Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Can I use human eye drops like Systane for my cat's eye problem?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has something going on in his eye and i was wondering can i use Systane lubricant eye drops for my cat?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Silvia De Cecco, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on February 15th, 2018

Eye lubricant helps only if your cat has dry eye (extremely rare) but if he has conjunctivitis, a little foreign body stuck under his eyelid, a corneal injury or ulcer it isn't indicated. If your cat keep the eye close or squint or has an eye discharge, I recommend to have him checked by your vet that will perform a full ophthalmologic examination. Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope my answer was helpful.

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on May 23rd, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

No, I wouldn't use a human lubricating eye drop in a cats eye. Cats do not classically get dry eye. Most of their eye issues are viral or bacterial related. Cats are very sensitive to medications, including eye drops. Leo needs a diagnosis and the appropriate drop for his eye.

I wish Leo the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 30th, 2019
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would not use any product that wasn’t prescribed by a veterinarian, especially in the eyes. If Kat is having an eye issue, I recommend taking her to a vet for a close look and proper pet medications. Human medications can sometimes make pets worse and without knowing what is going on, I would wait and see a vet. Good luck and kisses to Kat!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 20th, 2018
Please do not put any eye drops into your cat's eyes unless your veterinarian directs you to do so. The eyes are very sensitive organs, and even the slightest bacterial contamination introduced by an ointment or drops can compromise your cat's eye sight. If your kitty has problems with its eyes, you need to take her to your veterinarian for an exam.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 10th, 2019
Another type of human eye drops with prednisolone would be better as, if there is a corneal ulceration, this would be contraindicated. Antibiotic only eye drops would be safer and effective (like eye drops chloramphenicol 0.5%).
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat's eye is irritated. Should I use human eye drops or see a vet?

No, I would not recommend using that on Russo's eye. The irritation in Russo's eye could be due to an eye infection, and he would need an antibiotic eye ointment to treat it. Because of the importance and delicate nature of an eye, it is never recommended to try to treat any eye problems yourself, and these problems should be seen by a vet immediately. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take Russo to a vet now to have his eye examined and treated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten has an inflamed eyelid. Can I use expired eye drops?

This usually happens when the eye is damaged (scratched or punctured), in pain from an infection, or something is stuck inside the eyelid. It's best if you can first flush under the eyelid with normal saline. Saline flush can be bought at the pharmacy, or supermarket in the eye care section. Flush the eye 3-4 times daily and gently wipe away the discharge with a warm/moist cotton or cloth. Below is a link to a good video that demonstrates how to flush the eye. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDGzdUTUdNI The expiry dates are usually not very accurate, so it's likely OK to use the conoptal, but we can't recommend giving this medication without seeing the eye and diagnosing the condition. If it was not expired, then this is a good antibiotic that can be helpful in certain cases where infection is considered the primary cause. As always, it's best to have a vet evaluate the eye and prescribe the necessary treatment. If the eye appears worse and/or has a lot of yellow/green discharge, then I would definitely recommend taking Suzy to the vet for an evaluation. They will be able to better inspect the eye and provide the most appropriate treatment. I hope that helps and Suzi gets better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat has a squinty, leaking eye and sneezes. How to give eye drops?

I would recommend calling your vet and asking for a drop instead of an ointment. I have found that drops are much easier to administer. I would recommend trying to continue with the recommendations from your vet.; The eye is most likely infected with a viral and secondary bacterial infection. The viralys will help with the viral part of the infection. You can take a warm wash cloth and wipe off the eye a few times a day to help remove any discharge.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Can I use Clear Eyes drops on my 3-month-old kitten's red eyes?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Human products that are natural tears such as Clear Eyes can be used, just be extra certain there are no medicinal ingredients. If the eyes are red and watering however, she might need medications and a visit to the vet is a good idea. As long as she isn't squinting, you can try the natural tears first, but if she isn't 100% by tomorrow then I would have her seen, or if she starts squinting then have her seen ASAP. Eyes will either get better or worse very quickly, so monitor them closely. Best of luck with Sassy!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Can I use saline or eye drops for my cat's irritated eye discharge?

Yes, you can try just plain saline. Flush gently for a few seconds. But if you don't see any improvement within 24 hours, I would have Onyx checked out by a vet. There could be a small scratch or ulcer causing the discharge to build up, or even the start of an upper respiratory tract infection. Here are some links you may find helpful: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-things-you-should-know-about-feline-respiratory-infections/ https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951489

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Cat eye infection with yellow discharge. Can human OTC drops help?

A check up would be needed anyway as the signs you are describing could be compatible with corneal ulceration. Antibiotics eye drops may be necessary (clindamycin eye drops 0.5% for humans would be ok). If a corneal ulcer is present medical treatment may not be enough to solve the problem.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat has eye boogers and gunk. How can I make him more comfortable?

You could try an over the counter GenTeal eye drops to keep his eyes well lubricated. If the condition continues, he starts squinting, or his eyes look red then he needs to be examined by a vet to determine what treatment is needed.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share