symptom-respiratory 8 min read

Squinting in Cats: Symptom Assessment Guide

Breed: All Cats | Published: July 9, 2026 | Source: allpets.ai

Squinting usually means an eye is painful. This guide explains what you're seeing, likely causes (corneal ulcer, foreign body, herpesflare, uveitis, glaucoma), what to check at home, and when to get urgent veterinary care.

Quick Assessment

Is this an emergency?

- Yes: if the eye is cloudy or bulging, bleeding, the cat is blind in that eye, a foreign object is protruding, or the cat is severely painful (constant squinting, pawing, hiding) — seek immediate veterinary care (same day or emergency clinic). - No (but needs prompt care): if your cat is squinting persistently for more than 24 hours, has colored discharge (yellow/green), or signs are worsening — see a veterinarian within 24–48 hours.

Most common cause: corneal irritation/ulcer or a foreign body; infectious conjunctivitis (including feline herpesvirus flare) is also common.
When to see a vet: constant squinting longer than 24 hours, any changes in vision, coloured discharge, cloudy cornea, or if the cat is lethargic or has fever.

Why squinting matters

Squinting (blepharospasm) is not just a cute facial expression — it’s an indicator of eye pain or discomfort. Cats partially close an eye to protect a painful cornea, reduce light entering a sensitive or inflamed eye, or avoid further irritation. Because the eye is delicate, squinting should prompt a careful assessment and, in many cases, a timely veterinary exam.

Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual — Eye Disorders and Corneal Ulceration; Cornell Feline Health Center — Feline Herpesvirus.

What this symptom looks like (for owners)

If your cat is squinting one eye, you might notice one or more of the following:

The cat keeps one eye partly closed or blinks a lot
Pawing at or rubbing the eye with a paw or against furniture
Tearing or discharge from the affected eye (clear, cloudy, yellow, or green)
Redness of the white of the eye (conjunctival hyperemia)
Third eyelid (nictitating membrane) protruding across part of the eye
Sensitivity to light (hiding in dark places)
Avoiding bright rooms, not wanting to be petted near the head

If the eye looks different from the other one (cloudy, enlarged, pupil abnormal), treat this as potentially serious.

Possible causes (ranked by likelihood)

Corneal irritation or corneal ulcer (common)

- Scratches, abrasions, or deeper ulcers cause severe pain and squinting.

Foreign body in the eye (common)

- Grass awns, dust, particulates; often causes sudden squinting and pawing.

Infectious conjunctivitis / feline herpesvirus (common)

- Causes squinting, watery discharge, sneezing; flares often recur with stress.

Bacterial conjunctivitis or secondary infection (common to less common)

- Often follows irritation or viral disease and produces thicker discharge.

Uveitis (less common but important)

- Inflammation inside the eye (iris, ciliary body) causes pain, small pupil, redness, and cloudiness.

Glaucoma (less common but urgent)

- High intraocular pressure causes severe pain, corneal cloudiness, dilated pupil, and rapid vision loss.

Trauma or blunt injury (variable)

- A hit to the eye can cause bleeding, corneal rupture, or globe damage.

Allergic conjunctivitis, eyelid disease, or eyelash abnormalities (less likely)

Decision tree — quick-action guide

If squinting + pawing at eye → likely foreign body or corneal ulcer → action: examine briefly (see Home assessment). If signs persist/worsen → urgent vet same day.
If squinting + clear watery discharge + sneezing → likely feline herpesvirus flare or viral conjunctivitis → action: see vet within 24–48 hours for antiviral/comfort therapy.
If squinting + thick yellow/green discharge → likely bacterial infection or secondary infection → action: see vet within 24–48 hours; antibiotics likely needed.
If squinting + small/irregular pupil + eye pain/redness/cloudiness → likely uveitis → action: urgent vet within 24 hours (may need pain control and anti-inflammatory therapy).
If squinting + eye appears larger/swollen/cloudy + decreased vision → likely glaucoma → action: emergency vet now (risk of permanent vision loss).
If squinting + blood or clear evidence of trauma → likely ocular injury → action: emergency vet now.

Home assessment steps (what to check and how)

Safety first: keep the cat calm and restrained gently. Use a towel if needed. Do not press on the eye or force eyelids open.

Look from a short distance (no bright lights): compare both eyes for symmetry.

Note the eyelid position: is the eye partially closed or completely shut?

Check discharge: color and amount

- Clear/teary: irritation or viral - Yellow/green: bacterial infection - Bloody: trauma or severe inflammation

Check for cloudiness or bluish cornea: may indicate ulcer, uveitis, or glaucoma.

Observe the pupil size and reaction to light (briefly): is one pupil much smaller or larger? Does the affected pupil react poorly to light? (Do not shine a powerful light directly into the eye if the cat is clearly photophobic.)

Look for the third eyelid covering part of the eye — this often indicates pain or systemic illness.

Check for trauma or foreign material around the eye and on the face.

Measure temperature if you can (rectal): normal cat temp is 100.5–102.5°F (38.1–39.2°C). A temperature above ~103°F (39.5°C) is concerning for fever.

Note behavior and appetite: lethargy, hiding, not eating, or changes in behavior suggest more systemic illness.

If you can safely take a clear photo or short video of the eye, this will help your veterinarian.

When it's an emergency — red flags (seek immediate care)

Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes (bumping into objects)
Eye is cloudy, bluish, or appears larger/swollen
Severe pain signs: constant squinting, nonstop pawing, vocalizing, hiding
Bleeding from the eye or a visibly ruptured eye
A foreign object visibly stuck in or protruding from the eye
Pupil size markedly unequal between eyes (anisocoria) or a fixed dilated/mid-dilated pupil
Any signs of systemic illness (very high fever, collapse, severe lethargy)

In these situations, go to an emergency veterinary clinic — some eye conditions lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

When to schedule a vet visit (non-urgent but needs attention)

Ongoing squinting for more than 24 hours but the cat is comfortable otherwise
Persistent watery or mucousy discharge for 24–48 hours
Recurrent squinting episodes (history of previous eye disease, herpesvirus flares)
Minor trauma with no obvious rupture, but redness or discharge persists
If you are unsure and worried — it’s better to have a veterinarian examine the eye within 24–48 hours

Home care — safe things to do while monitoring

Keep the cat calm and indoors in dim light to reduce discomfort.
Prevent rubbing — use a soft e-collar if your cat continues to paw at the eye (short term). Consult your vet for correct size and use.
If there is visible dust or loose foreign matter near the eye, you may gently flush the area with sterile saline (not pressure irrigation and do not attempt if object is embedded).
Warm compresses (clean soft cloth warmed with hot water and wrung out) applied gently for 5 minutes can relieve comfort for some conjunctival irritation — do not use if there is suspected corneal ulceration or trauma without veterinary advice.
Do not use over-the-counter human eye drops or ointments unless prescribed by your veterinarian.
Keep your cat isolated from other cats if infectious disease is suspected (e.g., feline herpesvirus) to reduce spread.

Home care is only supportive — many eye problems need specific topical medications (antibiotics, antivirals, pain relief, anti-inflammatories) prescribed by a veterinarian.

What to tell your vet (helpful information to prepare)

When you call or go in, share:

When you first noticed the squinting (date/time) and whether it was sudden or gradual
Which eye (left or right) and whether it has changed since first noticed
Discharge details: color, amount, odor
Any signs of trauma (fight, fall, chemical exposure)
Other signs: sneezing, nasal discharge, appetite, behavior changes, vomiting
Any prior eye disease or surgery, prior episodes, or known herpesvirus infection
Vaccination status and current medications
Whether the cat is indoor/outdoor and possible exposure to plants, chemicals, or other animals
Photos or short videos of the eye or behavior if possible

Bring any current medications to the appointment and be ready to describe previous treatments and responses.

Why a veterinarian needs to examine the eye

Many eye problems look similar to an owner but have very different treatments. Corneal ulcers, uveitis, and glaucoma require different topical medications, diagnostics (dyes to highlight corneal scratches, tonometry to measure pressure, fluorescein stain, sedation for painful cats), and sometimes systemic testing to find underlying causes. Early treatment reduces pain and preserves vision—so squinting is a symptom you should take seriously.

Sources and further reading

Merck Veterinary Manual — Eye and Vision Disorders and Corneal Ulceration: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/eye-and-ear/eye-disorders
Cornell University Feline Health Center — Feline Herpesvirus: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/feline-herpesvirus

If you’re unsure what to do after reading this guide, it’s safest to contact your regular veterinarian for advice and, if possible, send a photo of the eye. Eye pain can progress quickly; timely veterinary assessment protects your cat’s comfort and vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put saline or artificial tears in my cat's eye?

You can gently flush away loose debris with sterile saline if you see grit and the object is loose, but avoid strong pressure. Do not use over-the-counter human medicated eye drops or ointments unless your veterinarian has specifically told you to—these can worsen some eye conditions.

How long can I wait before seeing the vet?

If your cat is clearly painful, has thick colored discharge, cloudiness, suspected trauma, or vision changes, seek same-day veterinary care. For mild, sudden irritation that improves within a few hours, monitor closely; see a vet within 24–48 hours if signs persist or recur.

Is squinting always serious?

Not always—brief squinting from a tiny irritant may resolve quickly. However, because many serious eye problems initially look similar, persistent squinting (more than 24 hours) or any red-flag signs should prompt veterinary assessment.

Could this be a sign of feline herpesvirus?

Yes—feline herpesvirus often causes conjunctivitis and corneal ulceration, leading to squinting, watery discharge, and sneezing. Flares commonly occur with stress. A veterinarian can test and treat appropriately.

References & Citations

Parts of this article reference data from Merck Veterinary Manual.

Tags: cateyefeline-healthophthalmologyemergency