If you’ve ever noticed a little crust or goo in the corner of your cat’s eyes, you’re not alone. Eye discharge — often called "eye boogers" — is a common occurrence among cats. Sometimes it's nothing more than a harmless buildup; other times, it can be a sign of an underlying health issue. So how do you know when your cat's eye boogers are normal, and when they’re not?
In this article, we’ll explain what normal cat eye boogers look like, what causes them, how to safely clean your cat’s eyes, and when it’s time to seek veterinary care.
What Are Eye Boogers, Exactly?
Eye boogers — or more accurately, ocular discharge — are a combination of mucus, dust, oils, and tear film that collect in the corner of the eye. Just like humans, cats produce tears to lubricate their eyes and flush away irritants. When those tears mix with environmental particles, they can form a crust or goo, especially while your cat sleeps.
Eye boogers — or more accurately, ocular discharge — are a combination of mucus, dust, oils, and tear film that collect in the corner of the eye. Just like humans, cats produce tears to lubricate their eyes and flush away irritants. When those tears mix with environmental particles, they can form a crust or goo, especially while your cat sleeps.
Occasional small eye boogers are completely normal, particularly in the morning. However, if the discharge becomes excessive, changes color, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate a problem.
What Do Normal Cat Eye Boogers Look Like?
Healthy eye discharge in cats typically has the following characteristics:
Healthy eye discharge in cats typically has the following characteristics:
Color: Clear, light brown, or slightly reddish-brown
Texture: Soft, slightly crusty, or gooey
Amount: Minimal — just a small amount in the corners of the eyes
Location: Usually found when your cat wakes up from a nap or in the morning
These boogers are generally nothing to worry about, especially if your cat’s eyes are otherwise clear, bright, and free of swelling, squinting, or redness.
Some cats are more prone to eye discharge than others, especially:
Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like Persians and Himalayans
Long-haired cats, where fur can irritate the eye or trap discharge
Kittens, due to developing immune systems
Common Causes of Normal Eye Discharge
Several non-serious factors can lead to normal eye boogers in cats:
Several non-serious factors can lead to normal eye boogers in cats:
1. Tear Drainage and Drying
Tears naturally drain from your cat’s eyes, and when they dry, they can form a bit of crust in the corners. This is more noticeable after sleep.
Tears naturally drain from your cat’s eyes, and when they dry, they can form a bit of crust in the corners. This is more noticeable after sleep.
2. Dust or Debris
Cats that love to explore dusty corners or roll on the carpet might end up with mild eye irritation and a little discharge.
Cats that love to explore dusty corners or roll on the carpet might end up with mild eye irritation and a little discharge.
3. Breed Characteristics
Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats often have shallow eye sockets and short nasal passages, which leads to tears spilling over rather than draining properly. This can cause more frequent — but usually harmless — tear staining and crusts.
Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats often have shallow eye sockets and short nasal passages, which leads to tears spilling over rather than draining properly. This can cause more frequent — but usually harmless — tear staining and crusts.
4. Wind or Allergens
If your cat just stuck its face out of a breezy window or got pollen in its fur, you may see some eye watering as a response. As long as it resolves quickly, it’s not a concern.
If your cat just stuck its face out of a breezy window or got pollen in its fur, you may see some eye watering as a response. As long as it resolves quickly, it’s not a concern.
When Eye Boogers Are Not Normal
Sometimes, eye discharge is a sign of a deeper issue that needs veterinary attention. Here are signs that your cat's eye boogers may not be so innocent:
Sometimes, eye discharge is a sign of a deeper issue that needs veterinary attention. Here are signs that your cat's eye boogers may not be so innocent:
1. Change in Color
Yellow or green discharge may signal a bacterial infection.
Yellow or green discharge may signal a bacterial infection.
Red or bloody discharge can indicate trauma or inflammation.
2. Large or Excessive Discharge
If you're seeing large amounts of goo, crusts sticking the eyes shut, or frequent wiping with paws, it could point to illness or discomfort.
If you're seeing large amounts of goo, crusts sticking the eyes shut, or frequent wiping with paws, it could point to illness or discomfort.
3. One Eye Only
While both eyes producing a little crust is normal, discharge from just one eye might suggest a foreign object, injury, or blocked tear duct.
While both eyes producing a little crust is normal, discharge from just one eye might suggest a foreign object, injury, or blocked tear duct.
4. Other Symptoms
Eye discharge combined with the following signs is a red flag:
Eye discharge combined with the following signs is a red flag:
Squinting or keeping the eye shut
Red or swollen eyes
Sneezing or nasal discharge (often viral infections)
Pawing at the eyes
Loss of appetite or energy
In these cases, schedule a vet appointment to rule out infections, injuries, or more serious conditions like conjunctivitis, feline herpesvirus, or corneal ulcers.
How to Safely Clean Cat Eye Boogers
If your cat has occasional, harmless eye discharge, you can clean it gently at home using the following steps:
If your cat has occasional, harmless eye discharge, you can clean it gently at home using the following steps:
Supplies You’ll Need:
Soft cotton ball or clean gauze pad
Soft cotton ball or clean gauze pad
Warm (not hot) water
Optional: sterile saline solution (available at pharmacies)
Steps:
Wash your hands before handling your cat’s face.
Wash your hands before handling your cat’s face.
Soak the cotton ball in warm water or saline.
Gently wipe away from the eye, starting from the inner corner.
Use a new cotton ball for each eye to avoid cross-contamination.
Reward your cat with a treat to make it a positive experience.
Never use human eye drops, alcohol, or harsh chemicals near your cat's eyes unless prescribed by your vet.
Can You Prevent Eye Boogers in Cats?
You can’t completely prevent normal eye boogers, but you can reduce irritation and keep your cat’s eyes healthy by:
You can’t completely prevent normal eye boogers, but you can reduce irritation and keep your cat’s eyes healthy by:
Grooming regularly, especially for long-haired breeds
Keeping your home clean and dust-free
Avoiding scented sprays and harsh cleaners
Feeding a high-quality diet to support immune health
Monitoring for allergies or irritants like smoke or pollen
For breeds prone to constant tear staining (like Persians), your vet might recommend daily eye cleaning as part of routine care.
When to See a Vet
If your cat’s eye discharge doesn’t look normal, or if you notice any of the following, it’s time to visit the veterinarian:
If your cat’s eye discharge doesn’t look normal, or if you notice any of the following, it’s time to visit the veterinarian:
Thick yellow, green, or bloody discharge
Crusts that seal the eyes shut
Ongoing squinting, redness, or swelling
Discharge that lasts more than 2–3 days
Other signs of illness like fever or respiratory symptoms
Your vet can conduct an eye exam and may test for infections, injuries, or allergies. In most cases, early treatment can prevent more serious complications.
Conclusion
A little bit of eye discharge in cats — especially if it's clear, brownish, or crusty — is usually harmless and part of normal eye function. Cats, like humans, can accumulate some "sleep gunk" around their eyes. However, it's important to recognize when the discharge shifts from normal to concerning.
A little bit of eye discharge in cats — especially if it's clear, brownish, or crusty — is usually harmless and part of normal eye function. Cats, like humans, can accumulate some "sleep gunk" around their eyes. However, it's important to recognize when the discharge shifts from normal to concerning.
Routine cleaning, careful observation, and understanding your cat’s baseline behavior can help you determine whether those eye boogers are just sleepy residue or a sign of something more serious.
As always, if you're in doubt or notice sudden changes in your cat’s eyes or behavior, consult your veterinarian for peace of mind and proper care.
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