Is Redness at the Corner of a Cat’s Eye a Tear Stain?

1 Why the Corner of a Cat’s Eye Looks Red

1) Eye discharge buildup. Too much discharge can make the corner look red because it oxidizes in the air – not an eye problem, just needs cleaning. Use a water-dampened swab to soften the crust, then wipe gently with a warm, damp pad. Clean eye discharge regularly.

2) Bacterial infection. Infection can cause conjunctivitis or keratitis, with redness plus frequent blinking and tearing. Clean the eye with saline, wipe away discharge, then apply a cat-specific antibacterial eye drop. If redness doesn’t ease, see a vet – severe eye disease can cause blindness.

3) Injury. Redness can come from fights or bumps. Check the wound; if mild, wait for swelling to go down. For serious injuries, clean and bandage, then take the cat to a vet promptly.

4) Heatiness. Dry, high-calorie food without enough water leads to internal heat and eye inflammation. Switch to a light, cooling soft diet, stop the dry or high-calorie food, and encourage drinking to flush toxins.