Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

How to care for a found kitten with a shut eye and yellow discharge?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I found a kitten, maybe near 4 weeks or more.. no sign of the mom, and it was a hot day, I took it in and fed it cow milk thinking I was helping but as I’ve read I shouldn’t do it, when I found the cat it’s eye was shut close, I’m trying to clean it as I read online but I don’t know what to do, it’s a yellow discharge and the eye won’t open...

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on July 6th, 2018

Use a warm, wet washcloth to soak the eye for 5 to 10 minutes, then gently wipe it. Do not force it open. The yellow discharge may indicate infection which would need to be confirmed and treated by your veterinarian.
You can get some KMR or similar kitten milk replace to feed the kitten. Some kitten food mix with the KMR to make a gruel or slurry can also be offered.
If you plan on keeping the kitten, discuss deworming and a vaccine protocol with your veterinarian. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites and consider having the kitten tested for FeLV (feline leukemia) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus).

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Stray kitten has gooey eye discharge and eyes are shut. What do I do?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My kitten's eyes are shut with white film and yellow discharge. What to do?

This is likely to be a due to a viral and bacterial infection of the eye, which would require immediate check up as antibiotics are immediately needed. These type of ocular infections can result in corneal damage and possibly perforations if not treated quite rapidly.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Found a stray kitten with eye discharge. Is it contagious to my cats?

Unfortunately, without a physical exam, this cannot be determined. The discharge may be due to bacterial or viral infection and the black may be dirt or debris. An exam with your veterinarian would be needed to diagnose any infection or medical conditions. The safest option would be to keep him/her separated from other cats and wash your hands before and after handling the kitten.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Found a newborn kitten with eyes shut. What and how do I feed it?

Good luck. Make sure to warm it first and if it appears sick or dehydrated I'd recomend a vet visits asap. Look for milk replacer for kittens. kMR is a good brand. And feed as directed. Here's some more info. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576 Good luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

What causes eye discharge and diarrhea in an emaciated stray kitten?

The anal issues are probably from the diarrhea which can be diet related, parasites or an infection. It is not uncommon for kittens to get respiratory infections and have ocular discharge and often sneezing to go with it. It will take some time and medicine to help out. Your vet can deworm and check for parasites the. Provide antibiotics to helo

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new kitten has mucus discharge from one eye. Is it an emergency?

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!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Sick newborn kitten with eye worms and pain: urgent care tips?

Many times kittens with upper respiratory or eye infections can get maggots. Removing the maggots and treating the infection is the first step. The kitten may also have intestinal parasites, which need to be treated based on the type of parasite. Feeding egg yolks is not helpful, you will need to use a kitten milk replacer for nutrition and hydration. I would recommend that you have the kitten examined by a vet for the best chance at saving its life. Here is an article on raising orphans: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951456

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share