Cat Eye Problems: A Complete Guide

As a cat owner, you’re likely well-versed in cat communication—a tail pointed straight in the air means your furry friend is happy to see you, paws that knead your favorite blanket mean they’re ready to relax, and a forlorn rrrooooowwwwrrrrr in front of the food bowl means…well, we all know what that one means. 

But what does it mean when your cat is winking, blinking, or squinting at you? This isn’t some sort of secret kitty code. It’s actually a sign that your cat is experiencing dry, irritated, or infected eyes. In fact, eye problems are common among our feline companions. And, just like human eye issues, cat eye issues can be either a temporary nuisance or a sign of a more serious medical condition. 

In this guide, we’ll detail some of the most common cat eye problems, including symptoms to look out for, as well as tips for treatment and prevention. 

Whether you’re tangling with common eye problems in kittens or elderly cats, feline eye issues generally fall into one of three categories:

• Conjunctivitis – Inflammation of the conjunctiva (i.e., the membranes covering the eye) with several causes, including infections and environmental irritants.

• Aging eyes – A natural part of your cat’s life cycle. 

• Congenital issues – Problems your cat is born with.

Luckily, cat eye problems in all three of these categories are usually treatable. While congenital issues or problems that present in old age may not be reversible, they can still be managed so that your cat can keep on enjoying all the snuggles, treats, and toys you have to offer. 

Conjunctivitis

If you ever wonder, “Why are my cat’s eyes watering?” Or “Why are my cat’s eyes red?” Or “Why is my cat’s eye swollen?” It is most likely caused by painful and irritating conjunctivitis, otherwise known as “pink eye.” Bacteria are common causes of conjunctivitis in cats. In fact, most cats will experience at least one bout of conjunctivitis in their lifetime, no matter how meticulously they’re cared for.¹

During conjunctivitis, the thin membrane that coats the outside of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids becomes irritated, causing one or all of the following symptoms:

• Gooey discharge

• Excessive blinking

• Squinting

Ideally, whenever your cat has any of these symptoms, you should head to the vet. However, if you can’t do so on short notice, you might be wondering, “How can I treat my cat’s eye infection at home?” If your cat has one or more of these symptoms, Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eye Wash can help relieve irritation. The eye wash soothes the irritated tissues, and also cleans the fur and skin around the eyes to prevent further contamination of the conjunctiva with the bacteria that caused the infection in the first place. 

Despite the relief this eyewash can provide, it may not treat the underlying cause of your cat’s conjunctivitis, so it’s still important to schedule a visit to your vet. Your vet will examine your cat and their symptoms to determine the underlying cause of the conjunctivitis and recommend a treatment plan, such as prescribing an eye drop. 

Feline Herpes Virus

Feline herpesvirus (FHV) affects more than 90% of cats,2 making it the most common cause of cat conjunctivitis.3 It is dormant in the cat’s immune system and erupts when the animal is under stress. It does not infect humans. However, it is very contagious among cats.

Calicivirus

Calicivirus is common in body fluids and is contagious among cats.

Bacterial Infection

Bacteria can complicate viral conjunctivitis or be the primary cause. The most common bacterial conjunctivitis culprits are:

• Chlamydophila felis

• Mycoplasma

• Stpohylococcus

• Streptococcus

• Bartonella

Typically, your vet will recommend antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection.

But the best treatment for bacterial infections? Prevention. With the Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy, you can soothe irritated tissues and decrease existing bacterial population to prevent infections of your cat’s eyes, mouth, and ears by keeping the area clean and irritation-free. Antibiotic- and steroid-free, it is also non-toxic and may work alongside your vet’s antibiotic treatment and as a safeguard against infections. 

Environmental Irritants

Kitten eye issues are especially common immediately after adoption, and conjunctivitis is no exception. One potential cause of conjunctivitis in cats (especially those that are newly adopted) is environmental irritants, such as:

• Fragrant air fresheners
• Scented laundry detergents
• Dust
• Pollen from seasonally-blooming plants

If your vet determines that your cat’s conjunctivitis is due to environmental irritants, consider ditching scented products, dusting more frequently, or using an air purifier during allergy season to help protect your cat’s eyes.

Aging Eyes

If your feline friend is entering their golden years, you may begin to notice some cat eye problems that didn’t impact them in their youth. 

Some ubiquitous signs of feline eye problems in older cats include:

• Clumsiness
• Visible irritation or discomfort
• Visual changes to their eyes

If you notice any of the above in your aging cat, your vet may diagnose them with glaucoma, cataracts, or a dry eye disorder. 

Glaucoma

When your cat’s aqueous humor—the watery part of the eye immediately behind the lens—can’t drain properly, they can develop glaucoma.5 This is because when the aqueous humor can’t drain, it puts pressure on the eyes, which can result in visual impairment or even blindness (just like human glaucoma).

Glaucoma presents as general swelling or progressive clouding of the eyes. Emergency treatment may help save vision, but if not, treatment can reduce the pain. 

Cataracts

Feline cataracts is a condition in which the lens of the eye, which is usually transparent, becomes cloudy. 

The most common cause of cataract in cats is lens degeneration with age. However, other causes include chronic inflammation inside the eye (eg, uveitis), underlying disease (i.e., diabetes), or damage from radiation treatment for cancer. Kittens may develop cataracts from underlying problems, poor nutrition, or breed disposition.

If you notice any clouding in your cat’s eyes, schedule a veterinary appointment. They’ll discuss whether or not treatment is recommended and which one is best for your cat.

Dry Eye Disorder

One of the most common feline eye problems among older cats is dry eye disorder, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Immune-mediated diseases, infections such as FHV, medications, central nervous system disease, and others may cause dry eye. Symptoms include excessive blinking, pain, conjunctivitis, corneal scarring, and vision problems, among others.

Fortunately, your vet can prescribe eye drops to artificially supplement your cat’s tear production, reduce their discomfort, and keep those adorable eyes moist. 

Allergies

Cat eye problems may arise from a variety of allergies, including:

• Seasonal allergies to pollen or other plant matter

• Food allergies to common ingredients in pet food

• Environmental allergies to detergents, soaps, or other scented products in a cat’s home

Depending on your cat’s specific allergy, your vet may recommend using an air purifier, switching to a new food, or changing laundry detergents to avoid future exposure to the offending allergens. 

However, allergens can be sneaky, so if your cat develops a rash or other skin irritation due to an allergy, try applying Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Hydrogel to the affected area. This non-toxic hydrogel can help alleviate rashy, itchy skin, and provide protection to speed healing. 

Congenital Eye Problems in Cats

Congenital eye problems in cats are rare but include eyelid agenesis and dermoids. Eyelid agenesis is when the eyelids develop incorrectly, making the animal more susceptible to eye problems. Dermoids cutaneous tissue growths in abnormal locations and they may occur on the eye. There are ways to manage these conditions, so check with your veterinarian if you suspect one.

Conjunctivitis can be a hassle. Congenital issues are unavoidable. But don’t be discouraged. Feline eye problems can usually be treated or managed. But in the case of bacterial or viral infections, prevention and treatment go hand in hand. 

At Vetericyn, we’ve pioneered prevention, treatment, and wellness solutions tailored to your cat’s health, comfort, and happiness. Our innovative line of pet-safe formulas can help prevent and soothe some of the most common cat eye problems. Whether your cat is in the throes of a pesky conjunctivitis flare-up or they won’t stop scratching at their seasonal allergy rash, Vetericyn is here to help. 

Check out our line of soothing, non-toxic feline care products today, and see the difference in your cat’s comfort level for yourself. 

Sources: 

1. Cornell Feline Health Center. Conjunctivitis. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/conjunctivitis 
2. My Vet Candy. What you need to know about feline herpes virus. https://www.myvetcandy.com/clinicalupdblog/2020/2/14/what-you-need-to-know-about-feline-herpes-virus
3. VCA Animal Hospitals. Herpesvirus Infection in Cats (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis). https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-herpesvirus-infection-or-feline-viral-rhinotracheitis
4. National Animal Supplement Council. Bacterial Infections and Cats. https://www.nasc.cc/pet-university/bacterial-infections-and-cats/ 
5. Cornell Feline Health Center. Feline Glaucoma. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-glaucoma
6. VCA Animal Hospitals. Cataracts in Cats. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cataracts-in-cats
7. National Library of Medicine. Ocular dermoids in 13 cats: a multicentre retrospective study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34519242/ 
8. MSPCA. Feline Eyelid Agenesis. https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/feline-eyelid-agenesis/ 
9. Schaible L. Conjunctivitis in Cats (Cat Pink Eye). PetMD. Published 2023. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_conjunctivitis
10. Boldan M. Cataracts in Cats. PetMD. Published 2023. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/cataracts-cats
11. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Published 2023. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/keratoconjunctivitis-sicca-kcs-or-dry-eye-in-cats
12. Grzyb K. Dry Eye Syndrome in Cats. PetMD. Published 2023. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_keratoconjunctivitis_sicca