Cat pink eye, or conjunctivitis, shows up as red, swollen tissue around one or both eyes, often with visible discharge and squinting. It’s one of the most common eye problems in cats, and the specific appearance varies depending on whether the cause is viral, bacterial, or irritant-related. Knowing what to look for helps you catch it early, before it progresses to something more serious.
The Main Visual Signs
The most obvious sign is redness. The tissue surrounding the eye and lining the eyelids becomes visibly inflamed and swollen, giving the eye that classic “pink” appearance. In mild cases, you might notice just a slight puffiness. In more advanced cases, the entire area around the eye looks puffy and irritated, and the third eyelid (a small membrane in the inner corner) may partially cover the eye.
Squinting or holding one eye shut is another hallmark. Cats with conjunctivitis often look like they’re winking or struggling to keep the affected eye open, especially in bright light. You may also notice your cat pawing at its face or rubbing its eye against furniture or carpet.
What the Discharge Looks Like
Eye discharge is usually the first thing owners notice, and its color tells you something about what’s going on. Early or mild cases tend to produce a clear, watery discharge that makes the fur around the eye look wet or matted. This is common with viral infections or simple irritation from dust or allergens.
As the condition progresses, or if bacteria are involved, the discharge thickens and turns yellowish-green. This sticky, mucus-like discharge can crust around the eyelids and sometimes seal the eye partially shut, especially after sleep. If you notice the discharge changing from clear and runny to thick and colored, that shift typically signals a worsening infection that needs veterinary attention.
How Viral and Bacterial Cases Look Different
Most cat pink eye is caused by either feline herpesvirus or a bacterium called Chlamydophila felis, and each produces slightly different symptoms. Herpesvirus conjunctivitis often comes with upper respiratory symptoms: sneezing, nasal discharge, and general congestion alongside the red, weepy eyes. The discharge can range from clear to yellow-green, and the cat usually looks unwell overall.
Bacterial conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydophila tends to produce a distinctive swelling of the eye membranes themselves. The tissue lining the eyelids looks fluid-filled and puffy, almost like a blister, rather than just red and inflamed. This fluid-filled swelling is more characteristic of bacterial infection and is less common with viral causes. Bacterial cases also often start in one eye before spreading to the other over a few days.
Signs That Something More Serious Is Happening
Simple pink eye causes redness and discharge, but certain additional symptoms point to deeper problems. Cloudiness or a hazy film over the eye’s surface can indicate a corneal ulcer, which sometimes develops alongside or as a complication of conjunctivitis. Cats with corneal ulcers squint intensely, produce discharge, and may behave as though they’re having trouble seeing. If the cornea looks cloudy or you notice a dull spot on the eye’s surface, that’s more than basic pink eye.
Uveitis, an inflammation inside the eye itself, can mimic pink eye at first glance because it also causes redness, tearing, and squinting. The key difference is that uveitis often changes the appearance of the pupil or makes the interior of the eye look cloudy, not just the surface. A cat with uveitis may also have a pupil that looks smaller than the other eye’s pupil. This distinction matters because uveitis requires different treatment and can lead to vision loss if missed.
One Eye or Both?
Pink eye in cats frequently starts in just one eye, which can make it look like your cat got something stuck in it or scratched it. Viral and bacterial infections often spread to the second eye within a few days, so watching the unaffected eye is important. If only one eye is affected and stays that way, the cause may be a foreign body, a scratch, or a localized irritation rather than an infection.
Cleaning Your Cat’s Eyes at Home
If you notice mild discharge, gently wiping the area with a warm, damp cloth can remove crusty buildup and provide some comfort. Use a clean section of the cloth for each wipe to avoid spreading anything, and be gentle around the delicate eye area. Regular cleaning prevents the discharge from sealing the eyelids shut and helps you monitor whether things are improving or getting worse.
Don’t use human eye drops, saline solutions, or any over-the-counter medications without veterinary guidance. Cats’ eyes are sensitive, and products safe for humans can cause additional irritation or mask symptoms that a vet needs to see.
What Treatment Looks Like
Veterinary treatment for cat pink eye typically involves antibiotic eye drops or ointment applied three to four times a day for two to three weeks. Most cats improve steadily over that period, with the redness, swelling, and discharge gradually clearing. If herpesvirus is the underlying cause, your vet may also prescribe antiviral medication, since antibiotics alone won’t address a viral infection but are often used to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
Herpesvirus is worth knowing about because it never fully leaves a cat’s system. Once infected, cats carry the virus for life, and stress or illness can trigger flare-ups. So if your cat gets recurring bouts of pink eye, herpesvirus is a likely culprit.
Can You Catch It From Your Cat?
The most common cause of feline pink eye, herpesvirus, is species-specific and cannot infect humans. Chlamydophila felis can occasionally cross species, though this is uncommon and primarily a concern for people with weakened immune systems. Basic hygiene, like washing your hands after cleaning your cat’s eyes or administering medication, is enough to minimize any risk.