You are very welcome and thank you for the additional information about Onyx.

If we are seeing tearing in a single eye, the main consideration we'd be considering here are primary diseases of the eye (especially if rough housing kittens are climbing all over her). That said, we do still need to consider a brewing respiratory infection, since they can start with eye signs but I would expect to see some of those other signs that I had asked about wee Onyx.

Tearing in cats can arise because of a range of causes. The differentials for clear ocular discharge we must consider in a cat like this wee one are bacterial infection (early onset conjunctivitis or Chlamydophilia, etc.), viral causes (ie. feline herpes), and traumatic agents (we can also see allergies + tear duct troubles cause this sign but are less likely here). In her case, I would be most concerned trauma to the cornea (via scratch, ulcers, catching his eye) but we want to keep the others in mind since there are naive immune systems present (kittens).

With corneal trauma we can see ulcers, scratches, and even erosions to this delicate tissue. This damage is very sore for them and can trigger for this tearing and squinting (and this can progress where we see swelling of the conjunctiva as well). We can often see them start with clear tearing, but if bacteria takes advantage of the situation this will change to a cloudy or mucky discharge as well.

Overall, I would advise that it is worthwhile to have the eye checked by her vet, just because eyes are such delicate organs. And if there has been trauma to the eye, we don’t want to let this be left unaddressed and at the mercy of potential bacterial colonization (or worse, damage and severe ulcers).

If the tearing is very mild and has just started, and you don't think there is a obvious change in the shiny appearance, then you may prefer to first monitor the eye and salt water bathing the eye (1tbsp salt to a pint of warm water or saline contact solution) three times a day. That said, you have to be very vigilant and any deterioration, change in discharge (amount or consistency), or onset of respiratory signs would warrant evaluation.

When/if you do see your vet, they will be able to examine the eye, ruling out specific bacterial and viral causes for these signs. Most importantly, they will also be able to stain the eye with fluorescein (a yellow UV reactive stain that binds to the under layers of the cornea). This will allow them to appreciate if there has been damage to this eye (as well this can pick up the spider like dendritic ulcers of the eye which can be a feature of the feline herpes virus which is one of the causes of cat flu).

Once they are able to narrow down causes, they will be able to provide you with the appropriate treatment (topical antibiotic, pain relief if she were sore) and help her eye recover from this situation. As well, their findings will be the best means of knowing whether the kittens are at risk and whether this might be a hint of a situation to come where we should consider early weaning (to avoid further exposure).

I hope this information is helpful.
Please do let me know if you have any further questions.
If you have no further questions, feedback is always appreciated.

All the best,

Dr. B.

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I think separating is best (since it just prevents the potential for any whole house outbreaks), and hopefully your vet will be able to see her (and then you can just have piece of mind getting this addressed sooner).

In regards XXXXX XXXXX water bathing, its true cats don't want people splashing water in their face. But if you soak a cotton ball or cotton wool, this will help keep the discharge away and it will get into the eye enough to be a mild astringent for removing bacteria that might be setting up shop.


All the best,
Dr. B.

Yes, normal table salt is fine (the old wives did know something when they told their old wives tales) ;)

Take care,
Dr. B.