Hi Eric,
I am so sorry your boy is ill. It sounds like he has an eye infection or conjunctivitis.
http://www.2ndchance.info/cateye.htm
http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/conjunctivitis.html
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_runny_eyes.html
You may be seeing the third eyelid which appears in times of pain, stress or illness.
http://www.animaleyecare.net/diseases/conjunctivitis.htm
He does need to be seen by a vet for his eye and lethargy.
Feed him very odorous food so he can smell it and will keep eating. If he gets dehydrated, give him a few droppers of unflavored pedialyte througout the day to hydrate him and balance his electrolytes.
H e can have an OTC called clortrimeton - a quarter tablet every 12 hours if he is congested. You can also take him in a steamy bathroom where you have run a hot shower to break it up.For the eyes get Terramycin ointment. some pet supplies have it but call first or order from http://www.revivalanimal.com/
Apply a damp teabag today for 30 seconds 3 times to the eye
Cats are attracted to smelly foods - the stronger the better. If he wants tuna, give it to him.You can also try fancy feast, clam juice or baby food.
human baby food in meat flavours (check that there are no onions or garlic in the ingredients) and mix that with warm water and offer that, or syringe it in little bits into your cat's mouth. Beech Nut makes a line of baby food that has nothing but meat (beef, chicken, turkey or veal) in it. Here's a link: http://www.beechnut.com/Our%20Baby%20Food/Results.asp If you cannot find this, you could find another meat baby food - just read the label carefully to be sure there are no onions, onion powder, garlic, or garlic powder in it.
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If his tummy needs a rest, feed baby food with no onion or garlic for a few days.
If he wont eat, and your cat is not diabetic begin by giving him two droppers (cc size) of unflavored pedialyte every ten minutes for an hour. Next water down(plain water) canned cat food or baby food chicken or turkey with no onion or garlic and give only one dropper every ten minutes for another hour. Wait two hours and repeat both. When he feels hydrated he will lick up the gruel on his own.
Give him droppers of unflavored pedialyte a few times a day to make sure he stays hydrated.
If he throws it up have him seen immedately
Please let me know how he is doing. I will always be here for you.
I hope he feels better very soon.
Sincerest best wishes,
Terri
Feline Healthcare Expert
Expert in feline health and behavior. 20 years experience with cats.