# Cat Eye Discharge — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-eye-discharge): Cat Eye Discharge — Quick answer. Small amounts of clear discharge may be normal in flat-faced breeds or after sleep. Thick yellow or green discharge, squinting, redness, or cloudiness needs a vet — often cat flu, infection, or a corneal ulcer. Eye problems in cats can progress quickly and should not wait.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-eye-discharge): Cat Eye Discharge — Normal discharge vs illness. A trace of clear moisture or light crusting after sleep is common. Persians and other flat-faced breeds often have tear staining from blocked tear ducts — this is cosmetic unless the eye looks sore. Usually harmless: - Clear discharge without squinting or redness - Light sleep crusting that wipes away easily - Tear staining in Persians without pain signs Needs investigation: - Yellow, green, or bloody discharge - Squinting or keeping the eye closed - Red or swollen eyelids - Cloudy or scratched cornea - Discharge with sneezing or fast breathing

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-eye-discharge): Cat Eye Discharge — Common causes in UK cats. | Cause | Typical signs | Notes | |-------|---------------|-------| | Cat flu (URI) | Watery then thick discharge, sneezing | Herpesvirus and calicivirus — see Respiratory infection | | Bacterial conjunctivitis | Yellow-green pus, red eye | Often secondary to viral infection | | Blocked tear ducts | Constant wetness, tear staining | Common in Persians | | Corneal ulcer | Squinting, watery or cloudy eye | Painful — same-day vet care | | Allergies and irritants | Clear discharge, rubbing face | Smoke, dust, perfumed litter | | Foreign body | Sudden squinting | Dust, hair, or grass under eyelid | | Glaucoma | Red, painful, enlarged eye | Emergency — vision at risk | ### Infectious causes Cat flu is a common cause of conjunctivitis in the UK, especially in kittens and unvaccinated cats. Discharge may start watery and become thick. Sneezing, mouth ulcers, and fever can accompany eye signs. Vaccination reduces severity but does not eliminate all viruses.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-eye-discharge): Cat Eye Discharge — When to see a vet urgently. Phone your vet the same day or use emergency out-of-hours care if: - Your cat is squinting or will not open the eye - The eye looks cloudy, blue, or scratched - Thick green or yellow discharge with lethargy - Bulging or very swollen eye - Discharge with open-mouth breathing — see Cat breathing fast - Kitten with sealed-shut eyes or heavy discharge Book a routine appointment within a few days for mild discharge that persists more than 48 hours without squinting.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/cat-eye-discharge