I Found a Cat and Am Not Sure if Its Eyes Are Inflamed

A small amount of eye discharge is often from greasy food and internal heat raising secretions. If the eye won’t open, irritation is also possible; stray cats fight outdoors, and hair, flying insects, or dust can irritate the conjunctiva, causing inability to open and tearing.

Clean the corners with saline solution, then apply neomycin eye drops to prevent infection. If a stray cat has increased discharge with sneezing, tearing, and low energy and appetite, rule out rhinotracheitis or calicivirus and take it to the vet for infectious-disease screening.

During treatment, always fit an Elizabethan collar to stop the cat from scratching and worsening the infection.