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My cat's eye is squinting. What's wrong and when should I see a vet?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Female | 2 years old | 3.4 lbs
My cat has been squinting her left eye for 2 days..i cleaned her eye with a clean wet cotton ball and put a moisturizing eyedrop every couple of hours..it gets better for a while then she starts squinting again..she's 2 years old..shes still eating and playing as always..she had all her vaccinations but her yearly ones has been delayed due to Covid-19 and no working vet clinics..she plays and fights with my other cat but they never had any accidents.. Is it serious? And what should i do? Thanks
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on May 3rd, 2020
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. B. DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
Veterinarian
Published on July 12th, 2018
It looks like she is having some eye discharge as well? And any sneezing or nasal discharge? The squinting could be from irritation or pain. If she is having some of the other symptoms, or even if not, she could be having a upper respiratory (URI) flare up (most cats have been exposed to these viruses in their life, herpes the most common). In the picture she looks to be a kitten, was she a rescue? Many rescue kitties have URI flare ups over their lifes. Some of these kitties do have a secondary bacterial infection as well. Other common causes can include a scratch to the eye (ulcer) and inflammation in the eye (uveitis). These would be more serious. If she think she seems uncomfortable, is pawing at the eye, there is a notable defect to the clear part of the eye, or she is not eating well i would have a vet examine her eye to rule out an ulcer and make sure she does not need any other supportive care. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Amy Poole, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 18th, 2017
Poor Penelope! Squinting is a sign of eye pain, so I definitely would take her in to your vet to have her evaluated. She may have a bacterial or viral infection that needs to be treated, a blocked tear duct, or even a scratch on her cornea. Your vet will need to look into her eye with a special light to see if there are any abnormalities and possibly apply a stain to her eye to evaluate the surface of the eye.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on January 31st, 2018
Your cat likely has conjunctivitis. I recommend getting her in to see your vet. They will do an ophthalmic exam, checking carefully to make sure there isn't any damage to the eyeball itself. Antibiotic ointment will probably be prescribed. Getting it treated sooner rather than later will head off the possibility that the itching and irritation will cause her to rub her face and eye to the point that she does injure the cornea.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful