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Why is my outdoor cat congested with painful, rubbing eyes?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Cat has had breathing problems since I’ve known her for 6 years. She’s an outdoor pet. Sometimes she is more congested and has eye discharge. She has had what I think is reverse sneeze attacks. Lately she has had trouble with her eyes and has cried while she rigorously rubs her eyes and she has trouble opening. It lasts for a few minutes then eventually is okay. I would like advise as to her eye problem.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 4th, 2020

Most likely her symptoms are from chronic herpes virus infection which will typically wax and wane. If she is an outdoor cat she may have underlying feline leukemia and/or feline immunodeficiency virus as well that is compounding the problem. Here is a link to an article about herpes virus in cats:

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-herpesvirus-infection-or-feline-viral-rhinotracheitis

The best thing you can do to help her is to put her on an immune boosting suppelment like this one:

https://worldtails.securevetsource.com/itemView/view/198944_HomeDelivery.pml?productId=135966

You can mix one packet in with her food once a day.

As for the eyes, when she is having an outbreak you can use this ophthalmic gel to help soothe the eyes and make her more comfortable.

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-pet-ophthalmic-gel
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