Overview: Can Cats Really Get Pink Eye?
Cats are curious, playful, and sometimes a little too adventurous. As a cat parent, you may have noticed your furry friend with watery eyes, constant blinking, or redness around the eyes. At that moment, one question comes to mind: “Can cats get pink eye?”
The short answer is yes. Cats can develop pink eye, which vets call conjunctivitis. This is a common eye problem in cats of all ages. It can affect one eye or both, and it may be mild or very uncomfortable depending on the cause.
Pink eye in cats looks very similar to the condition in humans. The eyes turn red, watery, swollen, and may even produce thick discharge. Your cat may rub their face against furniture, squint, or keep their eyes closed.
The good news is that pink eye in cats is treatable, especially if noticed early. However, it’s not something you should ignore. Eye problems in cats can worsen quickly and may even threaten vision if left untreated.
In this article, we’ll go step by step through everything you need to know about pink eye in cats:
- What pink eye is and why it happens
- The symptoms vets want you to notice right away
- Causes and risk factors
- Whether it is contagious
- How vets diagnose it
- The best treatments and home care tips
- Prevention strategies for healthy eyes
By the end, you’ll feel confident in spotting the early signs of pink eye in your cat and knowing when it’s time to see a vet.
Table of Contents
- What Is Pink Eye in Cats?
- Can Cats Get Pink Eye Like Humans?
- Symptoms of Pink Eye in Cats Vets Want You to Notice
- Causes of Pink Eye in Cats
- Is Pink Eye in Cats Contagious?
- How Vets Diagnose Pink Eye in Cats
- Treatment for Pink Eye in Cats
- Can Cats Get Pink Eye from Humans or Dogs?
- How to Prevent Pink Eye in Cats
- When to See a Vet for Pink Eye in Cats
- FAQs About Cats and Pink Eye
- Conclusion
What Is Pink Eye in Cats?
Pink eye in cats, also called feline conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin pink tissue that lines the inside of your cat’s eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball. When it becomes irritated or infected, it turns red, swollen, and painful.
Just like humans, cats can get pink eye in one or both eyes. It may start mild, but if untreated, it can lead to complications such as corneal ulcers, chronic infections, or even vision loss.
There are two main types of pink eye in cats:
- Infectious conjunctivitis – Caused by viruses or bacteria. This type can spread to other cats and sometimes dogs.
- Non-infectious conjunctivitis – Caused by irritants, allergies, or other health problems. This type is not contagious.
Understanding which type your cat has is important because the treatment may differ.
Can Cats Get Pink Eye Like Humans?
Yes, cats can get pink eye very similar to humans. The condition looks the same: red eyes, irritation, swelling, and discharge. However, there are some differences in causes.
- In humans, pink eye is usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies.
- In cats, pink eye is often linked to feline herpesvirus or chlamydia bacteria, along with irritants and allergies.
So while both humans and cats experience pink eye, the root causes are not always the same.
Also, cats don’t always show their pain clearly. A cat with pink eye may still play or eat normally. That’s why paying attention to subtle symptoms is very important.
Symptoms of Pink Eye in Cats Vets Want You to Notice
Common Signs of Pink Eye in Cats
The earliest signs of pink eye in cats can be easy to miss. That’s why vets always remind pet parents to look closely at their cat’s eyes. Here are common symptoms:
- Red or pink appearance in the eye
- Puffy, swollen eyelids
- Clear, watery discharge
- Thick yellow, green, or pus-like discharge
- Frequent blinking or squinting
- Rubbing or scratching the eye with paws
- Keeping the eye partially closed
- Sensitivity to bright lights
If you notice even two or three of these symptoms, your cat may have conjunctivitis.
Serious Symptoms That Need Immediate Vet Help
Some signs mean the condition is more serious and needs urgent attention:
- Severe swelling that almost closes the eye
- Cloudy eyes or visible changes in the cornea
- Constant crying or whining from discomfort
- Loss of appetite or lethargy along with eye issues
- Symptoms that don’t improve in a few days
Ignoring these signs could lead to permanent damage to your cat’s vision.
Causes of Pink Eye in Cats
Pink eye in cats can happen for many different reasons. Some are mild, while others are linked to serious diseases.
Here are the most common causes:
- Viral infections – Feline herpesvirus is the number one cause.
- Bacterial infections – Chlamydia and Mycoplasma bacteria often cause conjunctivitis.
- Allergies – Dust, pollen, smoke, and chemicals can irritate the eyes.
- Foreign objects – Dirt, grass, or small particles can scratch the eye.
- Injuries – Fights with other cats or scratches can lead to inflammation.
- Underlying diseases – Autoimmune disorders and immune system weakness can trigger eye problems.
👉 Important: In kittens, pink eye is often linked to respiratory infections. If your kitten has both watery eyes and sneezing, take them to the vet quickly.
Is Pink Eye in Cats Contagious?
Yes, pink eye in cats can be contagious, but only if caused by viruses or bacteria. Cats in multi-cat homes or shelters are at higher risk because the infection spreads easily through:
- Sneezing
- Sharing food or water bowls
- Grooming each other
- Touching contaminated surfaces
Good hygiene and quick isolation of sick cats can prevent spreading.
Non-infectious conjunctivitis, caused by allergies or irritants, is not contagious.
How Vets Diagnose Pink Eye in Cats
A vet doesn’t just guess pink eye. They carefully check your cat’s eyes and overall health. Diagnosis may include:
- Examining the eye with special lights
- Looking for ulcers, scratches, or injuries
- Taking samples of eye discharge to test for bacteria or viruses
- Checking for respiratory infections or allergies
Correct diagnosis ensures the right treatment is given.
Treatment for Pink Eye in Cats
Vet-Prescribed Treatments
Depending on the cause, vets may recommend:
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments – For bacterial infections
- Antiviral medicine – If herpesvirus is the cause
- Steroid drops – For severe inflammation (only under vet guidance)
- Artificial tears – For dry or irritated eyes
- Pain relief medication – To keep your cat comfortable
Home Care Tips for Cats With Pink Eye
You can support treatment at home by:
- Gently cleaning discharge with warm damp cotton
- Keeping your cat indoors to avoid irritants
- Using a humidifier to help with dryness
- Reducing stress, since stress can worsen herpesvirus
- Keeping food and water bowls clean
⚠️ Never give human eye drops or medication to cats. They can be dangerous.
Can Cats Get Pink Eye from Humans or Dogs?
- From humans: Very rare. Most human pink eye viruses don’t affect cats.
- From dogs: Possible, especially if caused by bacteria like Chlamydia.
- Between cats: Very common, especially in multi-cat households or shelters.
How to Prevent Pink Eye in Cats
Prevention is always better than treatment. You can lower your cat’s risk by:
- Keeping vaccinations up to date
- Maintaining a clean home environment
- Avoiding exposure to smoke, perfumes, or chemicals
- Washing food and water bowls daily
- Reducing stress in your cat’s life
- Keeping sick cats separated from healthy ones
When to See a Vet for Pink Eye in Cats
Call your vet if:
- Eye redness or swelling lasts more than 48 hours
- Discharge becomes yellow, green, or thick
- Your cat rubs or scratches the eye constantly
- Vision seems blurry or your cat bumps into things
- Symptoms worsen despite home care
FAQs About Cats and Pink Eye
Q1: Can pink eye in cats heal without medicine?
Sometimes mild cases improve, but most need vet treatment.
Q2: Is pink eye dangerous for cats?
Yes, untreated cases can damage the cornea and lead to blindness.
Q3: Can humans catch pink eye from cats?
Rare, but possible with bacterial infections. Always wash your hands.
Q4: How long does pink eye last in cats?
With treatment, it usually improves in 1–2 weeks.
Conclusion
So, can cats get pink eye? Absolutely. Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is one of the most common eye problems in cats. It causes redness, swelling, and discharge, and can make your cat very uncomfortable.
The key is to notice the symptoms vets want you to see early—redness, swelling, watery or thick discharge, and constant squinting. With the right treatment and care, your cat can recover quickly.
Healthy eyes mean a happy, playful cat. If you ever feel unsure, don’t wait—see a vet. Your cat’s eyesight is too precious to risk. 🐾
