Cat-Care 
Intro A small amount of clear eye discharge can be normal, but yellow, green, or blood-tinged eye discharge usually means irritation or infection. This guide helps new owners spot likely causes, take safe first steps at home, and know when to get professional help. Expect practical prevention tips, a 14-day starter checklist, common mistakes, and clear vet triggers to keep your cat’s eyes healthy.
One sentence answer If you see thick, colored, or bloody eye discharge, prioritize cleaning gently and scheduling a vet check—these signs often point to infection, injury, or blocked tear drainage.
Core principles
- Clean gently: use a damp, soft cloth; avoid touching the eyeball directly.
- Prevent exposure: reduce irritants, dusty litter, and smoke.
- Safe separation: keep sick kittens or cats separated until cleared by a vet.
- Record changes: note color, amount, and whether the cat squints or paws the eye.
- Timely vetting: persistent or worsening eye discharge requires veterinary assessment.
New owner 14 day checklist
Day 0–2: Observe and document. Note when eye discharge started, whether one or both eyes are affected, and any other signs like sneezing or lethargy. Take a phone photo each day for comparison.
Day 3–4: Gentle cleaning routine. Use a clean cotton pad or soft cloth dampened with warm water. Wipe from the corner outward once per pass, using a fresh corner each time. Do not use human drops or ointments.
Day 5–7: Environmental edits. Swap to low-dust, unscented litter, improve ventilation, and remove aerosols. Keep the feeding area separate from the litter area to reduce cross-contamination.
Day 8–10: Monitor behavior and appetite. Track eating, litter box use, and play. Record any new sneezing, coughing, or discharge color changes. If eye discharge changes to yellow, green, or blood-tinged, stop home care and seek a vet.
Day 11–14: Groom and protect. Trim fur gently around the eyes if matting traps discharge. Introduce a calm recovery area with soft bedding and vertical perches for stress relief. Prepare vet notes: timeline, photos, and any prior medical history to share.
Throughout: Keep separate cloths for each eye if both are affected; wash hands after handling. If you have kittens, isolate them from adult cats until cleared, as contagious infections are common.
Common mistakes and fixes
Assuming clear discharge is always safe → Inspect for subtle signs; track frequency and behavior.
Using human eye drops or ointments → Correct approach: only use veterinarian-prescribed products.
Neglecting the opposite eye → Fix: check and clean both eyes to prevent spread.
Delaying documentation → Fix: take daily photos and notes for clearer vet communication.
When to consult a vet
- Thick yellow or green eye discharge or blood in the discharge.
- Both eyes rapidly involved or discharge spreading among multiple cats.
- Cats pawing at the eye, squinting, or holding the eye closed.
- Any trauma to the head or face, or foreign object suspected.
- Refusal to eat, severe lethargy, or signs of systemic illness.
- Kittens, seniors, or immunocompromised cats showing eye discharge.
Disclaimer This article provides general information, not veterinary advice; see a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Summary Eye discharge in cats ranges from normal tear staining to signs of infection, injury, or blocked ducts. Gentle cleaning, environmental fixes, and careful tracking often help manage mild cases, while thick, colored, or bloody eye discharge needs prompt veterinary attention. Use the 14 day checklist to organize care, document changes, and know when to escalate. Consistent notes and photos make veterinary visits more effective and help protect your cat’s vision.