My cat's eye looks infected. Is it serious? When should I see a vet?

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!

Any eye problem is considered serious because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. It's possible that Shy does have a scratch on his eye, that can often only be visualized with a fluorescein stain. It could also be that he has an eye infection. I recommend taking him into the vet first thing in the morning. The vet can diagnose what is causing the discharge from his eye, and can prescribe a treatment for it. Best of luck, I hope this helps.

Poor Sweets! He could have injured his eye, or could he have a severe eye infection. This is something that needs to be treated promptly by a vet, as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would have your daughter take him into a vet now. Best of luck.

Oh boy. Felix needs to see a vet ASAP if you want a chance at saving the eye. There could be an ulcer, infection, or it could be secondary to several upper respiratory viruses. The vet will do an exam and look closely at the eye to determine what treatments and pain medications are needed.

Poor Saber Tooth! He could have a severe eye infection or he could have injured his eye. 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 permanent vision loss. He does need to see a vet now. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Good luck, I hope this helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian. He seems to have an opacity in his eye. This can be on the cornea (surface of his eye) or on the lens. He could have a scratch across his eye or even a scar. If the problem is on his lens, then a cataract is a possibility. His veterinarian will examine his eye with a special instrument called an ophthalmic scope. Some tests may be recommended as well. I hope this information helps!

It looks as Quatro is suffering from an eye infection, it is relatively common in cats. you will need to take her to the vet the first chance you get, the vet will check the eyes, if it is indeed a simple eye infection your vet will prescribe an antibiotic eye drops that will probably solve the problem in no time.