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My cat has green/yellow eye discharge. Can I clean it or need a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed

My cat has green/ yellow eye discharge comING from her eye. It seems to have only started today, I have cleaned her eyes with warm boiled water and cotton wool to clean off the discharge. Will I need to see a vet or will she get better if I continue to clean her eyes with sterile water and cotton wool? (It has only affected one of her eyes but I clean both just to be safe)

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amber W

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 18th, 2017

Many times discharge from the eye in a cat can signal the start of an upper respiratory infection. Other possible causes are a blocked tear duct, allergy, or scratch on the cornea. Because anytime the eye is involved I'm very cautious I'd recommend seeing veterinarian especially if the issue does not resolve by tomorrow. A veterinarian can examine the eye to ensure there is no infection or signs of an upper respiratory infection starting. They can also check to make sure no corneal scratches are present as these can be painful and require antibiotic ointment to treat. Anytime the eye is having an issue it's always best to err on the side of caution and have it checked out.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Tiger recovers quickly!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 14th, 2017
I would be concerned as well. This discharge can be due to an eye infection or trauma to Zoey's 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 vision loss. I would have Zoey seen by a vet now to examine and diagnose her eye so it can be treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 30th, 2017
Yes, I would definitely take Nyla into a vet. It sounds like she has an eye infection, and any eye infection should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would have Nyla seen by an ER vet, or find a vet on call to see her now. The vet can confirm she does have an eye infection and can treat her for it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on September 24th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Midnight!

Viral infections are common in cats and some affect the eye. He could also have a scratch on his eye. I recommend that if he is still squinting tomorrow that you take him to the Vet. They will check for an ulcer or scratch by staining the eye. He will likely go home with an antibiotic ointment or drop to prevent secondary bacterial infection.

I hope this helps and I wish Midnight a speedy recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Maria DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 18th, 2018
If the discharge gets worse or continues for another day or two I would definitely recommend a veterinarian. It could easily be from the dust in the air but it can develop into an infection.

I would recommend using eye saline to wash Kaylee's eye out and see if it resolves over the next day or two.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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