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My cat has a swollen, red eye. Is it conjunctivitis? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | unneutered | 3 months and 16 days old

My cat's one eye got swollen nd red. I think it got affected by conjunctivitis. It's showing symptoms of conjunctivitis. What should I do???

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2020

In a kitten, conjunctivitis is often from chylamdia bacteria or herpes virus. I can't tell you which just based on your description. It is best to take him to a vet for an exam. If you can get Erythromycin or Terramycin eye ointment you can put that in the eye 3 times a day until you can get him to a vet.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 9th, 2018

    The only thing that would ooze red is blood, which would indicate severe trauma to the eye and warrant emergency treatment. Alternatively, it could be the conjunctiva that you are seeing, which can appear red when inflamed and swollen. Either way, it's best to have Fred seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible, because this seems like a severe/painful problem and he could lose his eye if treatment is not given soon enough. I hope that helps and Fred gets better soon.

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 27th, 2019

    Ouch! I recommend to have Cory examined tonight by the veterinarian. The main causes of a swollen, oozing eye are an infection, an allergic reaction, a foreign object trapped in the eye or a scratch on the cornea. All of these conditions are painful (that's why he is not opening his eye) and they can get worse quickly. You may need to go to an emergency clinic because most vets will not be open tomorrow. Have Cory wear and elizabethan collar and have him examined tonight. I hope this helps.

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 16th, 2021

    You really don't want to mess around with eyes. They are very delicate and can go from bad to worse very quickly. I suggest you get him to an emergency vet now. It is most likely either a corneal injury (like a scratch) or a herpes virus infection just based on his age. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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