Cat Eye Infections: Symptoms, Main Causes, and Treatment

Written by

Updated Date

Apr 8, 2026

10 minutes

Our cats need their eyes for seeing, playing, and exploring. When their eyes experience issues, their lives are affected in a big way. One of the many problems they may face is eye infections.

A veterinarian is checking a cat's eye for infections. Another vet is holding the gray cat still on the metal table.

Key Takeaways

General signs include redness, watery eyes, squinting, pawing, and light sensitivity.

Eye infections in cats are generally caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, injuries, and allergens.

Treatment involves medication and supportive care.

What Are the Symptoms of Cat Eye Infections?

The signs can manifest in several ways. Here are the common symptoms our veterinarians observe.

Watery Eyes and Discharge. Excessive tearing can be an indicator of an eye infection. This may be clear, cloudy, or greenish/yellowish. Thick green or yellow discharge is often a clear sign of a bacterial eye infection.

Redness and Swelling. Redness and swelling may also be present along the white parts of the eye and the surrounding tissues.

Squinting or Excessive Blinking. Affected cats may constantly squint or blink because of the irritation and discomfort they feel. Some may even keep one eye closed.

Pawing at the Eye. Much like squinting or blinking, cats with eye infections may want to paw or scratch their eyes. Excessive pawing can be dangerous, often worsening the condition.

Sensitivity to Light. A cat’s eyes can be sensitive to light when it has an eye infection. You’ll start to notice this when you see your cat shying away from sources of bright light and avoiding the sun during the daytime.

Is a Feline Eye Infection an Emergency?

They are often considered an emergency when symptoms arise abruptly and severely. Generally, if your cat has an eye infection, the sooner you seek treatment, the better.

A veterinarian is keeping a cat calm while another vet and the pet owner talk about its eye health.

What Causes Eye Infections in Cats?

Cat eye infections are generally caused by pathogens, injuries, allergies, and other health issues.

Bacteria

Bacterial agents are among the most common causes of eye infections in cats. These include Chlamydia felis and Mycoplasma spp. They’re also one of the main pathogens involved in feline conjunctivitis.

These infections are also highly contagious, capable of spreading to other cats through direct contact. Because of this, areas where cats are close together, such as unhygienic shelters and boarding facilities, are hot spots.

Viruses

Viruses are deemed to be the most common cause of eye infections in cats. Common culprits include feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus.

They generally attack the cat’s upper respiratory tract and then spread to ocular tissues. Viruses infect the epithelial cells of the conjunctiva, causing severe inflammation. By damaging the eye’s surface, viruses pave the way for secondary bacterial infections, triggering further infection.

Fungi

While fungal eye infections in cats are much less common, they’re still a major threat. This occurs when the cats are exposed to the fungal spores from the environment. Common threats include Aspergillus and Candida.

Many of these infections are contagious, easily spreading through direct contact with infected cats or contaminated surfaces.

Scratches and Injuries

Physical injuries can also contribute to cat eye infections. Open sores and scratches from animal fights, debris, or sharp objects may leave the eye vulnerable to an infection. This makes it easy for pathogens to enter.

Allergic Reactions

Feline allergies can set the stage for an infection by causing irritation and inflammation that damage the eye’s protective surface. As a result, bacteria and viruses may easily enter, causing infection. Cats with allergies may also scratch or paw at their eyes, leading to tiny injuries.

Structural Issues

Some cats have unique eye structures and conditions that may make them susceptible to eye infections. This includes conditions such as entropion, chronic dry eye, and blocked tear ducts.

Eye infections in cats are extremely uncomfortable, and many lead to more severe issues in the long run. That’s why we’re here to help you know everything there is to know about it, from what the signs are to how we can prevent them.

Is your cat having any of the signs of an eye infection?

Be sure to let our vets check it out.

Book An Appointment

Call +971 600 566 253

How Are Eye Infections in Cats Diagnosed?

Our pet ophthalmologists focus on an eye exam and several tests to diagnose your cat’s eye infection.

Ocular Examination

The diagnostic process starts with a full physical exam of your cat and their eyes. We may do an ophthalmoscopy to examine the internal structures of the eye and identify any inflammatory fluid or damage.

Fluorescein Dye Test

We use an orange dye and apply it to the surface of your cat’s eye. After washing away the excess dye, we shine a special blue light that highlights any damage to the cornea in bright green.

Cytology

Our vets collect a sample of the discharge or cells from the cat's eye surface using a sterile swab. This will be examined under a microscope to help us detect any pathogens or inflammatory cells present.

Culture and Sensitivity Test

For recurring infections, we may perform a culture and sensitivity test. This works by using the sample to grow a culture, allowing us to identify the pathogens involved and the appropriate treatments for them. All these will be done at our in-house laboratory.

Tonometry

If the infection is too severe, we may perform tonometry to measure intraocular pressure. This is used for situations where secondary glaucoma is suspected as a result of the infection.

Schirmer’s Tear Test

STT measures your cat’s tear production, helping us diagnose if dry eye is involved in the infection. It works by placing a small piece of paper inside the lower eyelid, measuring wetness in millimeters. Low tear production is indicated by under 10 mm/min.

Other Tests

For specific cases, our vets can perform allergy testing and bloodwork if needed. The main ones will depend on your cat’s condition.

Eye drops are applied on the cat's eyes to treat its eye infection. Two veterinarians are giving the treatment.

How Do Vets Treat Feline Eye Infections?

Once we’ve identified the cause, we’ll focus on medication and supportive care.

Topical Treatments

Ointments or eye drops for cat eye infections are often the most used option for these cases. They are effective at addressing the infection, and they can be easily used at home. Common ones include Terramycin and Vetropolycin for bacterial infections.

For viral infections, we may prescribe famciclovir. Other supportive medications, such as anti-inflammatories, may be used to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Oral Medications

Oral medications can also help address the root cause of the issue, especially when it has become too severe. These work by systematically eliminating the main pathogen, helping your cat recover.

Supportive Care

Supportive care will be essential for recovery at home. These may include:

Using E-collars
Adjusting your cat’s diet
Using air purifiers
Minimizing outdoor time
Changing your cat’s environment
Using a warm compress over the eye

How Can Cat Eye Infections Be Prevented?

Protecting your cat from eye infections is the best way to keep their eyes healthy. Follow these few tips:

Schedule Vet Checkups

Routine checkups are among the best ways to monitor your cat’s overall health, including their eyes. During these visits, our ophthalmologists can identify potential issues early and provide quick treatments.

Maintain a Clean Home

Keeping a clean living area helps remove the dust, bacteria, mold, and other factors that could threaten your cats' eyes with eye infections. Use air purifiers, wash their bedding, and regularly change their litter boxes.

Groom Your Cat

Regular cat grooming helps ward off eye infections. Brushing, bathing, and gently cleaning around the eyes can help remove dirt, allergens, and bacteria before they cause problems. Plus, always check your cat’s eyes for any discharge or debris.

Keep Your Cat Indoors

Keeping your cat indoors reduces its risk of exposure to bacteria, viruses, allergens, and injuries. This will significantly reduce the risk of your cat developing an eye infection.

Boost Your Cat’s Nutrition

Feeding your cat healthy and nutritious food can help protect them from infections, especially those involving their eyes. Make sure your cats eat a well-balanced diet with healthy supplements.

“Healthy eyes help cats see the world and avoid the trouble they love to find. A little bit of care helps them keep this gift.”
- Dr. Enas Ashry

Final Thoughts

Cats need their eyes to explore the world around them and create lasting memories with their owners. That’s why it falls upon us to make sure they stay safe from feline eye infections and maintain a healthy and happy life.

How Are Eye Infections in Cats Diagnosed?

Our pet ophthalmologists focus on an eye exam and several tests to diagnose your cat’s eye infection.

Ocular Examination

Fluorescein Dye Test

We use an orange dye and apply it to the surface of your cat’s eye. After washing away the excess dye, we shine a special blue light that highlights any damage to the cornea in bright green.

Cytology

Culture and Sensitivity Test

Tonometry

If the infection is too severe, we may perform tonometry to measure intraocular pressure. This is used for situations where secondary glaucoma is suspected as a result of the infection.

Schirmer’s Tear Test

Other Tests

For specific cases, our vets can perform allergy testing and bloodwork if needed. The main ones will depend on your cat’s condition.

How Do Vets Treat Feline Eye Infections?

Once we’ve identified the cause, we’ll focus on medication and supportive care.

Topical Treatments

For viral infections, we may prescribe famciclovir. Other supportive medications, such as anti-inflammatories, may be used to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Oral Medications

Oral medications can also help address the root cause of the issue, especially when it has become too severe. These work by systematically eliminating the main pathogen, helping your cat recover.

Supportive Care

Supportive care will be essential for recovery at home. These may include:

Using E-collars
Adjusting your cat’s diet
Using air purifiers
Minimizing outdoor time
Changing your cat’s environment
Using a warm compress over the eye

How Can Cat Eye Infections Be Prevented?

Protecting your cat from eye infections is the best way to keep their eyes healthy. Follow these few tips:

Schedule Vet Checkups

Maintain a Clean Home

Groom Your Cat

Keep Your Cat Indoors

Keeping your cat indoors reduces its risk of exposure to bacteria, viruses, allergens, and injuries. This will significantly reduce the risk of your cat developing an eye infection.

Boost Your Cat’s Nutrition

Feeding your cat healthy and nutritious food can help protect them from infections, especially those involving their eyes. Make sure your cats eat a well-balanced diet with healthy supplements.

“Healthy eyes help cats see the world and avoid the trouble they love to find. A little bit of care helps them keep this gift.”
- Dr. Enas Ashry

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I treat my cat's eye infection at home?

You can help your cat with its eye infection at home by following our vet’s treatment plan and checking its eyes constantly. If you notice any discharge or debris, then be sure to wipe them away with a soft, damp cloth.

How can I treat my cat's eye infection at home?

Will this disease heal on its own?

Some mild cases involving environmental allergens can resolve on their own, but it’s not a sure thing. Eye infections in cats can progress and worsen when left untreated, so it’s better to seek expert care instead of leaving them alone.

Will this disease heal on its own?

When to take a cat to the vet for an eye infection?

If you notice the signs and they last for a day or two, or if there's significant pain involved, then we recommend taking your cat to the vet.

When to take a cat to the vet for an eye infection?

If you notice the signs and they last for a day or two, or if there's significant pain involved, then we recommend taking your cat to the vet.

Can this spread to humans?

It is quite rare for feline eye infections to affect humans, especially since the primary pathogens involved are species-specific. However, there is a very slim chance, such as when the person is immunocompromised.

Can this spread to humans?

Can an eye infection in a cat cause blindness?

Yes, it is possible for a cat with an eye infection to become blind, especially in severe cases left untreated. This happens when the infection causes corneal damage and inflammation, leading to loss of vision.

Can an eye infection in a cat cause blindness?

Written by

Dr. Enas Ashry

Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology

Dr. Enas Ashry is a veterinary specialist in small animal care, soft tissue surgery, and ophthalmology. She holds a GPCert in Veterinary Ophthalmology and is dedicated to supporting pets and their owners with calm and detail-focused care.