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Eye / nose discharge
Does your cat have ongoing discharge from the eyes or nose?
Edited by MaxTeng · Educational content, not reviewed by a veterinarian ·
Record persistent or changing eye/nose discharge with side, squinting, breathing and intake. Color or thickness alone cannot identify a pathogen or establish safety.
Possible medical causes
- Upper respiratory infection (feline "cold"): most cases are caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, though chlamydia or mycoplasma infection are also possible; often combined with sneezing, coughing, red/swollen conjunctiva, mouth ulcers, and reduced energy/appetite
- Persistent or recurring discharge needs history and examination for infectious and other causes; do not choose medicine by mucus color.
- Conjunctivitis: can be caused by environmental irritants (dust, chemical sprays, cigarette smoke), trauma, or a foreign object in the eye
Initial at-home suggestions
- Follow clinic instructions for any eye/nose cleaning; do not force crusts or eyelids open or use human eye/cold medicines yourself.
- Watch for changes in the discharge's color and thickness, and note whether it's one eye or both
- Check your home for irritants: air fresheners, cigarette smoke, dust
- In multi-cat households, note that upper respiratory infections are highly contagious — isolate the affected cat appropriately
Related app: Oddlo (Google Play · App Store)
Related guides
For reference only — please consult a vet.