My new cat has eye discharge. Is it contagious to my other cat?

Unfortunately, without a physical exam, this cannot be determined. The discharge may be due to bacterial or viral infection and the black may be dirt or debris. An exam with your veterinarian would be needed to diagnose any infection or medical conditions. The safest option would be to keep him/her separated from other cats and wash your hands before and after handling the kitten.

Coughing is often a sign of asthma or other lung inflammation. Eye discharge is often a sign of an upper respiratory infection, especially if your other cat is now showing symptoms as well. Since there is green discharge you should see a veterinarian who can prescribe antibiotics if needed, and potentially take a chest x-ray as well.

Cats often are infected with herpesvirus as kittens, and it can come and go throughout their lives, but often it flares up during times of stress (such as adding a new kitten). They can also get secondary bacterial infections in the eyes and upper respiratory infections. If it's not improving on its own or he starts squinting or pawing at his eye he may need antibiotic drops from your vet.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with a respiratory tract inflammation/infection. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. If the other cat is not vaccinated I would recommend to wait until the signs are completely resolved and treated. Yes, vaccination for the daughter's cat is best. 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!

Hi, and thanks for your question. That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis and eyelid inflammation, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. 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!

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.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Many times cats develop herpes virus infections. Most of the time the infection clears on its own. Secondary bacterial infection can occur, in which case an antibiotic is beneficial. If it is just viral, we have to rely on the body to fight the infection. If the eye is improving, the discharge will likely clear up. If it does not resolve 100% or worsens, I would have a vet examine midnight. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.