What Could Cause My Cat’s Greenish Eye Discharge?

Dear VetBabble: What Could Be Causing My Cat’s Greenish Eye Discharge?

I recently adopted a 7-month-old cat who has a greenish discharge coming from his eyes. Someone suggested that it might be stress-related, but I’m wondering if there could be other reasons behind this. Should I consult the rescue or a veterinarian? Is it possible that my cat has an infection or another health issue that needs attention?

Possible Causes of Eye Discharge in Cats

Eye discharge in cats can be caused by various factors, ranging from mild allergies to serious infections. Stress can have an impact on your cat’s overall health, but greenish discharge from the eyes could indicate something else that requires medical attention. Some common reasons behind eye discharge in cats include:

• Allergies: Just like humans, cats can suffer from seasonal allergies that cause eye irritation and discharge.
• Infections: Bacterial and viral infections can cause eye discharge, swelling, and redness – and green discharge may suggest a bacterial infection.
• Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the eye’s conjunctiva can cause discharge, itching, and redness.
• Upper Respiratory Infections: Certain respiratory infections, such as feline herpesvirus or chlamydiosis, can manifest with symptoms like sneezing and eye discharge.

It’s essential to address any concerns about your cat’s health with a veterinarian. They can help identify the underlying cause of the eye discharge and provide appropriate treatment. You can learn more about Common Eye Conditions in Dogs – many of which also affect cats – on our website.

Consulting the Rescue and Seeking Veterinary Care

Definitely reach out to the rescue organization and express your concerns about your cat’s eye discharge. Rescues often guarantee the health of their animals and may be able to provide financial assistance for necessary veterinary care. If you feel that the rescue is brushing off your concerns, remember that your number one priority is the well-being of your cat. Don’t hesitate to take your cat to the veterinarian on your own, if needed.

When you visit the vet, remember to bring all medical records and documents for your cat. This will help the veterinary team identify any missing tests or vaccinations they may need to schedule for a later date. It’s important to note that if your cat is unwell, vaccinations will not be administered on the same day as a medical examination. Check out our article on cat flu symptoms to learn more.

Other Health Concerns for a Newly Adopted Cat

Apart from eye discharge, there are some other common health issues that newly adopted cats may face. These problems can be stress-induced or simply a result of adjusting to a new environment. Some issues to watch for include:

• Vomiting: Occasional vomiting can be normal for cats, but if you’re noticing it frequently, there may be an underlying health issue. Check out our article on Why is My Cat Vomiting? for more information.
• Litter box problems: Some cats may struggle to adapt to a new litter box or may refuse to use it altogether. Be patient, and don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian if you’re concerned that your cat might have an underlying health issue causing this behavior. Learn more in our article about understanding Why Won’t My Cat Use the Litter Tray?
• Appetite and weight changes: It’s normal for cats to have varying appetites, but sudden weight loss or changes in eating habits could signify an underlying issue.

It’s always a good idea to closely monitor your cat’s health, especially if you’ve recently adopted them. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

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