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My cat has goopy eye discharge. When should I worry and see a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Starting yesterday afternoon, we’ve notice this goopy discharge forming on the corner on our cats eye. Today there is still discharge which almost clear with some white in it. Is it something we should strongly be worried about to visit a local vet or will it pass? I’ve attached the best photos I can. She is camera shy.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 24th, 2017

I'm sorry the images you posted did not attach. You may want to try to upload them from a computer rather than a phone to see if that works.

You may be seeing some normal discharge however this could also be a sign of allergies or infection.

If your cat is not squinting the eye, pawing at it, or having excessive tearing you may just be seeing normal discharge. Without a picture it's hard to say for sure, so it's often best to err on the side of caution and have your cat examined by a veterinarian as eye issues can escalate quickly.

Please try your picture again so that we can provide more information and recommendations.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Unfortunately the photo did not attach to your post, if the discharge was not transparent then it is likely to be a bacterial infection and it will probably not resolve on it's on, you will need to take him to the vet in order to get an antibiotic eye drops.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on September 24th, 2017
Hello again, i'm really sorry but we seem to have an issue on the site with uploading pictures, the tech team is on it and will hopefully be able to solve this issue real soon. as i have written to you in the previous post, if the discharge is not clear then it is likely to be a bacterial infection which will require antibiotic eye drops.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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