Daily Care2026-03-10Carelogy編集部
Cat Eye Discharge Care: How to Clean & When to Worry
How to clean cat eye discharge safely, distinguish normal from abnormal, and recognize signs of eye disease.
Cat Eye Discharge: Normal vs. Abnormal
Normal discharge: A small amount of dry, dark brown or black crust in the inner corner of the eye is perfectly normal. Flat-faced breeds such as Persians produce more tears and are especially prone to mild discharge.
Abnormal discharge (see your vet):
- Yellow or green pus-like discharge: Possible bacterial or chlamydial infection
- Excessive watery tearing: May be an early sign of feline herpesvirus (cat flu)
- Discharge from one eye only: Could indicate a foreign body or corneal scratch
- Eye that won't open: Suggests severe infection or pain
For more details, see our guide on eye problems in cats.
How to Clean Eye Discharge Properly
What you need: Gauze or a cotton pad dampened with lukewarm water. Do not use tissues — loose fibers can enter and irritate the eye.
Step-by-step:
1. Dampen a gauze pad with lukewarm water.
2. Hold your cat gently and wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward in one direction only.
3. Use a separate pad for each eye to prevent spreading any infection.
4. If discharge has dried and hardened, do not peel it off — moisten it first and let it soften before wiping.
How often: Healthy cats only need cleaning as needed. Cats prone to heavy discharge may require daily care.
우리 고양이의 매일 건강 파트너
그루밍 알림부터 체중 변화까지, CatsMe 하나로 고양이 건강 관리를 간편하게 해보세요.
50개국 230,000명 이상의 보호자가 사용 중
Preventing Eye Problems
Vaccination: The viruses that cause cat flu — herpesvirus and calicivirus — can be prevented through vaccination. They are included in the standard FVRCP (core) vaccine.
Indoor environment: Minimize dust and airborne irritants. Cigarette smoke is harmful to feline eyes as well as lungs.
Regular checkups: Include an eye exam as part of your cat's annual wellness visit. Senior cats in particular should be screened for cataracts and glaucoma.
Tear stain management: Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Persians, Exotics, and Himalayans are prone to tear staining and need daily eye-area grooming to keep the skin healthy and free of irritation.
수의사에게 '언제부터 그랬나요?'라고 물으면 답할 수 있으신가요?
수의사 앞에서 막막해하지 마세요. CatsMe가 매일 건강 점수를 자동으로 기록하고, 탭 한 번으로 공유할 수 있습니다.
目やに目のケアお手入れ結膜炎
FAQ
이상을 느꼈을 때, 바로 행동할 준비를
이 글을 읽고 있는 당신은 이미 고양이 건강에 진심입니다. CatsMe가 있으면, 걱정이 드는 순간 바로 AI 건강 체크를 할 수 있습니다.