Why is my cat's eye closed with discharge after a cat fight?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes a scratch can be naked to the visible eye and you need a special stain to see it. I would recommend having a vet check that first. If negative, he may have herpesvirus. This is common in cats and can flair up in times of change or stress. If so, there are antiviral oral and eye medications if needed. Good luck and kisses to Onyx!

Yes, you can try just plain saline. Flush gently for a few seconds. But if you don't see any improvement within 24 hours, I would have Onyx checked out by a vet. There could be a small scratch or ulcer causing the discharge to build up, or even the start of an upper respiratory tract infection. Here are some links you may find helpful: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-things-you-should-know-about-feline-respiratory-infections/ https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951489

Sneezing and eye discharge make me suspicious of a viral infection, especially feline herpes virus. Herpes virus can cause a myriad of eye problems including ulcers, conjunctivitis, and keratitis. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian soon as you don’t want the problem to get worse. In the meantime I would use a warm water compress on the eye several times a day for 5 minutes at a time. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

I agree that Sprinkles' right eye appears to have a good bit of discharge and squinting. While it's possible that this issue could be caused by an infection, I would expect both eyes to be affected. When only one eye squints, I worry more about corneal ulcers or abrasions. The only way to know for sure is to take Sprinkles to a vet for a physical exam, including eye evaluation. Since Sprinkles is feral, this process is likely to be more challenging, so you may want to ask your vet if they can prescribe a mild oral sedative like gabapentin to be given before the appointment. Depending on what is found, Sprinkles will likely need to receive eye medication at least twice per day, so he may need to be kept inside or in a safe, confined area until this issue has resolved. Eye issues can change and progress rapidly, so it's best to have him evaluated as soon as possible. Until then, keep him confined and try to put an e-collar (cone) on him if at all possible to prevent any rubbing or scratching of this eye. I hope that he's on the mend soon!

Oreo seems to have an infection. We cannot rule out a corneal ulcer just by looking at the picture. Cats often have upper respiratory tract infection, and develop conjunctivitis and I discharge because of it. Take Oreo to your veterinarian for a detailed exam that possibly will include staining the cornea to rule out ulcers. I forsee you will have to give eye meds at least twice a day or more depending on the physical findings. You can use a clean washcloth wet with lukewarm water and gently wash away the eye discharge for now. Good luck and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If it has been going on that long I would seek medical attention. There may be an ulcer or a scratch on the cornea (which you may not be able to see) that needs to be addressed. Kisses to Fuego!

Excessive discharge and crusty nose as well may be due to an upper respiratory tract infection possibly due to a viral infection. These infections can be quite severe and cause superficial keratitis when they affect the cornea as well. That may be the reason for the cloudy appearance of the left eye. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!