Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cat has an eye infection. Are OTC eye drops safe for cats?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 10 lbs

My cat has pink eye or some infection in her eye and I was wondering how to help here. A lot of online sites say to buy eye drops from the drug store or just to use a warm wash cloth to wipe away any gunk that comes from her eye. But I was hoping to figure out what I should use if I bought eye drops

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 21st, 2017

I would not listen to online sites saying to buy eye drops from the drug store. A lot of these sites are written by people who have no veterinary education at all, and some of their advice is frankly dangerous and potentially fatal. It is never advised to buy OTC eye drops for a cat because a cat's eye reacts differently to human eye medications than a human's eye does. In addition, some of these drops contain ingredients that are unsafe for use in cats. It sounds like Cleo may have an eye infection, and she will need to see a vet to get a topical antibiotic ointment to treat the infection. I would take her into the vet first thing Monday. Until then, it's fine to use a warm wash cloth to wipe away any gunk that comes from her eye. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 8th, 2017
I'm sorry that Matcha is having problems with both a respiratory infection and eye infection! Unfortunately, there are no safe OTC antibiotics for a cat's eye infection. A cat's eye reacts differently to a human eye medication than a human's eye, so using any OTC medication can do damage to her eye. In addition, antibiotics in human are prescription only, so you wouldn't be able to get one OTC. She does have to see a vet for this ASAP, but I would see if your vet does house calls or find a mobile vet to come to your home. It would be less stressful for her to be examined and treated in her own home. I would give your vet a call now to see if they do house calls, or you can search the internet to see if there is a mobile vet in your area. If these options aren't available, then Matcha really needs to back into the clinic for this, and quite soon as well.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 12th, 2017
Hi Susan. Lucy needs to see a vet immediately. It sounds like she is suffering from a severe infection, and the medications needed to treat these infections can only be gotten from a vet. OTC medications do not contain the strength needed to treat these things, antibiotics are by prescription only. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. Please take Lucy into a vet right away to have her eye examined and the necessary medications prescribed to treat her condition. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Cat eye infection with yellow discharge. Can human OTC drops help?

A check up would be needed anyway as the signs you are describing could be compatible with corneal ulceration. Antibiotics eye drops may be necessary (clindamycin eye drops 0.5% for humans would be ok). If a corneal ulcer is present medical treatment may not be enough to solve the problem.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can I use Optrex eye drops to clear up a stray cat's eye problem?

It is never recommended to medicate a pet without the advice of your veterinarian. A physical exam is strongly recommended to confirm infection so the appropriate antibiotic can be used. Inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to resistant bacteria and may complicate any underlying conditions. If you choose to use this medication, chloramphenicol can cause serious blood abnormalities, thus should be handled with caution.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has eye discharge. What medication can I give him to treat it?

It sounds like Macho may have an eye infection. Unfortunately, by law it is illegal for the experts at Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to give the dose information for any drug, including OTC drugs, without seeing the animal in person first. That's because doing so requires a veterinary client patient relationship which cannot be achieve via an internet forum. In addition, the experts cannot say for certain if a specific drug is safe for your cat. I would recommend taking Macho into the vet today for an exam. The vet can confirm that he has an eye infection, and can prescribe medication to treat it. It's very important to have any eye condition examined and treated promptly, as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Can I get over-the-counter antibiotic eye drops for kittens?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Unfortunately no. :( Tobramycin is an antibiotic eye drop. Anything that contains an antibiotic requires a prescription. Also when it comes to eyes we have to very careful with what we prescribe, making sure it is safe for the eye and the condition being treated. If the kittens are having eye issues it’s best to have them seen to obtain a prescription. Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has an eye infection. Can I use teabags or human eye drops?

Unfortunately, a tea bag will not cure Uno's eye infection, and I would not recommend using human eye drops on it. That's because a cat's eye reacts differently to human eye medications than a human's eye, and you can accidentally do harm to his eye with this. The eye is such an important and delicate structure that any problem with it is considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take Uno into a vet immediately to have his eye examined and treated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Are OTC eye drops safe for my dog's dry eyes with white clumps?

Unfortunately, there are no safe OTC eye drops for pets. That's because a pet's eye reacts differently to human eye drops than a human eye, and giving them human drops without veterinary supervision can cause harm. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any eye problem should be considering an emergency. Leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take Coochie into a vet now to his eye examined and treated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Are Ceflox-D eye drops safe for my Persian cat's sensitive eyes?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I only recommend erythromycin or terramycin be used in a cats eye. I recommend, if Riley is having an issue with her eyes, that you see a Veterinarian before putting anything in them. You don't want to do more harm than good. Cats are very sensitive and can react to many eye medications and can react to them all! I hope this helps and I wish you the best!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share