Cat pink eye, also known as feline conjunctivitis, can be caused by feline chlamydia. It’s a common and highly contagious eye condition in cats. Feline pink eye can affect cats of all ages and breeds and is often caused by bacteria, viruses, or environmental irritants. Recognizing the early signs of feline chlamydia or conjunctivitis in cats is key to preventing the spread of infection and protecting your cat’s overall eye health. In this guide, we’ll explore the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention tips for managing cat pink eye effectively.

How to Tell If Your Cat Has Pink Eye: Understanding Feline Chlamydia Infections

Does my cat have pink eye? Chlamydia in cats is a disease caused by an unusual bacteria, which like most viruses, does not survive outside of the cat. This disease is less common in house cats than other respiratory infections (about five percent of feline respiratory disease), but it is more common in show cats and rescues. Chlamydophila bacteria are easily transferred by petting or grooming the carrier cat and then your cat. In cat rescues and shelters, feline chlamydia is often spread through mutual grooming, making it crucial to monitor close contact between cats and practice proper hygiene protocols.

Cat Pink Eye Symptoms

Feline Chlamydia can infect cats of all ages, but it is more often seen in kittens between five and 12 weeks of age. Feline Chlamydophila primarily causes eye infection with discharge or conjunctivitis, infection and inflammation of the membranes lining the eyelids. Conjunctivitis in cats is sometimes referred to as “pink eye.” Symptoms of this disease include sneezing, coughing, a low grade fever, pink eye, runny nose and lethargy. Although less common, this disease can also infect the upper respiratory tract. In many cases, the symptoms start with one eye affected, then may appear in the opposite eye.

Cat Pink Eye Treatment

As with most bacteria, this organism will respond to antibiotic treatment. Feline Chlamydophila can be treated with an antibiotic eye ointment, such as Terramycin^® Ophthalmic Ointment or Vetericyn^® Animal Ophthalmic Gel. You may gently clean discharge from eyes and nostrils. Oral Doxycycline or Chloramphenicol are also used effectively with eye treatment. Kittens under four months of age should not be treated with doxycycline. Doxycycline tablets should only be administered when coated with food to avoid inflammation of the esophagus.

How to Prevent the Spread of Feline Conjunctivitis: Isolation, Vaccination & Hygiene Tips

To prevent the spread of pink eye, it’s essential to isolate an infected cat from other household cats. Vaccinations can help protect at-risk cats and may reduce the likelihood of them becoming carriers if exposed. While rare, some bacterial forms of cat conjunctivitis can be transmitted to humans, so it’s important to practice good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly after handling an infected cat. For effective infection control, use a safe disinfectant like Rescue® to kill harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of spreading feline chlamydia and other contagious cat illnesses. If you need help with how to prevent or treat conjunctivitis in cats, call an Animal Care Specialist at 800.786.4751.