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Why is my cat's eye red, squinting, and his face so itchy?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 12 lbs

my cat keeps itching this right part of his face & he keeps squinting the eye under the pink part. It’s pink & really red & we think it’s an allergic reaction but we’re very worried. He keeps itching it & it’s getting more & more red. What should I do/what happened?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 24th, 2018

Poor Beanz! It could be he is having an allergic reaction, but he could also have an eye infection or suffered trauma to his eye causing him to scratch at it. First off, put an Ecollar on him to keep him from scratching at the area. He could do damage to his eye with his claws if he keeps rubbing at it. You can make an Ecollar at home, and I will put a link below on how to do it. Then I would monitor him. If the area keeps getting redder and his face starts swelling, or if his eye starts swelling shut or he has an excessive discharge coming from his eye, I would take him into a vet immediately. Otherwise, take him into the vet on Monday. Best of luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ffR-LzyW1M

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 1st, 2023
Hello, thank you for using PetCoach.

If he is squinting the eye or the white part of the eye is red, then there could be a scratch on the eyeball. In this case he needs to see a vet.

If he is not squinting and the eyeball looks normal, then you can try applying this eye gel two to three times per day.

( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-pet-eye-gel-for-dogs-3-fl-oz-3760339 )

If there is no improvement after 5 days of using the eye gel then he will need to see a vet.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on November 20th, 2017
I am so sorry to hear that Little John is experiencing these problems with his eye. Thank you for providing an excellent picture, it seems red and has discharge. Start by placing an e-collar or cone on Little John to prevent scratching or rubbing. If the eye is infected it is likely painful, this will prompt Him to scratch or rub his eye. However, this could inflict further damage, infection or even an ulceration.

Because eye concerns with cats, such as infections, corneal ulcerations, cataracts and glaucoma, can progress rapidly I would have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose the issue. The precise medication can then be dispensed by your veterinarian.

Please do not attempt to treat an eye infection at home with any over the counter medications, drops or ointments. This can lead to permanent damage and unnecessary pain or discomfort.

I hope this answer was helpful and that Little John feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on January 23rd, 2019
That is a really bad eye infection. Most of these infections will respond nicely to appropriate medications although some cats can have permanent damage if the infection has been ongoing and is severe enough. Ideally you will get Smokey into the veterinarian for eye medications as this is the only way to heal it. You can also supplement him with 500mg lysine twice daily in some canned food.
I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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