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My kitten's eye is cloudy and squinting. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 months and 3 days old | 6 lbs

My kitten was squinting his left eye a lot so we wiped it with a cloth and warm water. This morning he’s still squinting it a bit but it also looks a little cloudy. No tenderness or pawing at the eye, no discharge, no change in mood or behavior. Is this something that will clear up or should we act?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on November 8th, 2019

Your kitten needs to be examined by the veterinarian today. The cloudiness indicates trouble. It could be a scratch on the cornea, uveitis or other condition. Eye issues can get worse quickly so have Bret examined today. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on October 12th, 2018

    If the area is cloudy and you think she was scratched in the eye, I would have it checked by your vet. They can place a fluorescent dye in the eye to check for any corneal scratches or other irritation that may need to be treated with medication to help the eye heal. Keeping Newt from pawing at the eye with an Elizabethan (cone) collar is also a good idea until your vet can take a look.

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 10th, 2021

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Piper. If she is squinting, pawing at her eye, the eye is red or bulging or if she has stopped eating, drinking or is hiding, then she needs to see an emergency veterinarian. If she is otherwise normal and you have just noticed the eye, it should be able to wait until morning. The veterinarian will examine her and likely recommend testing to reach a diagnosis. For example, a dye test on the eye is used to diagnose a scratch across the surface of the eye. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 29th, 2019

    I suggest you get him to a vet as soon as you can. Eye problems are usually considered an emergency. The squinting is from pain so getting him some pain relief as soon as possible would be good for him. Eyes are very delicate and tend to go from bad to worse quickly so getting him immediate care is imperative so that he doesn't end up with permanent eye damage. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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