Can I use Optrex eye drops to clear up a stray cat's eye problem?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I only recommend erythromycin or terramycin be used in a cats eye. I recommend, if Riley is having an issue with her eyes, that you see a Veterinarian before putting anything in them. You don't want to do more harm than good. Cats are very sensitive and can react to many eye medications and can react to them all! I hope this helps and I wish you the best!

I would not listen to online sites saying to buy eye drops from the drug store. A lot of these sites are written by people who have no veterinary education at all, and some of their advice is frankly dangerous and potentially fatal. It is never advised to buy OTC eye drops for a cat because a cat's eye reacts differently to human eye medications than a human's eye does. In addition, some of these drops contain ingredients that are unsafe for use in cats. It sounds like Cleo may have an eye infection, and she will need to see a vet to get a topical antibiotic ointment to treat the infection. I would take her into the vet first thing Monday. Until then, it's fine to use a warm wash cloth to wipe away any gunk that comes from her eye. I hope this helps!

I'm sorry that Kenny has conjunctivitis! Unfortunately, I would not recommend using these drops in Kenny's eye - polymyxin is not recommended for use in cats, as it can cause a severe reaction in some cases. It's also important to determine what is causing Kenny's eye problem, since conjunctivitis can be caused by an eye infection, an upper respiratory viral or bacterial infection, or an injury to the cornea such as a scratch or ulcer - treatment recommendations would be different depending on the underlying problem. Because of this, I would recommend taking Kenny to the vet for an exam as soon as you are able to. He/she can take a look at the eye and do some simple testing if needed to help diagnose the problem, and will prescribe a safe and effective eye drop to treat it.

No, I don't recommend to use this product. There are other antibiotics that are more appropriate for eye infections but you will need to call your veterinarian for recommendations. Pharmacy law prohibits online veterinarians from discussing the usage of medications not prescribed for that individual pet. There is a supplement called Lysine which may also help. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

If the eye discharge is clear then an infection is not present, so you don't have to use the eye gel (erythromycin). Instead you should use an anti-viral supplement such as Lysine gel/powder from your local pet store or vet clinic. Cats are prone to viral infections which can cause watery eye discharge and reddish discharge. The use of antibiotics is only needed when a secondary infection is also present. Lysine powder/gel can be given throughout Richard's lifespan to help boost her immune system and help ward off future viral infections (i.e. herpesvirus).

No, I would not recommend using that on Russo's eye. The irritation in Russo's eye could be due to an eye infection, and he would need an antibiotic eye ointment to treat it. Because of the importance and delicate nature of an eye, it is never recommended to try to treat any eye problems yourself, and these problems should be seen by a vet immediately. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take Russo to a vet now to have his eye examined and treated.

Ideally, he should be physically examined by your veterinarian before any treatment is administered. He may need systemic antibiotics in addition to topical treatment. Pain medication may also be indicated. Legally, we are prohibited from telling you to medicate your pet in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (veterinarian-patient-client relationship).