My cat's eye looks swollen and puffy. What could be the cause?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Facial swelling in cats is usually related to abscesses, either from external wound (scratch, cat fight) or from dental diseases. Please, take Bro to your local vets to confirm the diagnosis and to start treatment for him.

That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. The puffy cheek may be due to an abscess, possibly related to teeth. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. In case of a tooth abscess systemic antibiotics and tooth extraction will be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear Arpy is having facial swelling. Swelling like you are describing can be due to a variety of reasons, including infection (such as an abscess), a problem with a tooth, a growth, or an allergic reaction, among others. I would recommend having him evaluated by a veterinarian, as medications (such as an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory) or even a dental procedure may be necessary to help resolve it. Good luck!

Your poor kitty! That looks very painful. Your kitty needs to see a vet soon for this problem. Cat scratches to the eye can be very serious. All that is visible in the photo appears to be inflammed conjunctival tissue. This may be the primary problem or more likely something is going with the eye or structures associated with the eye/orbit. An eye exam needs to be performed to get to the cause of the problem and to get your kitty some medications. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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.

A sudden swelling under the jaw could be an abscess. Typically these need to be seen by a vet; as they often need to be lanced/drained to get the pus and infection out; then started on antibiotics. Pain medication may be given as well. If he isn't eating, if he's acting lethargic or otherwise not feeling well (vomiting, diarrhea, any change in breathing) seek emergency care. If your vet's office is closed, they likely have a message with who to call or where to seek after hours care in the case of an emergency. If he's still eating and acting ok, you can call and make an appointment at the first possible time. I hope that helps you! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Terry needs to be examined by the veterinarian today. The most common reasons for a swelling like this are tooth root abscesses, skin abscess or an allergic reaction (which is the least common). Abscesses can be very serious and cause sepsis if not treated so I recommend to have him examined today for the correct diagnosis and treatment. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.