Brown Discharge From My Cat's Eyes

While brown cat eye discharge with pus is always a sign of a problem, there are some cats which have normal eye discharge that causes brown stains. This is due to pigments found in cat tears known as porphyrins. When they leak from the eyes, they oxidize in the air and become discolored. This is most evident in white-haired cats or those with light-colored fur.

All cats will have porphyrins in their tears, but not all will be prone to excessive tearing and subsequent stains. There are cats which are brachycephalic, a condition resulting in skull malformation. They are commonly known as flat-faced cat breeds because the skull is flattened at the front. This causes their eyes to bulge, exposing them more to the air and causing a greater level of tear production. Some cats are more pronounced than others.

This is not necessarily a health problem. Cats can have eye tear stains and it won't threaten their well-being, although it can be an aesthetic issue. To minimize this, you can use our guide to clean your cat's eyes. However, excessive eye tearing can be a sign of blocked tear ducts. If this is the case, you will need to see a veterinarian for treatment.

As stated in the introduction, brown or reddish-brown eye discharge in cats can be a sign of disease. These can be caused by pathogens, but some are congenital, leading to some cats being more predisposed to certain eye conditions than others. Dark discharge can be a sign of infection due to the body's immune response producing cells to fight the pathogen.

Other ocular diseases in cats can result in brown eye discharge. These can be secondary bacterial infections, but it can also be due to inflammatory processes which produce irritation as a main symptom. Whether due to excessive tearing or infection, the following can result in brown discharge from cat eyes:

• Cataracts: a loss of transparency of the eye lens which can be due to aging, as well as trauma or excessive UV exposure, among others.
• Uveitis: inflammation of the uvea which can be due to various infectious or inflammatory processes.
• Corneal ulcers: a result of damage or lesions on the most superficial layer of the eye (cornea).
• Feline eosinophilic keratitis: blood vessels and cells build up in the cornea, resulting in an inflammation which can lead to brown discharge.
• Glaucoma: an increase in intraocular pressure as a result of damage to the optic nerve.

You can learn more about these problems by looking at our article on the most common eye diseases in cats.

Treatment of feline eye diseases

The solution to ocular problems in cats will depend on the specific cause and the individual cat. For example, cataracts require surgical treatment, uveitis can be treated with medications and corneal ulcers may require a combination of both. Some eye diseases might be more superficial while others are more complicated. Feline eosinophilic keratitis is treated with immunomodulatory drugs. Glaucoma is managed with drugs or surgery to reduce intraocular pressure.

While conjunctivitis is another eye disease in cats, it is worth mentioning on its own due to its frequency. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the outermost layer of the eye and the mucous membrane which lines the inside of the eyelids. This inflammation causes redness and discomfort in the feline, as well as clinical signs such as excessive tearing and eye discharge. This can be green, yellow or brown in color, depending on the etiological agent.

In addition to eye discharge, conjunctivitis can result in other symptoms such the cat having puffy eyes or discomfort. In this case, the cat may try to scratch at their eyes to relieve the sensation. Doing so can worsen the situation due to trauma or secondary bacterial infection. The main causes of conjunctivitis in cats include the following:

• Bacterial infections: caused by various bacterial pathogens, but often of the genera Staphylococcus or Chlamydia. The latter causes chlamydiosis in cats, a common cause of conjunctivitis.
• Viral infections: caused by viruses such as calicivirus or feline herpesvirus.
• Allergies: common caused by dust, hair, mites or other environmental allergens.
• Eye tumors: both benign and malignant.
• Foreign bodies: when an object or substance enters the eye, the irritation can result in inflammation. These can include thorns, hair or dust particles.
• Ocular trauma: direct damage to the eye from an injury or accident.

Treatment of conjunctivitis in cats

When treating conjunctivitis, the cause of the condition must be taken into account. In infectious conjunctivitis due to bacteria, topical and/or systemic antibiotics are necessary. If the conjunctivitis is secondary to a virus, antivirals can be used to combat the infection. In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs is key to reducing inflammation in all cases. Eye cleaning is also recommended, as well as eye drops to introduce medications and keep the eye lubricated.

Discover other reasons why a cat's eyes are red in this related article.

Feline rhinotracheitis is an infectious disease caused by feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), a virus that has the ability to remain latent in the host once the infection has passed. It can then be reactivated under certain conditions such as immunosuppression or stress. This virus has tropism for the upper respiratory tract of our cats, meaning it specifically affects this area. It can lead to fatal pneumonia, especially in kittens or otherwise vulnerable cats.

The main clinical signs of rhinotracheitis in cats are ocular changes, such as ulcers, conjunctivitis and eye discharge. The formation of brown or yellowish eye discharge is a result of the infectious process. Other signs include nasal discharge, mucus production, sneezing, fever, rhinitis, depression and loss of appetite.

Treatment of feline rhinotracheitis

The disease is treated with medical intervention that includes fluid therapy to hydrate the cat, appetite stimulants or force feeding if there is anorexia. Eye cleaning and ocular hygiene are important, so cleaning any brown discharge regularly should be carried out. Vitamins may be given to strengthen the immune system. The use of antivirals such as famciclovir are used, as well as antibiotics to treat or prevent secondary bacterial infections.

One of the main causes of brown eye discharge in cats is the presence of external parasites, such as fleas, ticks and mites. This is because these parasites remove waste products and dirt that reach the eye area. After doing so, they mix with tears, producing a kind of dark eye discharge as a result of the fusion of these components.

Treatment of external parasites in cats

The treatment consists of using drugs that are effective against common external parasites in cats to eliminate the infestation that causes brown discharge. In addition, we must not forget the importance of preventing future parasites by using preventive parasite treatment. These are sold in the form of pipettes which are placed between the shoulders or a collar used around the neck. Establish a deworming schedule with your veterinarian and follow it closely.

You can use the link below to purchase a reputable flea and tick treatment for your cat:

Finally, eyelid problems can also be a cause of cat eye discharge that is brown. These are the structures that close and protect the eyes, as well as control the production, distribution and elimination of tears. One of the main problems that can cause discharge is entropion. This is an inversion of the eyelids towards the ocular surface, generally due to the laxity of the ligaments and muscles that hold the eyelids in their normal position.

When the eyelids move towards the surface of the eye, they irritate the cornea and conjunctiva. This can damage these structures, leading to the accumulation of secretions. When these mix with dirt, they can appear brown. If bleeding occurs, a reddish-brown discharge may be observed. Other signs may include pain, excessive tearing, squinting, keratitis, scratching, behavioral changes and secondary lesions.

Treatment of entropion in cats

Treatment for feline entropion is performed through a surgical procedure called blepharoplasty. Through removal and suturing, it seeks to maintain the eyelid in its normal position. Treatment with hyaluronic acid injection can promote extra rigidity to counteract eyelid laxity, especially useful in very young cats or those in which general anesthesia is not recommended. The most effective and indicated treatment for entropion is surgery.

As you can see, the causes of brown eye discharge in cats are very varied and all require veterinary attention. It is essential to go to the veterinary centre as soon as you observe this symptom in your cat. Discover other types of discharge in cats with our article asking why does my cat have so many eye boogers?

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Brown Discharge From My Cat's Eyes, we recommend you visit our Eye problems category.