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My cat's eye is red and squinting. Is it an infection or will it heal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 2 years old | 10 lbs

Does my cat have an eye infection? This morning she had brown crusty’s in the corners of her eyes like usual. Later on they were gone but her eye was red and looked irritated. Here and there she will rub at it and is squinting. Is this something that will heal on it’s own or do you think she has an infection?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on April 2nd, 2020

Yes, Callie has an eye infection and she needs to be examined by the veterinarian. The squinting and rubbing means Callie may be in pain and that she could have a scratch on the cornea. The rubbing can also make the eye worse. She needs to wear an elizabethan collar at all times and try to have her examined today if possible. I hope this helps.

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 14th, 2017

    This looks fairly raw and irritated. Because of how close it is to Emma's eye applying an over the counter ointment could cause injury o the eye itself. If keeping it clean does not improve this lesion within a day or so Emma should be examined by her veterinarian

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