Why is my kitten's one eye red and closed? Could it be an infection?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to know exactly what is going on without being able to look at her. This may be due to an infection for example. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to evaluate her and proceed with therapy accordingly. Best of luck!

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an upper respiratory infection. This is usually treated with antibiotic eye drops and cats usually respond well to therapy. I recommend that you have Bubbles evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If they agree that based on an examination, that seems to be the issue, they will likely prescribe medications to make him feel better. Good luck and best wishes!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor baby Panther! Panther likely has a viral infection or upper respiratory infection and now a secondary bacterial infection in his eyes. The only thing I can tell you to do at home is to gently warm compress his eyes. He sadly needs to see a Vet for antibiotic ointment in the eye. Due to the sensitivity of the eye, a special ointment or drop that is safe for the eye needs to be used. Cats are especially sensitive to certain eye medications. It shouldn't be too expensive to have him seen by a Vet. Also a lot of SPCAs have a low cost Veterinary clinic. I wish you the best and a speedy recovery for Panther!

Hi and thank you for your post on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach this morning! Sounds like Leon may have an eye infection caused by an infectious virus such as feline herpes virus or calicivirus which are common causes of upper respiratory illnesses in cats, especially in shelter situations. Leon may need to be treated with your vet and placed on antibiotics. Unfortunately, there are no over the counter medications that can help with this issue. Leon will need to see a veterinarian. I hope this helps and best of luck to you and Leon!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Suga is having a right eye problem. Upper respiratory disease is very common in kittens and often times the eyes can be a target of infection for the various viruses and bacteria that are associated with feline URI's. I always stress the important of getting eye problems seen immediately and early since the eyes are very important sense organs and they can deteriorate rather quickly. Your vet can examine the eyes, evaluate for the presence of an upper respiratory infection and then advise tests to closer evaluate the eyes themselves. This includes staining of the eye to look for corneal damage (outer surface), tear production, and measuring the pressure inside the eye. Often times we just stain the eyes and want to see the integrity of the cornea. Once a diagnosis is made of corneal scratch/damage or not, treatment can be advised. We use many different approaches for this disease. Oral antibiotics, Eye drops/ointments, nasal drops, L-lysine as a supplement since it affects viral replication, antiviral medicines, probiotics to enhance the gut immunity, deworming to decrease added stress on the kitten, and vaccines to try to boost the immune response towards these viruses. So I would make an appointment and see your vet today. You and Suga will feel better.

Hello. Most of these kitties have a viral infection of the eyes often complicated with a secondary bacterial component. Other than keeping the eyes clear by gently cleaning with warm water a few times a day, there is not much more you can do except having the kitten seen & treated by a veterinarian. With the proper medications, the kitten will start to feel & look better pretty quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.