Help, what do I do? I’m really worried about my cat, Mooch. I just noticed his eye looks kind of red and puffy, and there's this icky discharge coming out of it. This started a couple of days ago, I think, but it seemed to get worse today. He’s been blinking a lot more and even squinting in the light, which he never does. I tried using some saline drops I had at home, but I’m not sure if that’s the right thing to do. He’s my little shadow and I hate seeing him uncomfortable. Should I keep using the drops or is it time to call the vet? Any advice would be greatly appreciated—thanks in advance!
Thanks for reaching out. I completely understand why you're worried about Mooch's eye. Eye issues can be uncomfortable for pets and concerning for pet owners. There are several potential causes for an eye infection in cats, including bacterial or viral infections, allergies, or even a foreign object like dust or a hair stuck in their eye.
If Mooch's eye is red, swollen, has a discharge, or if he's keeping it closed more than usual, these can be signs of an infection. You can gently clean around the eye with a soft cloth moistened with warm water. While saline eye drops can help in rinsing out any irritants, I recommend using them cautiously until we know more about the issue. It's crucial not to use any medicated drops without a veterinarian's guidance, as some treatments can do more harm if used improperly.
Keep an eye on Mooch for signs like increased redness, excessive tearing, pawing at the eye, or any changes in behavior. These can indicate a more severe problem needing veterinary attention.
To ensure Mooch gets the right care, I recommend booking a video consult with Dial A Vet. We can take a closer look and provide specific advice suited to his needs.
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