Conjunctivitis in cats – signs and vet care

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: PDSA

Book a vet visit

Book a vet appointment if you think your cat has this – a vet needs to confirm it and plan the treatment. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin tissue lining the inside of the eyelid and front of the eye.

What to do now

What you can do now

Contact your vet.
Note when it started, how often it happens and what else you see.
Take a photo or short video to show the vet.
Keep fresh water available.
Let your cat rest somewhere calm.

Don't

Do not give any human medicine.
Do not wait if it gets worse.

What it is

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of a very thin layer of tissue covering the inside of the eyelid and running across the front of the eye.^[1] It often causes red, itchy, painful and weepy eyes.^[1] Some cats with conjunctivitis may eat less or feel unwell.^[1]

Signs

Pink or red eyes
Weepy eyes
Swollen eyelids
A blue or cloudy appearance on the surface of the eye
Blinking more than usual
Keeping the eyes closed
Rubbing the eyes or face
Eating less
Feeling unwell

Causes and risk factors

Viruses
Cat flu bacteria called Chlamydophila
Something stuck in the eye, such as a grass seed or another cat’s claw
Eye ulcers, which are scratches or abrasions on the front of the eye
Glaucoma, which is increased pressure in the eye
Eyelash disorders, such as eyelashes growing from the wrong place or in the wrong direction
Eyelid disorders, such as eyelids that turn in or are too baggy
Lumps and swellings around the eyes

How vets treat it

Antibiotics
Anti-inflammatories
Pain relief
Steroids
Eye drops or ointment

What the experts say

“A case of mild conjunctivitis is likely to clear up quickly with a course of treatment from your vet. If your vet suspects there is a condition causing the conjunctivitis (for example skin disease) your cat may need further investigation.”
— PDSA [1]

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

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Common questions

What are the signs of conjunctivitis in cats?

Signs can include pink or red eyes, weepy eyes, swollen eyelids, a blue or cloudy eye surface, extra blinking, closed eyes and rubbing the eyes or face.^[1]

What can cause conjunctivitis in cats?

Possible causes include viruses, cat flu bacteria called Chlamydophila, something stuck in the eye and eye ulcers.^[1]

Can conjunctivitis make a cat feel unwell?

A cat with conjunctivitis may eat less or feel unwell.^[1]

Sources

PDSA

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages