Conjunctivitis in cats
Also known as Red eye, Sticky eyes.
Inflammation of the membrane around the eye and the most common eye problem in cats. It is almost always infectious (herpesvirus or chlamydia) and often comes with sneezing.
If the eye is tightly closed or cloudy, or the cat is in a lot of pain, see the vet the same day.
- System
- Eyes
- Is it urgent?
- Not usually
- Spreads to other cats
- Yes
- Spreads to people
- Very rarely
- Typical cost in Spain
- Consultation and eye drops, €50–100.
Infectious forms spread between cats. Feline chlamydia passes to people only very rarely.
Symptoms
- Red, swollen eye
- Discharge or watery eyes
- Half-closed eye
- Rubs the eye
- Visible third eyelid
Causes
Feline herpesvirus, Chlamydia felis, mycoplasmas, allergies, irritants or foreign bodies.
How it is diagnosed
Examination, a stain to rule out an ulcer and, if it keeps coming back, PCR.
Treatment
Cleaning and eye drops or ointments prescribed by the vet according to the cause. Never steroid eye drops without a diagnosis: they make ulcers worse.
No doses, on purpose: any medicine must be prescribed by your vet for your cat.
Prognosis
Good, although herpesvirus cases can recur.
Prevention
Up-to-date vaccinations and less stress.
Breeds at higher risk
It is described more often in these breeds. That does not mean all of their cats will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
Frequently asked questions
Is conjunctivitis contagious?
To other cats: yes. To people: very rarely. Infectious forms spread between cats. Feline chlamydia passes to people only very rarely.
Can conjunctivitis be cured?
Good, although herpesvirus cases can recur. Cleaning and eye drops or ointments prescribed by the vet according to the cause. Never steroid eye drops without a diagnosis: they make ulcers worse.
How much does it cost to treat conjunctivitis?
As a guide for Spain in 2026: Consultation and eye drops, €50–100. Prices vary a lot between clinics and cities, and out-of-hours emergencies cost more.
Which breeds are most at risk?
It is described more often in Persian, Exotic Shorthair and Himalayan. That does not mean every cat of those breeds will have it, nor that a moggy is free of it.
More in eyes
Educational content from Michipedia. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a vet: if you have any doubt about your cat's health, ask. Costs are a guide for Spain in 2026.