What should I do if my cat has a lot of eye discharge?

Cat eye discharge may be caused by eye injuries, internal inflammation, feline upper respiratory tract infections, eyelash parasites, ingrown eyelashes, foreign object stimulation, blocked nasolacrimal ducts, or underlying eye diseases. Due to the numerous possible causes of increased eye discharge in cats, it is best to consult a veterinarian promptly if your cat shows signs of discomfort, rather than trying to self-diagnose.

1. Eye injury

If a cat's nails accidentally scratch its eye, it can cause increased discharge. This is not a serious issue, and the cat should recover within 1-2 days.

1. Internal inflammation

If a cat regularly eats food with high oil and salt content, it can easily become inflamed, leading to increased eye discharge. Symptoms may also include red and swollen eyes, continuous crying, dry nose, constipation, or diarrhea. In this case, owners should encourage their cats to drink more water and feed them foods or medications to reduce inflammation. It's also essential to adjust the cat's diet, focusing on lighter flavors and reducing protein and fat intake.

1. Feline upper respiratory tract infections

If a cat has increased eye discharge and symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and fever, it may have a feline upper respiratory tract infection. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.

1. Eyelash parasites

If a cat has a significant amount of eye discharge and shows signs of redness, continuous crying, and sticky secretions, it may have eyelash parasites. Owners should carefully observe their cat's eyes for the presence of white worm-like creatures. In this case, it's best to consult a veterinarian for treatment.

1. Ingrown eyelashes

If a cat has ingrown eyelashes, it can stimulate their eyes and cause increased discharge. Treatment usually involves correcting the eyelashes with a surgical procedure. Regular trimming of the cat's surrounding hair is also necessary.

1. Foreign object stimulation

If a cat is exposed to external stimuli, such as shampoo, hair, smoke, chemical gases, or sprays, it can lead to redness, crying, and increased eye discharge. In this case, owners should first clean the cat's eyes with saline solution and then apply pet-specific antibiotic eye drops. If the condition does not improve after treatment, consult a veterinarian promptly.

1. Blocked nasolacrimal ducts

Cats with blocked nasolacrimal ducts often experience increased eye discharge and frequent crying, especially those with shortened nasal cavities, such as Burmese, Persians, and Himalayans. Treatment usually involves surgical drainage of the ducts, but some cats may experience recurrence after surgery.

1. Eye diseases

Cats with eye diseases such as corneal inflammation or conjunctivitis often show increased eye discharge, along with symptoms like crying, pain, and reluctance to open their eyes. It's essential to consult a veterinarian promptly if these symptoms are present.

In summary, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian promptly if your cat shows signs of eye discomfort or increased discharge. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and ensure your cat's health.