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

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Depending on what the cause is, it is possible this could be due to a viral cause. If viral, it is definitely possible that it can be transmitted from cat to cat. Toxoplasmosis is another possibility that I wou ld suspect and this also can be transmitted to your other cat through infected feces. I would recommend that Lucy be tested for toxoplasmosis and go on a course of an antibiotic. I would keep the 2 cats separated for about a 7-10 days if possible. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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.

Cats often are infected with herpesvirus as kittens, and it can come and go throughout their lives, but often it flares up during times of stress (such as adding a new kitten). They can also get secondary bacterial infections in the eyes and upper respiratory infections. If it's not improving on its own or he starts squinting or pawing at his eye he may need antibiotic drops from your vet.

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

Yes, you need to keep your cat separated from the kitten. Parasites, Felv/FIV viruses or the respiratory infection could all spread to the adult cat. Make sure to wash your hands and change any clothes that came in contact with the kitten after you handle him to lessen the chance of contamination. If you cannot locate the owner and the kitten is sick, have it examined by the veterinarian so that it doesn't get worse. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

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.

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).