Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My 20-day-old kitten has a swollen, watery eye. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | unspayed | 19 days old

Hi! My kitten is only 20 days. I noticed that she has a swollen eye. I tried wiping it a few days ago and noticed that it watery again. What should I do?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 28th, 2018

This is a classic presentation of a cat with an upper respiratory disease and conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a few different infections, but is commonly caused by a virus that most cats harbor and comes out during times of stress. These infections can become complicated with bacterial infections and cause more problems. Nugget's eyes appear rather infected, so I recommend taking her to the vet for an evaluation. They will be able to better inspect the eye and provide the most appropriate treatment. For now, you can flush the eye 3-4 times a day with saline (can get this at the pharmacy) to help clean and soothe it. Below is a link to a good video that demonstrates how to do this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDGzdUTUdNI You can also help the congestion by giving a steam bath. Below is a link to information about upper respiratory disease in cats and explains how to do the steam bath. http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Your-Cat-Breathe-Easier It's best if you can get Nugget to a vet within the next day or two. The vet would be able to prescribe the necessary treatment to make her feel better and keep the infection from getting worse. I hope this helps and Nugget feels better soon.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?
Is your cat's ear hole oozing pus? A Petco vet explains potential infections like abscesses from bites, advising immediate vet care, antibiotics, and recovery.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Bloody brown liquid from my cat. Is it pee or poop? Vet help?
Is brown liquid with blood from your semi-feral cats a concern? A certified vet explains how to determine if it's pee or poo and what steps to take.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My cat is chunky. What food and steps can I take to help him lose weight?
Is your cat overweight? A certified vet offers guidance to help your tubby tabby lose weight. Get essential diet and food recommendations to slim down your cat!
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Cat sick and still has fleas after vinegar treatment. What now?
Cat still scratching and not eating after vinegar flea treatment? A certified vet reveals why it fails and offers effective solutions for your cat and home.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored