Eyes Are Red and Swollen, but Appetite Is Normal, the Cat Is Active, Nose Is Wet, No Fever

A cat with red, swollen eyes and a wet nose very likely has conjunctivitis from bacterial or viral infection. From the photo, the fur around the eyes, head, neck, and paws looks dirty and damp, suggesting a long history of tearing or frequent paw scratching and rubbing that worsened the infection. Owners should promptly clean the eye discharge and use a pet-specific eye drop containing neomycin sulfate or lysozyme for anti-infection treatment, four to six drops per day, and clean and ventilate the home.

If there is no improvement after three days of medication, take the cat to a veterinary hospital promptly for further checks of common respiratory pathogens and upper-airway conditions, such as feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, mycoplasma, chlamydia, and Bordetella. Also, during eye treatment, put an Elizabethan collar on the cat to prevent it from scratching and worsening the infection from discomfort.