My kitten has brown discharge and can't open one eye. What's wrong?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! If it has been going on that long I would seek medical attention. There may be an ulcer or a scratch on the cornea (which you may not be able to see) that needs to be addressed. Kisses to Fuego!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may 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!

Some eye discharge and tear staining can be normal, especially in white or other light-furred colors that will show the stain more easily. Many pet stores carry products to help remove the stain and keep the eyes clear. If the discharge becomes green, yellow, or you notice any other symptoms of illness, this could indicate an issue such as a respiratory infection instead, which should be checked out by your vet.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Thank you for sending pictures as well- this is very helpful. The eyes (right eye especially) do look very infected. Eye infections in kittens are usually caused by a virus and is best treated with antibiotics and sometimes antiviral medications and supplements such as Lysine. Sometimes these infections can cause the kitten to rub excessively around the eyes which can cause the area around the eye to become very red and inflamed. Batshiva does really need to see a veterinarian for this so she can get properly treated. Eye infections can lead to lead to more serious conditions or the eye so it is best that she is seen sooner rather than later. I hope this helps and I hope she can see a veterinarian soon!

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.

Hi there, I'm only appreciating a small amount of eye discharge in the photograph, which could be normal after a long nap or sleep, just like in people. If Percy begins to hold his eyes closed, the eye discharge becomes yellow/green/runny, sneezing, coughing, or less interest in food- these would all be signs of a respiratory infection that may require treatment and an exam from your vet. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is quite unusual. This may be a birth defect for example. Regardless, they need to see a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as possible as this is likely causing significant discomfort. They would be able to evaluate the eye and see what the functional condition of the eye is. They can make treatment recommendations based on that. Good luck and have a great day!