My 7-week-old kitten has eye discharge. Is it serious or an infection?

I agree that Sprinkles' right eye appears to have a good bit of discharge and squinting. While it's possible that this issue could be caused by an infection, I would expect both eyes to be affected. When only one eye squints, I worry more about corneal ulcers or abrasions. The only way to know for sure is to take Sprinkles to a vet for a physical exam, including eye evaluation. Since Sprinkles is feral, this process is likely to be more challenging, so you may want to ask your vet if they can prescribe a mild oral sedative like gabapentin to be given before the appointment. Depending on what is found, Sprinkles will likely need to receive eye medication at least twice per day, so he may need to be kept inside or in a safe, confined area until this issue has resolved. Eye issues can change and progress rapidly, so it's best to have him evaluated as soon as possible. Until then, keep him confined and try to put an e-collar (cone) on him if at all possible to prevent any rubbing or scratching of this eye. I hope that he's on the mend soon!

Cats often are infected with herpesvirus as kittens, and it can come and go throughout their lives, but often it flares up during times of stress (such as adding a new kitten). They can also get secondary bacterial infections in the eyes and upper respiratory infections. If it's not improving on its own or he starts squinting or pawing at his eye he may need antibiotic drops from your vet.

It sounds like Squeak could have an eye infection. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. You need to take her into a vet immediately to have her eye examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. I hope this helps!

This could be due to a scratch on the eye and/or an infection. The possible infection can be on the outside, or inside of the eye. There are also some eyelid disorders that can cause damage to the eye. Without seeing it, I can't narrow it down more than this. However, the cloudy discharge is concerning enough that it's best to take Shasta to a vet within the next 24 hours. Infections and other problems can quickly cause irreversible damage to the eye, so it's best to have it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. For now, you can flush the eye 3-4 times a day with saline (can get this at the pharmacy or supermarket in the eye care section) to help clean and soothe it. Below is a link to a good video that demonstrates how to do this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDGzdUTUdNI I hope that helps and Shasta gets better soon.

Poor Pete! Squinting and discharge from the eye are common signs of an eye infection. He will need prescription eye drops from your veterinarian to treat this problem, so I would recommend taking him in for an exam as soon as you are able to. In the meantime, you can try gently flushing his eye with plain saline eye wash, and wipe away the drainage with a warm washcloth or cotton ball as often as needed. This will not treat the underlying infection, but may help to make him a bit more comfortable until you are able to see the vet.

I would have Junor seen by a vet. This discharge can be indicative of an eye infection, and that requires an antibiotic eye ointment to treat. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take Junor into a vet right away to have his eyes examined and treated.

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.