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My kitten has eye discharge and red eyes after new cat. Is it serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 7 months and 22 days old | 11 lbs

My 7 mo. old male kitten (Samson) recently started having discharge out of both eyes, lower white part of eyes is a little red. This started just after I introduced a 12 wk old male kitten (Moses) in the home as a playmate. The 12 wk old kitten sneezes a lot but seems fine and was vetted before I got him. Both are neutered and vetted. Not sure why my 7 mo. old has discharge in his eyes. He doesn't seem in pain, still runs, plays. This is my first time having cats ever so unsure what to do.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

Veterinarian

Published on July 13th, 2017

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 23rd, 2019
It is possibly infected. It may just be inflamed. The two most common ocular problem in kittens is chlamydia and herpes. I suggest you have the kitten examined by a vet so it doesn't get worse. It can be serious.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 17th, 2019
I am sorry to hear about your concerns. We do worry in kittens with eye infections about the possibility of feline herpes virus https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951824
which unfortunately can be something that recurrs later on in life depending on the cat. I would ask to see the vet records or see if you can talk to the vet who has examined the kittens to see if they think it could be feline herpes virus.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident
Published on July 18th, 2018
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be due to an eye injury or conditions such as a corneal laceration, corneal ulcer, conjunctivitis, dry eye (also known as KCS), among many other conditions. I highly recommend that you have your kitty evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Further therapy would be based on the findings. Good luck and best wishes!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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