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Kitten's eye cloudy after URI herpes. What are the treatment options?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | spayed | 7 months and 9 days old | 6 lbs

My kitten started off as a foster with a severe URI herpes infection. Her right eye is bright blue, clear and good as new but her left eye never completely cleared, despite the tobramycin drops and multiple ointments. It doesn't bother her at all but I find it weird that it is perfectly healthy and yet so cloudy compared to the other. I've been to countless vets, all say it's either a birth defect or something else, all say nothing can be done. Any ideas what this is? Does she have options?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Kevin Sanada, DVM

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

Unfortunately, the picture is not clear enough for me to fully see the lesion. However, a diagnosis would require a full ophthalmic exam by a vet, so we would only be able to give educated guesses anyways.

Cats with feline herpes virus at a young age can get severe ulcers in the cornea (the outside layer of the eye ball). This, or swelling within the cornea are the common causes of the cloudy appearance. With severe ulcerations, the cornea does not heal perfectly and can have a permanent scar - this could definitely be a reason for the cloudy spot you are describing. However, I would have expected one of the previous vets to have diagnosed this already, so it may be something else.

Considering you have been to many veterinarians already and have not received an adequate answer, or potential treatment options (corneal scars can be remedied with minor surgery), I recommend seeking a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. They will be able to definitively diagnose the condition and will be the best professional to offer treatment. You can ask your vet about this option and I'm sure they will ensure you get the necessary information and referral.

I hope that helps and all is well with Cinder.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 30th, 2017

    It is most likely viral - if that is the case, antibiotics won't help. Most commonly it would be herpes virus. Usually along with the virus there is a secondary bacterial infection. So, using the Tobramycin may have made it better but not controlling the viral portion of the disease. I am only guessing though. I can't tell for sure that is going on just by looking at the photos. Some other options: There could be a non-healing ulcer on the cornea, there could be entropion present (the eyelids rolling in and irritating the cornea) - just to name a few. That eye looks active and not like a scar to me.....

    Here is an article on herpes virus in cats.

    http://www.northwestanimaleye.com/feline-herpes.pml

    My recommendation would be to get a definitive diagnosis by taking him to your vet or a veterinary ophthalmologist (better option).

    In the meantime you can start him on a lysine supplement to help boost his immune system.

    http://www.allivet.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=lysineIt comes in different forms: chews/treats, powder, gel - so get what you think he will like:

    Hope this helps.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 22nd, 2019

    This looks like a fungal infection to me but it could also be scarring from a corneal ulcer or herpes keratitis. It is extremely difficult to diagnose eye problems with photographs. We need to be able to examine the eye with an ophthalmoscope and some testing will likely need to be done to get a definitive diagnosis. From what I can tell though, the globe of the eye looks OK. It just appears that the cornea is affected. I would continue with the medications they gave you but honestly, there will probably always be a scar there. I wouldn't expect the eye to ever appear normal. It should not really affect him though in the long run. I'm not sure I'd be too concerned.

    Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Cinder. It's very hard to see good detail with these pictures. This can be the effects of a chronic infectious conjunctivitis due to a virus (herpes) or chlamydia, an eyelid abnormality such as entropion, or a congenital disorder like eyelid agenesis or eyelid atresia. I would advise getting a second opinion on this eye or even requesting a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. I think it's important to see what the scleral infiltrate is and if it can be treated. Cats with eyelid agenesis will often have scleral infiltrate which can extend down onto the cornea. If herpes is suspected and confirmed, maybe a trial of Famvir (famciclovir) would be indicated or some anti-viral drops. If entropion or an eyelid problem is noted, surgical correction may be indicated. Good luck with Cinder.
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