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My cat has a watery, goopy eye. Could it be allergies or an infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 years old

She gets a goopy watery look to her right eye sometimes that sometimes makes it so she doesn't open it. I think its allergies but I'm not sure what she'd be allergic to. One brother is allergic to fleas. And the other is allergic to his own fur. I think she may be allergic to the litter because we have trouble getting her to use it. Should I saline her eye? And can I give her half of a claritin? She sounds like she has sinus allergies too.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 6th, 2019

This actually sounds more like a viral upper respiratory infection. Herpesvirus and calicivirus are very common in cats and many cats are exposed as kittens then continue to have mild outbreaks throughout their lives, particularly during times of stress. Symptoms include watery or red eyes with clear discharge, squinting, sneezing and clear nasal discharge. If this is new for Cass I'd recommend having your veterinarian take a look at her to see what they think. I would not recommend using any eye washes or giving antihistamines - this would be unlikely to help and could make the symptoms worse.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on November 11th, 2016
Poor DeDe! It sounds like he probably has an upper respiratory infection - this is a fairly common problem in cats. I can't say for sure what the dark lines in his eyes are without seeing them, but from your description it sounds like they may be corneal sequestra - these are damaged areas of the cornea due to the virus causing the infection, usually feline herpesvirus. I would recommend having him examined by a vet as soon as you can because this can lead to permanent eye damage and vision loss - he will likely need prescription eye drops, as well as oral antibiotics to help fight the infection.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 23rd, 2020
Could you please post again with some photos of the eyes? It is very difficult to give you advice without seeing him. We also need to know what medications you have already tried. Is there pus coming from the eyes or are they just watery and red? Is he indoors only or does he go outside? Any other symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, etc)?

I'm sorry there is just not enough information in your post for us to be helpful. You are welcome to post again with photos and more information or you can opt for a private consult with one of us (veterinarians). If you do a private consultation we can chat back and forth and you can ask as many questions as you'd like.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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