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My new kitten has watery eye discharge. Is an emergency vet needed?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 months and 19 days old | 2 lbs

We rescued a kitten four days ago, and on the way home we noticed her tearing up in one eye. Since then, the discharge seems to have become more frequent. I've been cleaning the eye regularly with purified water and cotton balls. We can't get her in to see our primary care vet for another week, but I'm wary of overreacting and taking her to the ER for nothing.

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 7th, 2020

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Azra. Eyes infections are common in young kittens, but more serious problems such as a corneal ulcer can occur. The veterinarian will examine her and likely perform some eye tests to determine the cause of her symptoms. I would recommend calling other primary care veterinarians in your area and see if she can be seen sooner. Then you can always get her records and follow up with her normal veterinarian. If this is not an option, then I would take her to an emergency veterinarian. Eye issues can advance quickly in some cases. I hope this information helps!

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