Is a stray cat's eye scab contagious to my vaccinated cats at home?

I would keep the stray separated from your other cats. It is possible the stray has a contagious viral illness, parasites, or other issues that could easily be spread to your other cats. It is best to keep the sick stray in a different room with its own food and water and litter, and to schedule a vet visit ASAP for testing for FeLV/FIV, and to treat the ulcers.

It's always tough trying to deal with feral cats. The best option would be to take her to the vet (maybe they could spay her at the same time? Not all vets would be able to do that, but might be worth asking). The vet could sedate her, check out her eye, and vaccinate her for rabies at least. There is a risk of her biting, but we usually can take appropriate precautions to avoid this. If you do take her in, ask your vet ahead of time what preferences they have for type of carrier etc so that they have the best chance of successfully looking at her. It will probably end up costing you a decent amount of money to take her in, because of the extra time +/- sedation that will be required (plus costs for testing, vaccines, medications), so just be aware of that ahead of time. That said, to answer your question about care at home - she could have a viral eye infection (very very common in cats), or it could have gotten worse and become a bacterial infection or an ulcer. She could have issues with the pressure in her eye or have a congenital problem. All we really know is that her eye hurts for some reason. All you can really do at home is keep the eye clean with a warm wash cloth and maybe put some lubricating drops in (GenTeal severe is best for this, it's an OTC human eye drop). You can also give her L-lysine treats which will help fight off a viral infection. That won't be enough if she has a bacterial infection, an ulcer, or really any issue other than a mild viral infection. Eye issues can get bad fast she risks losing sight or the eye itself, so definitely consider going the vet route if at all possible. I hope she's feeling better soon! Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Some illnesses can be transmitted from one cat to another from your hands or clothing. I recommend washing hands and possibly leaving shoes away from your cats if the stray sneezed on or near them. Basic good hygiene will help prevent disease transmission to your kitties. If you are able please take the stray into the vet as soon as you are able as it sounds like she may have a significant respiratory infection. Be sure that she is tested for feline leukemia and FIV before you ever let her near your cats to be safe.

While I can see the lesion you're referring to in the pictures it's difficult to tell where it originates from. It could be a growth coming from the iris or foreign material stuck in the eye. I would recommend catching him for your vet to take a look - it is possible that it's something that could affect his vision. If it's really difficult to take him to the vet you could see if there are any mobile veterinarians in your area that could come to the house, but you would still need to confine him somewhere inside (without many areas to hide) for the visit.

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.

These lesions may be compatible with a skin infection due to fungal disease (ringworm), mites infestation or bacterial infection. I am afraid a veterinary check up would be needed to understand the underlying cause of it and treat appropriately. Please do not hesitate to write to us again on the forum or request a consultation (where you can upload pictures) to discuss this problem any further.

If you are able to catch the cat the best option is for it to have a veterinary exam. Whether the speed through your veterinarian or if you have a stray or feral cat consortium in your area that may help. He likely needs systemic antibiotics and all alarm may potential he require surgery to remove any remnants of the globe if the eye ruptured. If he's difficult to handle or you're on shore please contact your local Humane Society group or animal control. Do not get bitten. Rabies in stray cats is a very real possibility. Thanks for looking out for the sky. Good luck and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach