Last night he came to me and I noticed his eye was red, swollen and tearing. I think he may have poked his eye but I am unsure of what happened. It is now 2:30 the next day and his eye is still the same.
It sounds like your kitten's eye issue could be due to several potential causes, such as an injury, a viral infection like herpesvirus or calicivirus, or a bacterial infection. The symptoms you've described—redness, swelling, tearing, and squinting—are indeed concerning and should be addressed promptly.
Firstly, gently clean the affected eye with a clean, damp cloth or sterile saline solution to remove any discharge. Be very gentle to avoid causing further irritation.
If your kitten is scratching at the eye, consider using an e-collar (cone) to prevent further injury. This will help protect the eye from additional damage.
Make sure your hands are clean before and after touching your kitten to prevent introducing any additional bacteria. This simple step can help avoid further complications.
Given the severity and persistence of the symptoms, I strongly recommend taking your kitten to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment. Eye issues can escalate quickly, and professional care is crucial to prevent long-term damage.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
Issue Details
Pet Information