Kitties of any age, size, and breed can develop the viral infection known as conjunctivitis, or pink eye. If your cat is showing signs of conjunctivitis, like producing sticky fluid from its eyes or developing red, puffy eyelids, read this guide to find out what you should do to best care for your cat.

See A Vet

The first thing you should do is head to a vet's office to confirm that it's conjunctivitis. Other bacterial infections can potentially cause similar symptoms, so it's best to be sure before proceeding with treatment options.

If your vet determines that it is conjunctivitis, follow their directions and make sure to give your cat any medication that they're prescribed at regular intervals, as directed.

Give Them L-Lysine

L-lysine is a type of amino acid that's beneficial for cats' health. It can be helpful in boosting the immune system so that your cat's own body can fight off the conjunctivitis.

It's important to help do what you can to boost your cat's immune system because conjunctivitis is a virus. Antibiotics won't help to beat it, so it's ultimately up to your cat to beat this illness.

Wipe Their Face

Removing the fluid that's coming out of your cat's eyes and possibly nose is a must to keep them breathing and seeing clearly.

To do this, dampen a washcloth or towel with warm water. Ring out the excess, and then very gently wipe your cat's tear ducts. You may need another person to help you depending on how fidgety your cat is.

Once your kitty's tear ducts are clear, wipe away any excess fluid remaining on the rest of the eyelid. Be very gentle - you don't want to press on their eye, and you don't want to further irritate the eyelid.

Lastly, you can use a dry tissue or dry towel to wipe your cat's nose. Wipe one nostril at a time so they can still breathe while you're doing it.

Keep in mind that conjunctivitis typically produces a lot of mucusy discharge, so you may need to repeat this process on a regular basis while your cat is sick.

Monitor Them For A Fever

Conjunctivitis sometimes comes with the side effect of a fever. One can also develop if your cat develops a secondary infection, so it's important to monitor your cat for a fever.

To do this, you'll need to take their temperature rectally. It can be anxiety-inducing the first time you do it, but it's actually quite easy.

To do this, you'll just need a standard thermometer. Wrap your cat in a towel (with their behind exposed) to help keep them still. Then, after applying petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer, gently insert it into the cat's rectum. It only needs to go in a few centimeters.

Hold the thermometer there until a reading comes up. For cats, a temperature of 103.5 or above constitutes a fever. If your cat develops one, contact your vet immediately for further instructions, as fevers can be dangerous.

For more information, contact a local clinic like Parkview Animal Hospital.