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My outdoor cat has a swollen eye. Is it an insect bite or injury?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 2 years and 5 months old | 12 lbs

My cat's eye is swollen. It started this morning as a small bump and is now visibly larger. He spends a lot of time outdoors and I'm afraid he may have been bitten but I'm unsure. Please help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 3rd, 2020

Hello. While the swelling is quite noticeable, he does not appear to be in any pain or discomfort. There is no discharge or tearing, & the eye looks very healthy. The problem, however, is I can not tell from a picture if this is just benign swelling from a possible insect sting, or if Bootz got into an argument with another cat & you have an abscess brewing. If it is just a sting, the swelling should be better tomorrow. If not, and the area is worse, firmer & warmer in the morning, then I would think this is a bite wound & Bootz may need antibiotics. See how he is in the morning & decide if he needs to be treated for a possible abscess. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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