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What's the best way to help a feral cat with an eye infection?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 months and 21 days old | 8 lbs

How can I help a feral cat with an eye infection?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2017

Hi there and thanks for posting!

Eye infections will need to be seen and treated by a veterinarian as the cat may have a viral or bacterial infection of the eye which may need antibiotics or other eye medications as necessary.

I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Robin Diers, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 27th, 2017
Hi there. The stray cat you found may have a scratch on his eye, an eye infection, a bite wound, or even a tooth root abscess. If you plan on keeping him, I recommend taking him to the veterinarian. While there, he can have a full examination, be tested for feline leukemia and FIV, and receive treatment. If you are not planning on keeping him, I recommend taking him to a shelter where he can also receive treatment. Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on February 12th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor cat!

Most eye problems are treated with eye ointment. Sadly you'd have to be able to catch the cat and apply the ointment twice daily. In order to get the medication the cat would need to be examined by a Vet. If there is a humane society or other organization that catches feral cats in your area consider contacting them to help catch the cat and get it medical care. The most common causes of ocular problems in cats are: viral disease, corneal ulcers or trauma.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 8th, 2017
I'm sorry Goblin and Nana have eye infections. If at all possible they need to see a veterinarian for approriate antibiotics and medications. Until you get them treatment try using warm compresses on the eye and cleaning all discharge away. You can use saline eye wash to try to clean their eyes. But they are going to need prescription medications or may be at risk of losing the eyes to infection or rupture.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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How to help a stray cat with a missing eye that is infected?

If you are able to catch the cat the best option is for it to have a veterinary exam. Whether the speed through your veterinarian or if you have a stray or feral cat consortium in your area that may help. He likely needs systemic antibiotics and all alarm may potential he require surgery to remove any remnants of the globe if the eye ruptured. If he's difficult to handle or you're on shore please contact your local Humane Society group or animal control. Do not get bitten. Rabies in stray cats is a very real possibility. Thanks for looking out for the sky. Good luck and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

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Feral cat has a shut eye, can't get to vet. Any home remedies?

Hi, and thanks for your question. That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. 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. Unfortunately there is not much you can effectively do back home without veterinary assistance. A picture of it would help to give you further advices. 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. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

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My neighborhood stray cat has a closed eye. What home care can I give?

It's always tough trying to deal with feral cats. The best option would be to take her to the vet (maybe they could spay her at the same time? Not all vets would be able to do that, but might be worth asking). The vet could sedate her, check out her eye, and vaccinate her for rabies at least. There is a risk of her biting, but we usually can take appropriate precautions to avoid this. If you do take her in, ask your vet ahead of time what preferences they have for type of carrier etc so that they have the best chance of successfully looking at her. It will probably end up costing you a decent amount of money to take her in, because of the extra time +/- sedation that will be required (plus costs for testing, vaccines, medications), so just be aware of that ahead of time. That said, to answer your question about care at home - she could have a viral eye infection (very very common in cats), or it could have gotten worse and become a bacterial infection or an ulcer. She could have issues with the pressure in her eye or have a congenital problem. All we really know is that her eye hurts for some reason. All you can really do at home is keep the eye clean with a warm wash cloth and maybe put some lubricating drops in (GenTeal severe is best for this, it's an OTC human eye drop). You can also give her L-lysine treats which will help fight off a viral infection. That won't be enough if she has a bacterial infection, an ulcer, or really any issue other than a mild viral infection. Eye issues can get bad fast she risks losing sight or the eye itself, so definitely consider going the vet route if at all possible. I hope she's feeling better soon! Good luck!

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You are in a very difficult situation with mommy kitty. Most of the time if a cat has discharge it is related to an infection. Most infections need eye drops to resolve. I would try and take mommy kitty into a vet to determine if the eye needs medications. It is possible that maybe oral antibiotics will help with the eye but you will still have to catch her to administer the oral medications. I hope momma kitty starts feeling better soon

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My cat has an eye infection. What should I do to help him get better?

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Feral cat has eye/nose discharge. Can I buy meds online without a vet?

Unfortunately, you would need confirmation of the infection from a vet, as well as a prescription from them for the antibiotic. Both respiratory and viral infections can cause problems like this. If she can't be transported to the vet, you may see if you can humanely trap her and have the vet sedate her for care while there, or if there is a local animal control/society that can help catch her to provide care.

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