems to be the issue, they will likely prescribe medications to make him feel better. For now, it would be best to keep the kittens separate as you investigate this further as in some cases, the causes of such infections can be contagious. Good luck and best wishes!

  

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  Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 20th, 2017

  This is probably an upper respiratory infection. it's very common in young cats and is very contagious to other cats as well. It is treated with antibiotic eye drops/ointment and oral antibiotics for about 2 weeks. if left untreated many cats will end up blind or even die from the disease. I advise going to your vet asap to start the treatment right away.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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  Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on May 23rd, 2019

  This is probably an upper respiratory infection. it's very common in young cats and is very contagious to other cats as well. It is treated with antibiotic eye drops/ointment and oral antibiotics for about 2 weeks. if left untreated many cats will end up blind or even die from the disease. I advise going to your vet asap to start the treatment right away.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful