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My newborn kittens have eye infections. What should I do to help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 2.53 lbs

2 of my 4 newborn kittens have eye infection. What is the best treatment that I should do to help them? How can I help them cured? Is it true that I should clean their mother's nipples so that the others two don't get infected?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on January 29th, 2019

Poor kittens! Eye infections can be viral or bacterial. Unfortunately you’re not likely to clear an eye infection with at home care. Just like with humans, these guys require antibiotic eyedrops which you will need to get from the veterinarian. I recommend to call your clinic and make an appointment ideally today. Eye infections in young kittens can become serious and cause permanent damage to the corneas. Bring the whole litter and the mother. Certainly cleaning off the teats and the rest of the environment will help but all the kittens have been exposed at this point. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 24th, 2018
Oh these poor little kitties! Thank you for taking them in. They truly need veterinary care because they need to have the eyes checked to be sure they don't have corneal ulcerations, and they likely need medicated eye ointment or drops that is not available over the counter. I would make an appointment at the vet to see them ASAP. In the meantime, you can try to gently remove the crusted debris around their eyes by holding a clean wet cloth over the soiled fur to help soften the discharge and attempt to wipe it off or brush it out. You can also try to rinse the eyes with sterile eye wash available at most pet stores but they do truly need veterinary care to treat the condition. Best of luck to you and your kitties. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 27th, 2018
I would have to agree with you here. The scabbing on these kittens is suggestive of sarcoptic mange or ringworm. You will have to get these kitties tested first to determine which is the cause, since they can look very similar when most of the skin lesions are on the kitties face. THey also need to be dewormed with a broad spectrum dewormer such as Pyrantel Palmoate or Fenbendazole if they are vomiting up round worms. The diarrhea is likely due to the worms, so once this is treated for this should resolve.
The gooey eye likely needs to be treated with an antibiotic eye ointment prescribed by your vet to resolve. Kitties get viral infections that then have a secondary bacterial component, especially strays. I would also recommend supplementing an antiviral medication called Lysine powder daily, which can be found at any pet store.
However, for most of their issues, you will need to schedule an appt with your local vet. Here is a financial resources website if needed to help afford their vet care visit. http://m.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html
www.carecredit.com

I hope that this helps and it sounds like your kitties just need a few treatments to get them to a healthy status. Nothing that sounds life threatening so far! I hope that your kitties get well soon. Best of luck and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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