3 Ways to Deal with Your Cat's Conjunctivitis with Natural Alternatives 2025

Have you ever suffered from conjunctivitis or any other type of eye infection? Personally, yes, and if you're like me, you know it's very uncomfortable, even painful.

Does your cat have swollen or puffy eyes? Cats can develop eye infections too. In fact, conjunctivitis in cats is quite common.

In the following lines, we will provide you with natural tools and treatments to help you find lasting relief from cat conjunctivitis from the comfort of your home.

I will also discuss the symptoms of eye infection in cats, its causes, and other relevant information about it.

We're committed to keeping you informed to help ensure your pet's well-being. If you're one of our thousands of satisfied customers, you may know that our professionals have created an all-natural product specifically to promote eye health in your kitties.

Now let's get to the heart of the matter. I'll start by explaining the causes of conjunctivitis in cats. Read on to understand why your cat gets these nasty infections.

What is conjunctivitis?

Before we go any further, let's answer this simple question. Conjunctivitis is defined as inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the transparent tissue covering part of the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids.

Causes of conjunctivitis in cats

Why does your cat have conjunctivitis? There are actually several answers to this question. Conjunctivitis in cats can be caused by either a viral or bacterial agent that infects your cat's eye. Let's take a closer look.

Feline herpes virus

Shelters often become overflowing with kittens with eye infections combined with acute upper respiratory tract infections (rhinotracheitis). In these cases, the most common cause is viral conjunctivitis, caused by none other than feline herpesvirus type 1. This initial manifestation of the virus typically lasts 10 to 14 days.

An estimated 80% of cats develop a dormant form of the virus, meaning the virus never leaves their body and has the potential to reappear at any time, but does not necessarily do so. Among these cats infected with the virus, 45% could either transmit the virus despite not showing any symptoms or develop clinical signs, such as recurrent conjunctivitis.

Feline chlamydia

Just like feline herpes, feline chlamydia is transmitted more easily through direct contact between animals, and therefore spreads quickly between cats living in the same household. This time, it is a bacterial conjunctivitis.

An infected cat with the Chlamydophila felis bacteria will typically exhibit eye symptoms, such as the development of conjunctivitis. Cats with chlamydia do not necessarily have respiratory problems, but may also experience mild ones.

These last two pathogens are the most common causes of feline conjunctivitis. However, there are others, such as an autoimmune reaction. Conjunctivitis could also be caused by an eye injury or the presence of a small foreign body.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis in a cat?

Have you ever heard the term “pink eye”? It refers to conjunctivitis. When the eye is inflamed, it takes on a pinkish or even red tint. Therefore, it's crucial to know the signs and symptoms to look out for when your cat has conjunctivitis.

One of the main indicators is "pink eye," but other signs that may be observed include a swollen or puffy eye, the cat holding its eyes half-closed or closed, and eye discharge that can sometimes be yellow or green in color.

You might also notice that your cat has a stye or red bump near the edge of its eyelid, is rubbing or scratching its eyes, or is less active. Another symptom is a visible swollen nictitating membrane, which is the cornered third eyelid, or crusty eyes.

It is important to note that some of these symptoms may also indicate an allergy. Therefore, if you experience any of these signs, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis.

How to relieve your cat's conjunctivitis?

Effective treatment first requires identifying the cause of the conjunctivitis. At the very least, you want to have your pet examined to rule out the possibility of a foreign body or allergies before establishing a treatment plan to cure it.

If your cat also has significant respiratory problems (in cases of feline herpes), it is important that he see a veterinarian immediately.

In the case of kittens, the veterinarian will make sure the young cat is receiving enough oxygen and will offer supportive treatments, such as intravenous fluids if necessary.

Because the virus usually clears up on its own within about two weeks, antivirals are not generally considered.

When it comes to directly treating conjunctivitis, antibiotic and/or anti-inflammatory eye drops will likely be prescribed to treat your cat's conjunctivitis. Purulent (thick, yellow, or green) eye discharge is often a sign of bacterial infection, so antibiotics are helpful in these cases.

Treatment of conjunctivitis in cats in pharmacies

In pharmacies, various over-the-counter treatments are available to help manage this condition.

Typically, your veterinarian or pharmacist will prescribe eye drops or ointments containing antibiotics to fight the infection. These products are applied directly to the cat's eyes, usually two to three times a day.

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as topical steroids, may also be prescribed to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Additionally, it is important to keep the eye clean and free of debris with gentle eye washes.

It is important to note, however, that although these treatments for conjunctivitis in cats are available over the counter at pharmacies, they should only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian. Some eye conditions may appear to be conjunctivitis but require a different treatment.

Therefore, if your cat shows signs of conjunctivitis, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian before starting treatment.

Natural Home Remedies for Cat Conjunctivitis

Here are some tips or natural treatments you can do at home to relieve your cat from conjunctival inflammation.

These aren't magic recipes for treating acute conjunctivitis. However, they can be a great help in treating the first signs of an eye infection in cats.

Cleaning and irrigation

Do you think your cat has conjunctivitis because their eyes are crusty? You can help by making a homemade saline solution to use to temporarily clean and irrigate their eyes (it's safer to use a veterinary eye irrigator).

To naturally treat your cat's eyes with a homemade cleaning solution , some suggest this over-the-counter eye drop recipe:

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. Then, soak a gauze pad and place a few drops of the solution in the cat's eyes to rinse them. You can then clean the area around the eyelids and remove any crusts by moistening them. This will prevent blockage of the tear ducts.

Compresses

As a natural treatment to relieve your cat's eye infection, warm/hot water compresses can also be placed on your cat's eyes for a few minutes at a time, a few times a day. This will dilate the eye ducts and facilitate the drainage of eye secretions, which will certainly increase their comfort.

A natural homeopathic product for your cat

We are pleased to suggest HomeoAnimo ™ ConjunctivAnimo (Conjunctivitis) . It is made entirely of natural ingredients and its properties help soothe your cat's eyes. It also helps promote the overall health of your cat's eyes, even in cases of watery eyes.

As mentioned above, it is perfect for animals starting to develop conjunctivitis, both for cats and dogs. It is therefore a natural product that is very interesting to have on hand to be able to intervene quickly in case of conjunctivitis in your cat.

Watch our video:

How to prevent conjunctivitis in cats, or speed up its treatment?

If you know your cat has feline herpes, it might be worth adding a daily L-Lysine supplement to their food, available from your veterinarian.

It is an essential amino acid that helps slow the progression of a virus infection, and may even prevent its recurrence.

As silly as it may seem, putting a cone on your cat's head will also help speed up the effectiveness of the treatment for their conjunctivitis. This will prevent them from rubbing their eyes with their paws and introducing new bacteria into their eyes.

How long does conjunctivitis last in cats?

The duration of conjunctivitis in cats depends on its cause and treatment. The feline herpes virus, which causes conjunctivitis in cats, is known to be active for 10 to 14 days.

If the cause of the conjunctivitis is bacterial, it will all depend on how quickly the body absorbs the treatment. That said, the condition should improve within a few days of starting treatment.

Why won't my cat's conjunctivitis heal?

The persistence of conjunctivitis symptoms in your cat could be due to several factors.

First, it is possible that the infection is caused by a pathogen that is resistant to the prescribed antibiotic.

Additionally, certain underlying conditions, such as allergies or viral infections, can prolong the duration of conjunctivitis.

It is also crucial to ensure your cat receives full and regular treatment to ensure effective elimination of the infection. If conjunctivitis persists despite proper treatment, it could indicate a more serious health problem, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukemia virus (FeLV).

If your cat experiences persistent or worsening symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you consult a veterinarian for further diagnosis and treatment.

Why are kittens more susceptible to conjunctivitis?

Kittens are more susceptible to conjunctivitis for several reasons.

First, their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to infections.

Additionally, kittens' eyes are often exposed to irritants and allergens as they curiously explore their surroundings, which can cause inflammation.

Finally, kittens are usually in close contact with their siblings, which makes it easier for eye infections to spread.

It is crucial to closely observe your kitten's behavior and consult a veterinarian at the first sign of conjunctivitis or other eye infections.

Is conjunctivitis contagious to cats and humans?

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious between cats. Since the likely cause is either viral or bacterial, it is easily transmitted through direct contact, aerosols, or even sharing a litter box. It is therefore important to isolate the contagious cat from other cats in the household during treatment.

Feline conjunctivitis is not contagious to humans. That said, cats are host to many bacteria that are normal for them but harmful to us, especially in their mouths. It is therefore recommended to wash your hands after handling your cat's mouth, especially if your pet goes outside and hunts.

Conclusion

This concludes my overview of feline conjunctivitis and the available natural treatments. You are now well-informed about how to successfully treat this condition.

Have you ever been through this with your kitty? Share his story with us below.

If you're concerned that your pet may be suffering from a health issue, our Free Pet Health Referral can help. In addition to receiving advice and recommendations from our Natural Health Advisors, they'll also guide you through the products and treatment options that best suit your pet's health needs.