Why is my recently adopted cat's eye watering, even if clear?

Yes, URI's (upper respiratory infections) are very common in kittens and cats that have been living in shelters. They typically are caused by viruses and most of them resolve without treatment, but they turn into bacterial infections that make the cat feel pretty awful, and need antibiotics. I would recommend calling the shelter from which you adopted the kitten and see if maybe he was treated for a URI while he was there. If so, perhaps it's resolving normally. If not, he may just now be showing the signs and he may need to be checked out (by the shelter or a private vet) before things get worse.

Yes, a lot of times an upper respiratory infection in a cat will cause conjunctivitis and other eye issues. So it's definitely possible that Argyle picked up something from your new cat. Things such as feline herpes and chylamydia are some respiratory diseases that can cause eye problems. You are also correct that although a corneal scratch is possible it is less likely because both eyes are affected. Because the eyes are involved I recommend having Argyle seen by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Eye infections can escalate quickly so it's best to start treating them right away. In the mean time you can start a lysine supplement as this will sometimes help hasten recovery from a viral infection. I hope Argyle recovers quickly! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello. It is very common for an upper respiratory tract infection to also cause eye symptoms. This may include a clear watery discharge and inflammation of the eyelids and conjunctiva. If the discharge becomes thick and yellow/ green or your cat squints or is holding the eye closed, she should be rechecked and started in eye medication as well. If the symptoms are mild as they are now, it may resolve on its own when the virus runs its course and goes away. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

This actually sounds more like a viral upper respiratory infection. Herpesvirus and calicivirus are very common in cats and many cats are exposed as kittens then continue to have mild outbreaks throughout their lives, particularly during times of stress. Symptoms include watery or red eyes with clear discharge, squinting, sneezing and clear nasal discharge. If this is new for Cass I'd recommend having your veterinarian take a look at her to see what they think. I would not recommend using any eye washes or giving antihistamines - this would be unlikely to help and could make the symptoms worse.

A lot of cats have viral infections such as influenza, herpes and calici, that come and go. They hide in the system and recur usually in times of stress. The move has likely caused a virus to reemerge. It should clear up by itself but if she becomes very unwell it would be worth a vet visit. The initial viral stage has likely caused a high temperature which could be putting her off food.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding October. If her eye is producing yellow/green discharge or if she is squinting, this is cause for concern. If there is a clear liquid, then there are several potential causes. She could be experiencing allergies, but this typically affects both eyes. If she has an eyelash growing the wrong way, it could be rubbing against her eye and irritating it. She could also have a blocked tear duct. You can ask her veterinarian about these possibilities next time she is there. I hope this information helps!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cats. I suspect that your adult cat has caught the upper respiratory tract infection from the kitten. A lot of cats can clear the infection on their own. However, if he loses his appetite, becomes lethargic or the symptoms are not resolving, then he will need to see his veterinarian. I hope this information helps!