Conjunctivitis is the most common eye problem in Indian cats. The eye membrane goes red and swollen, with watery or sticky discharge and squinting. In most cats it starts with feline herpesvirus (FHV-1). Here is what the signs mean, how it differs from cat flu, and when to act fast.
Screen your pet free ↗Cat conjunctivitis (pink eye) shows as red or swollen eye membranes, watery or sticky discharge, squinting, and a partly closed eye. In India the most common trigger is feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), along with bacteria, chlamydia, and dust. Most cases are a Monitor, but a cat holding the eye shut, cloudiness, or a kitten off food is Urgent, see a vet.
| What you see | What it may point to | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Slight redness, a little watering | Early irritation | Monitor |
| Red swollen membrane, sticky discharge, squinting | Established conjunctivitis | Monitor |
| Eye held shut, cloudiness, visible pain, a kitten off food | Possible deeper involvement | Urgent |
| Clear, bright, open eye with no discharge | Likely normal | Normal |
Severity labels follow PawCheck's Normal / Monitor / Urgent screening scale. They are a guide, not a diagnosis.
Red or pink swollen membrane around the eye, watery or sticky yellow discharge, squinting, and the cat pawing at the eye or keeping it half shut. One or both eyes can be affected.
Feline herpesvirus (FHV-1) is behind most cases, often flaring with stress. Bacteria, chlamydia, and dust also trigger it. Crowded or shelter cats catch it most easily.
Kittens, cats in multi-cat homes, and flat-faced breeds like Persians. Any cat under stress or with a weak immune system is more prone to flare-ups.
Conjunctivitis often comes as part of cat flu (an upper-respiratory infection). Telling them apart helps you judge how urgent it is.
| Conjunctivitis alone | Cat flu (with conjunctivitis) | |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Red, watery or sticky | Red eyes plus sneezing and a runny nose |
| Appetite | Usually normal | Often reduced |
| Other signs | None | Fever, tiredness, mouth ulcers, drooling |
| Usual severity | Monitor | Urgent in kittens |
When in doubt, a vet visit is always the safe choice. PawCheck helps you judge how quickly to act, it does not replace that visit.
The common causes, feline herpesvirus and chlamydia, are contagious between cats, so a cat with pink eye should be kept apart from other cats and have its own bowls and bedding. Wash your hands after touching the eye.
Spread to humans is rare. If you have young children or anyone with low immunity at home, basic hygiene around the cat is enough in most cases.
PawCheck screens the cat eye as one of its cat eye conditions, returning a Normal, Monitor, or Urgent severity read from a single photo in under 10 seconds. It helps you decide whether to watch at home or see a vet. Free on Android, 5 scans a month.
Further reading: MSD Veterinary Manual; Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. This page is general information and does not replace an examination by a qualified veterinarian.
PawCheck's AI eye scanner covers 4 cat eye conditions.
PawCheck gives a severity read on your cat's eye in under 10 seconds.
Download Free, Android ↗PawCheck is a wellness screening tool. Not a veterinary diagnostic device. Always consult a qualified veterinarian.