wag-logo
Red Eye in Cats
What is Red Eye?
If you notice redness of the feline’s orbit, she might have experienced trauma to the eye, an allergy or irritant, a viral infection such as distemper, a bacterial infection, glaucoma, cherry eye or cancer. Red eye in cats could be a serious medical problem that could worsen over time, causing blindness and further destruction of the orbital structure.
Red eye in cats is a symptom of an underlying disease, ocular irritation, or injury to a feline’s eyes. A red coloration of one or both eyes is an indication that a feline is suffering from an unknown health condition that should be addressed by a licensed veterinary professional.
Youtube Play
Red Eye Average Cost
From 355 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

Symptoms of Red Eye in Cats
The rather obvious symptom of red eye in cats is, in fact, a red coloration of the eye. Depending on the source of the red eye condition, your feline may or may not experience the following additional associated symptoms: 
  • The whites of the eyes become reddened 
  • Swollen eyes
  • Swollen eyelids 
  • Eye discharge (clear, white, yellow or green in coloration) 
  • Tearing of the eyes
  • A protruded third eyelid (cherry eye)
  • Rubbing the eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Inability to open the eye
  • Loss of sight 
  • Sneezing
  • Watery eyes 
  • Coughing 
  • Painful eyes
Causes of Red Eye in Cats
A feline’s eyes can become red for a number of reasons. Trauma, allergies, obstructions, structural changes of the eye, disease, viral infections, bacterial infections, and irritants can all cause the eye of a cat to become red. The most common causes of red eye in cat include: 
Trauma
  • Scratches
  • Bites
  • Pokes
  • Allergens
  • Pollen
  • Dust
  • Bee stings
Irritants
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Perfumes
  • Air fresheners 
Obstructions
  • Seedling
  • Grass seeds
  • Dirt 
Structural Changes
  • Entropion (eyelid protrudes inward) 
  • Ectropion (eyelid protrudes outward)
  • Distichiasis (abnormal eyelash growth)
Disease 
  • Cancer 
  • Autoimmune disease
Bacterial Infection
  • Chlamydia
  • Mycoplasma
Viral Infections
  • Feline herpesvirus type 1
  • Calicivirus
  • Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) 
  • Feline leukemia (FeLV)
Diagnosis of Red Eye in Cats
It is highly important for pet owners to relay all the clinical signs and symptoms they noted at home as they bring the cat experiencing red eye to see the veterinarian. Since red eye in cats can be caused by a long list of potential causes, any information you can give the veterinarian to help create a diagnostic differential would be helpful. The doctor will begin by reviewing the cat’s medical record, playing close attention to past illnesses, medications, and vaccinations. He or she may ask to know about your cat’s living environment, including any possible allergens, irritants, or potential trauma tools in the feline’s surroundings. 
An Ophthalmic Exam
A physical exam of the eye will be the next step in the veterinarian’s diagnostic plan, as the examination will evaluate the eye and all the ocular structures. The animal doctor will likely use a tool called an ophthalmoscope, which is a light reflecting tool that will allow the vet to see the interior structures of the eye. 
Fluorescent Stain Test
An ophthalmic examination tool that uses blue light and orange-colored dye may be used to detect abnormalities within the eye. 
Schirmer Tear Test
An ophthalmic tests uses tear strips that are placed in the lower eyelid to evaluate a feline’s tear production levels. 
Tonometry
An ophthalmic test used to evaluate intraocular pressure of the eye. 
Lab Tests
The veterinarian may also collection a swab of cells or discharge from the eye for microscopic examination. The collected cells could reveal structural abnormalities or an infection from a bacteria. Blood work, a urinalysis and specialized testing for FeLV, or FIV will likely be a part of your cat’s differential diagnostic procedure. 
Treatment of Red Eye in Cats
The treatment of red eye in cats depends on the condition that is causing your cat’s eye to turn a reddish color. If allergies or irritants are to blame for your cat’s red eye, the doctor may advise a few simple changes at home and prescribe an antihistamine. However, if the cause of your cat’s red eye is caused by a structural abnormality, foreign obstruction, trauma or growth, a surgical procedure may need to be completed to restore your feline’s eyes to their original state. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy could also be a part of your cat’s treatment plan if cancer is the source of your cat’s red eyes. 

Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?

Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.

Get a quote

Recovery of Red Eye in Cats
The prognosis for red eye in cats depends on the dominant cause of the ocular reddening in your cat. Your cat may need to wear an Elizabethan collar at home to prevent scratching the eyes and causing additional damage. The veterinarian may also ask that an air humidifier be placed in the home to remove irritants that may be affecting the feline.
Red Eye Average Cost
From 355 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
Top
Red Eye Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
bengal
Thirteen Years

6 found this helpful

6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Red Eyelids
Hi, my 13 year old cat has had some skin irritation lately on her face and around her eyelids for the last few weeks. Her eyes are watery and she has been washing her eyes constantly. It seems to be getting worse. Also she has a red, raw spot on her paw that she is using to wash her face. She has been fighting with our 18 month old cat and I thought maybe he just scratched her face and it would heal, but now she has more skin irritation symptoms. Is there something I can do to help her at home until I can get her to a vet?
June 22, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
6 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this. Certainly, the sooner she sees a vet the better so we can get a diagnosis and prescribe medicine. At home, protect her face by using a buster collar. Clean the skin and eyes once daily with cotton wool and saline. Ensure she is up to date with a good quality parasite prevention.
June 22, 2021
Was this question and answer helpful?
grey tabby cat
Ten Weeks

16 found this helpful

16 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Nose, Bloodshot Eyes, Runny Nose
we have now had our baby kitten for about a week. He started sneezing right away but then we noticed he had a runny nose and discharge from the nose. Now about 2 days ago his right inner white of his eye is now bloody looking. he still has an apatite and plays
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
16 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It sounds like your kitten may be suffering from an upper respiratory infection, I am concerned that he is sneezing hard enough to rupture blood vessels in his eye. It would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine him and see what might be causing this problem. Once they know more, they will be able to help get medications so that he is healthy. I hope that all goes well for him!
Oct. 5, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Mekong bobtail
One Year

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My cat’s right eye just became so red all of sudden. I don’t know what the causes of it but her eyeball turn very red🔴 like this, it's also teary. It's strange but she's still eating and drinking like usual. I don’t see her scratching her eye or sneezing. I really don’t know what is going on with my cat.
Sept. 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 25, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Cat
Eight Months

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness And Infection In The Eyes
A lot of my not so kittens because they are growing have eye infections problem I’m putting drops in them and cleaning their eyes but one of them has red bloody eyes how can I cure that at home ?
Aug. 6, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. You probably cannot cure this at home. Kittens can have very serious eye infections and viral diseases that can lead to permanent eye damage if not treated, and it would be best to have the cat seen by a veterinarian to make sure that the right eye medications are being given. I hope that all goes well for your cats.
Aug. 6, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Cat
2 years

10 found this helpful

10 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness
My cat has had the red eye for like A month now, i gave her eyedrops but the redness wouldn’t leave.Her eye is not watery, she doesn’t scratch it or sneezes.It is red around her eye. Sometimes when she wakes up it’s not red at all and it just starts to become red as the day passes . I hope it is treatable any recommendation or thoughts ?
July 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello, This may be due to allergies. You can try allergy eye drops that you can get at the drug store for her eyes. In the picture, her eyes look normal. Some cats do have different colored eyes but they should not be red. If this continues, it may be best for your cat to see your vet just to make sure that there is nothing wrong in the eye.
July 25, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Persian
Disney
7 Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Conjunctivitis
Scleral Inflammation
Corneal Opacity
Hello. My 7 year old male cat escaped the house for a day and came back with a red blurry eye, conjunctivitis. I took him to the vet and he prescribed him an opthalmic eyedrops antibiotic with tobramycin, and an antiviral eye cream acyclovir and for the past month my cat has been unresponsive, getting slightly worse but not transferring to the other eye,which is perfectly clear and fine. At first i was applying steroid drops to help with the inflammation but the vet instructed me to stop them since steroid delays epithelial regeneration and would allow the onset of a corneal ulcer. I am very afraid he will acquire a corneal ulcer since there seems to be a translucent whitish ring visible in his cornea. He is unresponsive to antibiotic tobramycin and antiviral acyclovir and this has been going on for a month. Do eye infections take this long to heal? And what other medications should i try? Please reply asap.
Orange tabby
Holmes
12 Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Discharge
Dirty Ears
Red Raw Skin Under Eyes
My 12 year old cat has suffered with red watery eyes with discharge for almost 2 - 3 years. I have seen the vet several times. An anti mites shot for cows(!) seemed to brighten up his eyes a bit and we have tried various drops such as antibiotic drops, steriod drops, artificial tears and there is no improvement at all. The skin under his eyes has lost fur and is raw and bleeds. Is there anything that can be done to help him? I've noticed the inside of her ears are always dirty and I was wondering if that could be part of the problem.
MaineCoon
Oliver
2 Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump On Eyeball,
Lump On Eyeball, Cant See His Eye
Omg I'm freaking out. I have been litetally sick in bed for the past week and a half. But for the last 4 days I literally slept the entire time. My Cat had an issue with his left eye I cleaned it with a cloth and it seemed to go away. its then transferred to the other eye. It has been running for probably about 4 days now And now i can't even see his eye ball there is something covering it and he has a red lump on his eyeball which I believe has only been there for a day or 2 tops. I don't understand how it got the so bad. he doesn't seem to be in a lot of pain hes still eating, still drinking, still active. What is it? and how do I treat it naturally?? Please help asap. I dont want him to loose his sight.
domestic medium hair
Winston
4 Months

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
Red Eye
Runny Nose
Watery Eye
My cats Winston seems to have a type of cat cold. He’s sneezing, has a running nose and watery eyes. Today, I came home from work and his right eye was really red and looked like it was swollen. He doesn’t even open it. He seems to be eating and drinking water.
Cat DSH
Pebbles
12 Years

1 found this helpful

1 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Problems
My 12 year old cat has suffered with red watery eyes with discharge dor almost 3 years. I have seen the vet who has sent off swabs which came back normal. We have tried various drops such as antibiotic drops, steriod drops, artificial tears and there is no improvement at all. The skin under her eyes has lost fur and is raw and bleeds occasionally. Is there anything that can be done to help her? Iv noticed the inside of her ears are always dirty and i was wondering if she could be spreading the dirt into her eyes and thats causing it?
Red Eye Average Cost
From 355 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250

Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!

Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.

Get a quote

Need pet insurance?
Need pet insurance?