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My cat's eye is swollen and painful. Does she need emergency vet care?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 2 lbs

Hello doctor! I have a request. Kindly help me out. Someone has beaten up my cat in her left eye. And she is in pain. She is unable to close her eyes. And there is a swelling. It seems as if someone has pulled her eyes out. She is a female cat.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 14th, 2018

Yes, it does look like she suffered some trauma to that eye. From the photo, it looks like the eye probably cannot be saved. Kitty should see a veterinarian as soon as possible for an exam. They can then determine if surgery to remove the injured eye is the best option. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on May 6th, 2017
His eye does look swollen! He could have injured his eye or he could have an eye infection. The eye is such an important and delicate structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take him into a vet immediately to diagnose what is causing his eye to be swollen so it can be treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 11th, 2019
I would recommend seeing a veterinarian right away. I would be concerned about something like glaucoma secondary to the inflammation in the eye. Glaucoma can cause vision loss if it is not treated promptly.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on December 1st, 2016
Yana has to see a vet right away. Eye injuries are considering an emergency, as leaving them untreated can lead to vision loss. The vet can determine the best course of treatment, please take him into a vet now.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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