Guide to treating eye infections in kittens

Disclaimer: This article, its content, and its related references do not constitute veterinary advice and should not be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If your pet is showing any symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, please seek immediate emergency care.

Eye infections in kittens are very common. Many are caused by viral upper respiratory infections or bacterial infections, but others can develop secondarily due to eye injuries or other conditions. It’s important for owners to know how to recognize signs of infections in their kittens and what to do if they appear. If you’re concerned your kitten may have an eye infection, read on to learn:

• What an eye infection is
• Clinical signs of eye infections in kittens
• How eye infections in kittens are treated
• What causes eye infections in kittens

It’s important to seek prompt veterinary attention for kittens with eye symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options vary due to the wide range of eye conditions and health issues that can lead to infections. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory or antibiotic ointment or eye drops, oral antibiotics or pain management, and supportive care for symptoms caused by viral infections.

Cat eye infections develop when infectious agents, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa, enter and become established in part of the eye, resulting in inflammation and various clinical signs. Multiple parts of the eye can become infected, including:

• Conjunctiva (conjunctivitis)
• Cornea (keratitis)
• Eyelids (blepharitis)
• Interior structures (uveitis)

Kitten eye infections are common and frequently develop as a result of a systemic disease that affects multiple parts of the body.

Clinical signs of eye infections in kittens can vary based on the type of infection, what is causing it, and what part of the eye is affected. Symptoms may include:

• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Eye discharge
• Red, inflamed, or swollen eyelids or skin around the eyes
• Raised third eyelid
• Squinting, excessive blinking, or holding the eye closed
• Rubbing or pawing at the eye

Many kitten eye infections are caused by a health condition that affects more than just the eyes, resulting in additional symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause of the infection, additional symptoms may include:

• Coughing or sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Itchiness
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Lethargy

Identifying other symptoms can help a veterinarian accurately diagnose the underlying problem.

How vets diagnose eye infections in kittens

Veterinarians use physical exams, eye exams, and diagnostic testing to determine the type of infection, what part of the eye is affected, and the underlying cause of the infection. Testing may include:

• Examining the eye with a light and magnifying lens in a dark room
• Bloodwork and infectious-disease testing
• Fluorescein eye stain to check for scratches and ulcers
• Bacterial or fungal culture
• Cytology
• Biopsy
• Ultrasound

A definitive diagnosis is necessary to create an effective treatment plan because different types of infections require different treatment.

Treatment options for cat eye infections vary based on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

• Supportive care, such as fluids and supplemental feeding, while waiting for a virus to run its course
• Eye drops or ointment with antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories
• Oral antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatories, and pain relief
• Surgery for congenital eye conditions

Treatment involves relieving eye symptoms in addition to treating the underlying cause of the infection, such as upper respiratory infections, eye injuries, and hereditary conditions.

“Only attempt to treat your kitten’s eye symptoms at home with veterinary guidance,” instructs Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian on the Vetster platform. “The symptoms of eye infections occur with several different diseases in cats, and you need to know what’s causing the symptoms in order to know what kind of treatment will work. Antibiotics, for example, are only effective against bacteria, and many eye infections are viral.” Guessing what kind of care is needed can make symptoms worse, delay appropriate veterinary care, and may even harm your cat. While waiting to see a veterinarian, it may be helpful to:

• Offer warm, canned food in small, frequent meals if the kitten’s appetite is down
• Gently clean eye discharge with a clean, damp cloth before it dries

Ocular discharge can irritate the skin if it dries and accumulates on the face, so keeping the face and eyes clean can be very helpful.

Eye infections in kittens can often be treated at home unless the infection is a result of a condition that requires hospitalization or surgery. Eye medications and oral medications prescribed by a vet can usually be given at home while a kitten recovers. Always follow a veterinarian’s directions closely while treating your kitten’s eye issues. Complete the entire course of medication, even if symptoms go away quickly. Not finishing a prescribed round of medication can lead to recurring infections that are more difficult to treat.

Are eye infections in kittens emergencies?

A kitten who is acting otherwise fine but has a red, swollen, or runny eye is unlikely to be having a medical emergency. It’s still best to seek prompt veterinary care when a kitten shows signs of infection, even if they have no other obvious symptoms. An accurate diagnosis and professional guidance are the best ways to effectively treat the infection and to help your kitten feel better quickly. The longer you wait, the more likely complications will occur, potentially resulting in a more severe infection and costlier treatment. Prompt treatment for severe eye conditions and injuries can also increase the chance of saving a kitten’s vision and eye.

Kittens get eye infections when a disease-causing bacterium, fungus, protozoan, parasite, or virus enters tissue in or immediately around the eye and becomes established there. There are many reasons kittens get eye infections; however, they’re often the result of upper respiratory infections from:

• Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1)
• Calicivirus
• Feline chlamydia
• Mycoplasma

Secondary infections can develop from eye injuries, such as foreign bodies in the eye, corneal ulcers, and scratches. Various congenital eye disorders can increase the risk of eye infections in kittens. Neonatal ophthalmia, an infection that develops behind fused eyelids, can also occur before a kitten is old enough to open their eyes.

It’s best to talk to a veterinarian right away if a kitten has signs of poor eye health. Various infections, disorders, and injuries to the eye can cause permanent damage, leading to vision loss or even the loss of the eye itself. Many eye infections are caused by upper respiratory tract infections that may require medical treatment from a veterinarian. Some are caused by dangerous and highly contagious diseases, putting other cats in the household at risk. Attempting to diagnose and treat a kitten’s eye symptoms at home may lead to a misdiagnosis and improper treatment. This can delay effective treatment, risk the spread of respiratory diseases to other pets in the home, and increase the chance of severe illness and eye damage.

If your kitten is showing signs of infection or you need help administering prescribed eye ointment or drops at home, online veterinarians are available to help through virtual vet appointments on the Vetster platform.

How do you treat a kitten’s eye infection?

Cat eye infection treatment varies widely depending on the underlying cause. Some infections go away on their own, but treatment for others may involve oral and topical treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, anti-inflammatories, and pain relief prescribed by a veterinarian. Never attempt to treat your cat’s eye symptoms at home without a vet’s guidance. Human medication can be dangerous, and a home diagnosis may be inaccurate, leading to ineffective treatment.

Are kitten eye infections contagious?

Many kitten eye infections are caused by upper respiratory viral infections that are often highly contagious between cats. Kittens, who don’t have fully developed immune systems, can be especially susceptible to these diseases. It’s important to seek veterinary attention right away if your kitten is showing signs of infection, such as coughing or sneezing, eye discharge, lethargy, and red or swollen eyes.

Is a kitten's eye infection an emergency?

If a kitten is having eye symptoms but seems otherwise fine, it’s unlikely to be an emergency. However, prompt treatment with a vet is still advised. Eye symptoms can point to infectious or other underlying conditions that require veterinary treatment. Delayed vet attention or ineffective home treatment can lead to a more severe infection, eye damage, or vision loss.