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

My barn cat's eyes are watery and stuck shut. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

cutie is a barn cat and has watery eyes that are now stuck closed

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on December 4th, 2016

That is as a result of a severe eye infection, you need to bring him to the vet urgently, they will clean and open the eyes and then they will prescribe an eye ointment to treat this infection. Failing to do so will cause permanent blindness to your cat.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 14th, 2019
The ointment you got from Amazon won't be prescription strength, which is why it isn't helping. You need to take him into the vet to get prescription eye medication. It is bothering him if he's rubbing it a lot and is light sensitive. Please bring him into a vet today. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenny, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 5th, 2017
It is concerning but not serious since it does not bother him and he holds the open. It may be a allergy or a reaction if he got something in it to irritate it. Cats are prone to viral infections that can cause conjunctivitis, so I would worry that is starting to shows signs from this. I would have your vet check the eye to make sure, but it does not have to be as an emergency. Until then, make sure to keep the eye clean
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on April 24th, 2018
This is probably an upper respiratory infection. it's very common in young cats and is very contagious to other cats as well.
It is treated with antibiotic eye drops/ointment and oral antibiotics for about 2 weeks. if left untreated many cats will end up blind or even die from the disease.
It seems your vet already started the treatment which should be completed, if the condition does not improve you will need to take him back to the vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My cat's eye is sticky and shut in the evening. What's wrong?

It looks as Louie is suffering from an eye infection, it is relatively common in cats. you will need to take him to the vet the first chance you get, the vet will check the eyes, if it is indeed a simple eye infection your vet will prescribe an antibiotic eye drops that will probably solve the problem in no time.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat's eye is barely open and he's lethargic. Is this serious?

Poor Sweets! He could have injured his eye, or could he have a severe eye infection. This is something that needs to be treated promptly by a vet, as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would have your daughter take him into a vet now. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Stray kitten has gooey eye discharge and eyes are shut. What do I do?

Your kitty likely is suffering from an upper respiratory infection and should be seen by a vet for an exam and deworming. It will likely need prescription antibiotics. In the meantime (until you can take her to a vet) you can tak a cloth with warm water an soak the eyes. This should help with opening them. You can then gently wipe off the purulent discharge.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's eye is closed and struggling to open. Is it an emergency?

I would take Kovu into a vet immediately, as this is a medical emergency. The eye is such a delicate and important structure, and leaving this untreated can lead to vision loss. In addition, it will be causing him a lot of pain. He needs treatment on it now to prevent vision loss from happening, so please take him into a vet right away.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten's eyes are shut with white film and yellow discharge. What to do?

This is likely to be a due to a viral and bacterial infection of the eye, which would require immediate check up as antibiotics are immediately needed. These type of ocular infections can result in corneal damage and possibly perforations if not treated quite rapidly.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cat's eye is closed with mucus and she's sneezing. What should I do?

You could use a warm washcloth to get some of the mucous off of Cat's eye and hopefully allow it to open, but I wouldn't try too hard to open it. It is possible that she is holding it shut because it is painful as well. It sounds like she could have an upper respiratory infection, which is usually viral however if there is eye discharge she could have a secondary bacterial infection. I would recommend seeing a veterinarian so they can examine her eye and prescribe antibiotics or topical eye medication if necessary.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cat's eye is red, oozing blood, and barely opens. What's happening?

It looks as Binx is suffering from an eye infection, it is relatively common in cats. you will need to take him to the vet the first chance you get, the vet will check the eyes, if it is indeed a simple eye infection your vet will prescribe an antibiotic eye drops that will probably solve the problem in no time.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share