What's going on when a cat has eye boogers?

It's normal for cats to have eye boogers, which are usually dry and easy to peel off. If the amount of eye boogers suddenly increases, it could be due to internal heat, and owners can feed their cats more light and high-water-content foods. However, if the eye boogers are abnormally yellow-green or red in color, thick in texture, and difficult to wipe off, it's possible that a disease is causing this. Pathological factors such as bacterial infections leading to conjunctivitis or keratitis, herpes virus infections, and trauma can cause abnormal eye boogers in cats. Owners should take their cats to the hospital for a detailed examination to confirm the cause of the disease.

Usually, healthy cats produce dry, easy-to-peel eye boogers, and if the amount is minimal, it's considered normal.

If a cat has more eye boogers, it could be due to internal heat or oily food. Owners can feed their cats more light and high-water-content foods. However, if the color of the eye boogers is abnormal, the texture is wet or thin, and it's difficult to wipe off, it's likely that the cat is sick. Clinically, the following diseases are considered:

Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections can cause cats to develop conjunctivitis, keratitis, and other diseases. The eyes will secrete yellow-green, moist eye boogers, and treatment involves using antibiotic drugs such as drops containing lysozyme and tetracycline.

Virus infections

After a cat contracts the herpes virus, it will produce more secretions from the eyes and nose. Treatment involves using drugs containing interferon and lysine, along with antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.

Trauma

If a cat's eye suffers external damage such as a blow, bleeding may occur, and the eye boogers may appear abnormal red. It's necessary to consult a doctor promptly to determine the cause of the bleeding and treat it with hemostatic and blood-stasis-resolving drugs.