Is dark, crusty eye discharge normal for my 6-month-old kitten?

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.

You may be seeing dried tears which will sometimes appear dark in color especially in a white cat. If PK is not squinting, and you are not seeing red eyes or excessive discharge what you are seeing is likely normal. However, in some cases eye discharge can be a sign of an upper respiratory infection. It's hard to say for sure if the debris you are seeing in PK is normal without doing an examination on him. If you can take a picture and submit it that may also be helpful. If PK develops any signs of respiratory illness (continued eye discharge, sneezing, lethargy, or changes in appetite) then he should be examined by a veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Her eyes look fine in this photo, but then again there aren't any close up views here. Cats often squint their eyes, especially if they are getting sleepy and about to nap. Now if you notice any redness of the white part of her eye, eye discharge (usually yellow green) or puffiness of her eyes, then I would get concerned about conjunctivitis and then eye drops would have to be prescribed by your vet. Otherwise, this is considered normal and no treatment is recommended at this time. Please let me know if this was helpful information for you and your pet. Best wishes and take care.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Marigold had an upper respiratory infection. A dark colored discharge is completely normal and is just what accumulates near the corner of the eye. It consists of the dried discharge left from the tear film that gets deposited onto the eye and flows across the eye. Unless you notice redness and a green or yellowish discharge I wouldn't worry. A clear discharge with a lot of squinting and redness would be something to have your vet evaluate right away. Sounds like this is completely normal and is found in both normal cats and dogs. Good job treating the conjunctivitis, sounds like it has resolved.

I can see excessive discharge in the right eye and the eye is not as open as the left one. These signs indicate something abnormal and as always with eyes I would recommend to have the eye examined by a vet. The vet will examine the different parts of the eye and make sure no foreign material present as well as stain the eye to evaluate the cornea. Possible causes can be: trauma, foreign material, conjunctivitis, upper respiratory infection and more. Hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

As long as it is black or clear and not green or yellow, this is considered to be a normal weepy eye. This can be caused by a slight increase in tear production and should be wiped clean with a warm wet cloth daily or as needed to prevent further irritation of the skin due to build up. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and take care of your cat Annie moving forward.

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!