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My kitten's eye is suddenly milky and red. Is it an emergency?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 24 days old | 5.2 lbs

What are the most likely causes for a kitten's eye to suddenly appear milky? The sclera is red in the one eye, but pupils are equal and reactive, there is no visible drainage and the third lid is not visible. It has appeared in the last 24-36 hours at the most. I will definitely be able to take her to the vet Monday, but wondering if a Saturday emergency appointment is necessary. Also, is it okay to flush with human saline in case it's just a foreign particle.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on April 8th, 2017

the most common causes are an eye infection or an eye injury (most commonly a scratch on the cornea). If the color of the cornea seems to be changing, i would consider it as an emergency, the damage to the eye might not be reversible if you wait until a monday apointment. if it is just a milky discharge, then it may be ok to wait until monday if it doesn't get worse in the meantime.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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