How to safely clean a cat's scratch above its eye and when to see a vet?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

  Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

  Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to see in that picture but the best way to clean it will depend on how deep and involved the scratch is. If it does not appear to have broken the skin and it is not open then you could just use a cloth soaked in a bit of water. If there is an open wound per se, I recommended that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as he may require further local therapy. Good luck and have a great Sunday! He is a cutie by the way!

  

  6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 23rd, 2019

  Going tomorrow is fine (waiting longer than that isn't) unless Cleo seems uncomfortable tonight. You wouldn't be able to see a scratch on the eye at home, but in the clinic they will likely stain the surface of her eye and look at it with a special light to see if there are any scratches. If you have an e-collar that fits her, putting it on tonight will prevent her from further injuring herself. And if she can't settle, wants to rub at the eye, or you see with the naked eye any changes to the way her eye looks, then I would recommend an ER trip. Good luck! Eyelids are pretty amazing and may have protected her eyeball, but definitely needs checked out tomorrow.

  

  2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on August 22nd, 2018

  I am very sorry to hear about Tom. Unfortunately without medication from the vet there isn't a whole lot you can do for him. You can rinse the eye with a sterile eye wash solution and use a clean wet cloth to wipe away discharge. If he is rubbing his eye then an e-collar (the lampshade type collar) can be helpful to prevent self-trauma and also keeping him indoors to avoid potential exposure to dirt. The vet will examine the eye and likely prescribe antibiotic ointment and pain medication for him.

  

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• Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on April 29th, 2017

  It looks red indeed, it's probably infected, i cannot see any visible eye damage (although i can't rule it out without checking the eye myself), if you do not see any deterioration it can wait until Tuesday. there is nothing you can get for this eye condition without a veterinary prescription so any treatment will have to wait.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful