Why do my barn kittens keep getting green eye infections every litter?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Trinidad. The most likely cause is an upper respiratory virus/organism infecting the inner part of the eyelids called the conjunctiva. There are a few viruses that cause this in addition to a few bacteria. Herpes virus, calicivirus, chlamydia, and mycoplasma are just a few of the organisms that can cause this in cats/kittens. These organisms are NOT contagious to people but are contagious to other cats. Kittens get infected by their mom and many of them become chronic carriers of the viruses. Once the infection takes hold and damages the conjunctiva, a secondary bacterial infection can take hold which often is noticed by a green/yellow eye discharge. Other signs can include those similar to a common cold in people- sneezing, runny nose, coughing, fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, etc. The other possibilities for this include a tear duct problem, injury to the eye, etc. Your vet can take a detailed history, examine Trinidad and focus in on the eyes and look for other signs of an upper respiratory infection. They can stain the eye and measure the pressure inside the eye if needed. Staining the eye will tell if the cornea is damaged from either trauma or a viral infection. Your vet can then advise a treatment plan including eye drops/ointment, something for pain, possibly some antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, etc. Good Luck with Trinidad.

This could be caused by either allergies or a virus that is affecting all the cats. If the problem is self resolving and not causing any other issues (like anorexia or lethargy) then I would not worry about it too much. If, however, it seems like your cats are ill, not wanting to eat, etc, then you should consider taking them to the vet to be checked out. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor baby Panther! Panther likely has a viral infection or upper respiratory infection and now a secondary bacterial infection in his eyes. The only thing I can tell you to do at home is to gently warm compress his eyes. He sadly needs to see a Vet for antibiotic ointment in the eye. Due to the sensitivity of the eye, a special ointment or drop that is safe for the eye needs to be used. Cats are especially sensitive to certain eye medications. It shouldn't be too expensive to have him seen by a Vet. Also a lot of SPCAs have a low cost Veterinary clinic. I wish you the best and a speedy recovery for Panther!

Poor kittens! Eye infections can be viral or bacterial. Unfortunately you’re not likely to clear an eye infection with at home care. Just like with humans, these guys require antibiotic eyedrops which you will need to get from the veterinarian. I recommend to call your clinic and make an appointment ideally today. Eye infections in young kittens can become serious and cause permanent damage to the corneas. Bring the whole litter and the mother. Certainly cleaning off the teats and the rest of the environment will help but all the kittens have been exposed at this point. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Oh these poor little kittens! It sounds like they could have eye infections if there is a green ooze. They need to see a vet for this problem asap, as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. Please take them into a vet now. Best of luck.

Clarise’s eye discharge may be due to a viral infection, a problem with the drainage of the lacrimal duct or allergies. Infections are the most common cause and I would recommend to have her seen by her veterinarian as medication may be indicated. The doctor may use a special dye to stain the corneas and look for any ulcers as some viruses will cause this. If the doctor is not suspicious of an infection, she will recommend other tests or treatments. I recommend to get an appoint quickly as things can get worse. In the mean time, you can give her 250mg of Lysine twice daily. This supplement will help viral infections. You can often find this in pet stores. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I suspect Echo has got cat flu that is complicated by bacterial infection. A visit at your local vets is strongly recommended to confirm the diagnosis and to start treatment for Echo. He will likely need a course of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agent and a decongestant medication.