Even the healthiest cats may occasionally suffer from issues that affect their eyes, like pink eye, allergies, or excessive discharge, just like humans. Eye drops can help soothe symptoms, like tearing, itching, or burning, as your cat is being treated by his veterinarian or awaiting an appointment. Depending on your cat’s condition, your veterinarian might prescribe an antibiotic eye drop to cure his ailment. However, non-prescription eye drops made for cats coat and flush the eyes to remove irritants and offer temporary relief from bothersome symptoms.
We’ve reviewed dozens of cat eye drops to identify the best of the best. Some of the features we paid particularly close attention to were their ability to quickly relieve a variety of eye-related symptoms, ease of use, and whether the solution is pain-free to use on your kitty.
Meet Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ophthalmic Pet Gel Eye Drops, a solution that cleans and soothes cat eyes from allergies, redness, irritation, and more.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Eye Drops
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ophthalmic Pet Gel Eye Drops | 4.4 |
| Runner Up | PetAlive Eye-Heal Drops | 3.8 |
| Best Budget Pick | Dr. Goodpet Natural Vitamin C & Zinc Eye Drops | 4.3 |
| Best Cat Eye Drops for Allergies | Thomas Labs Terra Septic Dog & Cat Eye & Ear Drops | 3.7 |
| Best Cat Eye Wash | Ark Naturals Eyes So Bright Gentle Eye Wash Cleanser | 4.4 |
Our Top Pick: Vetericyn Plus All Animal Eye Wash Drops
The Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ophthalmic Pet Gel Eye Drops offer a comprehensive solution to a range of common eye problems cats face. It is formulated to help relieve the pain and discomfort associated with eye-related burning, stinging, itching, pollutants, and contaminants. The veterinarian-recommended, antibiotic-free formula is gentle, pain-free, and non-toxic to cats. It can even be used on other pets and livestock. These eye drops should be applied 2 to 3 times a day, until the problem in question clears up.
For best results, Vetericyn recommends using their gentle eye wash first. Given how easy-to-use this product is, as well as how effectively it work, it’s not surprising that this is a top-rated product Amazon. More than 1700 reviewers give these drops an average rating of 4.4 out of 5.0, and many pet owners love how fast they clear up their cat’s eye problems.
Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Ophthalmic Pet Gel Eye Drops Key Features:
- Veterinarian-recommended
- Made in FDA-registered facility
- Pain-free solution
Our Runner Up Pick: PetAlive Eye-Heal Drops
Looking for a natural medicine solution to relieve symptoms of cat eye problems and support your cat’s eye health? Try PetAlive Eye-Heal Drops. These eye drops harness the power of a scientifically-sound and therapeutic blend of herbs to give your cat the eye support they need. Specifically these eye drops help to clear unwanted debris from your kitty’s eyes and promote healthy vision. Some of the ingredients you’ll find in this natural formula include certified organic Burdock, certified organic celandine, wild crafted meadowsweet, and certified rosemary.
It’s clear that PetAlive strives to uphold high standards when manufacturing these eye drops. For starters, the product is laboratory-tested, and made in an FDA-registered, cGMP-compliant facility. The formula is also completely free of unwanted ingredients such as fillers, GMOs, artificial colors and flavors, and preservatives.
PetAlive Eye-Heal Drops Key Features:
- Natural therapeutic blend of ingredients
- Free from fillers
- GMO-free
Best Budget Pick: Dr. Goodpet Natural Vitamin C & Zinc Eye Drops
The Dr. Goodpet Natural Vitamin C & Zinc Eye Drops offer an affordable, all-natural approach to soothing allergy-ridden eyes.
Vitamin C and Zinc are two minerals that can boost eye health and keep your cat’s eyes feeling relaxed once again. Vitamin C is known for eye health, especially in its support of healthy blood vessels. Zinc can prevent macular degeneration, which is something older cats and those with severe allergies can suffer from. These drops have a 4.3 rating on Amazon with nearly 600 reviews. Cat owners have mentioned that they work on a variety of eye conditions to improve their cats’ symptoms, including eye ulcers, dry eyes, and aging eyes.
Dr. Goodpet Natural Vitamin C & Zinc Eye Drops Key Features:
- Safe to use daily
- Soothing texture
- Natural formula
Best Cat Eye Drops for Allergies: Thomas Labs Terra Septic Dog & Cat Eye & Ear Drops
There are many reasons why we rate Thomas Labs Terra Septic Dog & Cat Eye & Ear Drops so highly. Formulated to support the normal healing process without harming any tissues, this product is gentle enough to not upset your cat when applied. It’s also potent enough to efficiently help to clear up your cat’s eye issues such as seasonal allergies, runny eyes, and tear stains.
The beauty of this product is that in addition to attending to your cat’s eye problems, it will also help to maintain your kitty’s ear health, keep ear-associated odors at bay, and treat wounds, burns, cuts, ringworm, and other irritations. Talk about a highly-effective multi-functional product! So how exactly does this product manage to do so much? It’s all thanks to Thomas Labs Terra Septic Dog & Cat Eye & Ear Drops’ unique non-toxic, pH-neutral silver solution.
Thomas Labs Terra Septic Dog & Cat Eye & Ear Drops Key Features:
- pH-neutral silver solution
- Helps promote ear health as well
- Can be used to treat wounds, burns, cuts, ringworm, and other irritations
Best Cat Eye Wash: Ark Naturals Eyes So Bright Gentle Eye Wash Cleanser
Ark Naturals Eyes So Bright Gentle Eye Wash Cleanser is a great alternative to cat eye drops for cats who need regular eye flushing to keep them free of debris and irritants. This gentle botanical blend is free of artificial colors and preservatives, as well as corn, soy, and wheat.
Key ingredients include aloe juice, witch hazel, and echinacea fluid extract. Regular use will not only help to reduce irritation and remove dirt, but also maintain eye health. To use it, pour a small amount onto a cotton ball and gently rub around your kitty’s eyes until they’re gunk-free. With an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5, and positive customer feedback such as “This actually works!” and “Works well for any eye irritation,” you can buy this product with confidence.
Ark Naturals Eyes So Bright Gentle Eye Wash Cleanser Key Features:
- Includes aloe
- Made in the USA
- Free from artificial coloring and preservatives
Who Should Buy Cat Eye Drops
Cat owners might consider purchasing cat eye drops for their cats who frequently suffer from conditions that affect their eyes, such as allergies or clogged tear ducts. You can use most cat eye drops daily as part of your cat’s regular health routine. Over-the-counter eye drops aren’t meant to clear infections or other ailments that require an antibiotic or prescription. However, they can be helpful in clearing up common symptoms associated with condition-related symptoms, like itching, dryness, burning, or watery eyes.
It’s also a good idea to keep a bottle of eye drops on hand, even if your cat doesn’t usually have irritated eyes. If your cat goes outside, it’s always possible that she’ll get some dirt, dust, or other particles in her eyes that can leave them irritated. Even indoor cats are susceptible to dust and other irritants in the air that eye drops can help flush out.
Most over-the-counter eye drops, like those listed in this guide, are safe to use along with prescription drops given to you by your veterinarian since they treat symptoms only. If you’re ever unsure about whether an eye drop is safe to use with your cat’s prescription, you should check with your veterinarian for guidance. For more top products to help you keep your favorite feline healthy and happy, check out our reviews of the best cat dewormers and the best probiotics for cats.
Important Features to Consider
Cat eye drops should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting cat eye drops for your cat.
- Safe ingredients. The last thing you want to do is irritate your cat’s eyes further by putting drops in them, so it’s crucial to look for eye drops with safe ingredients that mimic a cat’s natural tears. Hyaluronic acid, for example, is naturally found in the eye and can help flush irritants away when it’s added to eye drops. The best eye drops should be safe for daily use.
- Easy to apply. Eye drops with a well-designed applicator can be much easier to get into a cat’s eyes than those that are difficult to maneuver. Drops should come out gently and steadily to make the process go as smoothly and comfortably as possible for kitty.
- Long- Some drops are on the thicker side, which can make them last longer in your cat’s eyes to soothe his symptoms. These eye drops give eyes an extra layer of comfort over several hours to help the drops work their magic to reduce symptoms. Look for terms like, “long-lasting formula” or “long ocular surface residence” to find this type of eye drop.
- Type of condition. Not all eye drops for cats are made for the same purpose. Some might be better for treating allergy eye symptoms while others might be designed to help eyes with excessive tearing. Be sure to look for drops that are made specifically for your cat’s symptoms for the best results. However, if the eye has milky discharge or is crusted shut, this could be a sign of a more serious infection that could warrant a trip to the vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cat eye drops and how do they work?
Cat eye drops are much like human eye drops, only they might contain gentler and fewer ingredients to meet the needs of a cat’s eyes. Cat eye drops can help relieve eye symptoms caused by allergies, infections, particles, and other eye conditions. Generally, over the counter eye drops can help with redness, itchiness, stinging, dry eyes, and watery eyes. Eye drops work by gently coating the eye with a safe-for-the-eye liquid, and then flushing out irritants that are causing symptoms. Think of it as a lubricant for your cat’s eyes. Prescription eye drops, which are prescribed to your cat by your veterinarian, go one step further to treat underlying conditions, such as infections, that cause your cat’s symptoms.
Can you use human eye drops on cats?
It is not recommended to use human eye drops on cats, unless specifically told to do so by your veterinarian. He or she knows what products are safe to use on your cat’s eyes based on their ingredients. Human eye drops are intended only for human use and may contain ingredients, or higher amounts of ingredients, that could be harmful to a feline.
How can I treat my cat’s conjunctivitis at home?
If your cat wakes up with an eye that appears to be swollen or crusted shut, it’s quite possible that she has a case of conjunctivitis. Humans can get this condition, too, which is usually caused by either inflammation or a viral or bacterial infection. You might be able to treat mild cases of conjunctivitis at home, but usually those caused by a bacterial infection will require a trip to the veterinarian for an antibiotic. You can see if your cat’s conjunctivitis will clear up on its own by administering cat eye drops over the course of 24 hours. You can also use a clean washcloth dampened with warm water to gently remove discharge before applying eye drops. If you don’t notice your cat’s swelling, redness, or discharge clearing up at all, you should make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible.
How do you tell if your cat’s eye is infected?
There are several types of infections that can affect one, or both, of your cat’s eyes. It’s important for you to take care of eye infections quickly because they can become serious if they’re left untreated. They can also signal another medical problem that’s causing the infection. The most common symptoms of an eye infection in your cat include redness, swelling, squinting, discharge that’s usually yellow, green, or clear, consistent winking, eye rubbing, and inflammation of the eyelid or around the eye. You also might notice your cat rubbing her eye against surfaces in your home, sneezing, or discharge coming from her nose.
Other Cat Eye Drops We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat eye drops. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cat eye drops list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Cat Eye Washes
Nutri-Vet Eye Rinse Liquid for Cats
This rinse quickly soothe unpleasant eye symptoms in cats as it reduces irritation that causes dry eyes and prevents tear stains.
Key Features:
- Can use as drops or rinse
- Limited ingredients
- Helps prevent and remove tear stains
Cost: $7
This natural eye wash soothes the eyes to relieve itching, redness, and excessive drainage and is safe to use on cats.
Key Features:
- Gentle formula
- Removes tear stains with regular use
- Made in the USA
Cost: $10
This soothing eye wash is gentle enough to use a few times a day to rid eyes of stubborn debris and discomfort from allergies and other eye conditions.
Key Features:
- Formulated with soothing aloe vera
- No fragrance
- Mimics real tears
Cost: $8
For cats with sensitive eyes, this gentle eye wash can help clean the eyes and surrounding area daily without causing more irritation.
Key Features:
- Sensitive eye formula
- Easy-use applicator
- Comfortable bottle design
Cost: $11
This sterile eye wash provides a tear-like flush and coating to your cat’s eyes to leave them feeling clean and soothed from various eye conditions and irritants.
Key Features:
- Helps remove mucus and debris
- Designed to be the same pH as real tears
- Relieved itching, burning, and discomfort
Cost: $6
Cat Eye Drops for Cataract Relief
Ader Enterprises Pet Vision Pro
These drops are intended not only to soothe redness and dry eyes associated with cataracts but to also help treat cataracts in your cat.
Key Features:
- Lubricates the eye
- Offers visual clarity
- Formulated with amino acids
Cost: $100
Ethos Bright Eyes Drops for Pets
Bright Eyes for Pets drops are designed to help relieve the symptoms of cataracts while providing reduced swelling and improved clarity for cats with vision problems.
Key Features:
- Contains antioxidants and lubricants
- No animal ingredients
- Hypo-allergenic formula
Cost: $160
LumenPRO uses the power of lanosterol and NAC, both of which are compounds proven to be effective in fighting cataracts and restoring vision to the eye.
Key Features:
- Contains lanosterol to improve cataract-ridden eyesight
- Ergonomic applicator
- Free from phosphates and BPA
Cost: $80
OcluVet eye drops are designed to lubricate the eyes to help them heal from free radicals that can damage eye tissues in cats.
Key Features:
- Contains antioxidants for eye health
- 4-month supply
- Repairs eyes for better clarity
Cost: $50
When used for up to six weeks, these eye drops may promote clearer vision and better eye health for your furry feline.
Key Features:
- Contains lanosterol and NAC
- Safe for daily use
- Easy-to-use dropper
Cost: $60
These drops are made to fight, and reduce symptoms from, some of the toughest eye conditions, including cataracts, in your cat.
Key Features:
- Contains lanosterol and NAC
- Made in the USA
- May clear up symptoms within 6 weeks
Cost: $50
Other Cat Eye Drops
I-Med Pharma I Drop Vet Plus Eye Lubricant
This thicker formula contains 0.25% of hyaluronic acid, which is found naturally in the eyes and helps to prevent dry, itchy, and irritated eyes.
Key features:
- Contains hyaluronic acid to soothe eyes
- Thick formula for long-lasting coating
- Gentle solution can be used daily
Cost: $17
Bioline Ophthalmic Pet Eye Drops
Bioline eye drops for cats can remove debris, reduce redness and pain, and even prevent bacteria that causes infections from invading the eye.
Key Features:
- May prevent bacterial infections
- Safe for long-term use
- Mild, soothing formula
Cost: $9
These drops offer long-lasting, lubricating relief for common symptoms of eye infections and irritation and may reduce cloudiness associated with conjunctivitis, infection, and cataracts.
Key Features:
- Lubricating to reduce irritation
- Flushes away debris
- Can work as a preventative against infection
Cost: $15
Safe for both humans and pets, these eye drops mimic natural tears and coat the eyes with a lubricating formula for relief.
Key Features:
- Includes NAC
- Can reduce inflammation
- Safe for routine care
Cost: $39
These veterinarian-recommended gel eye drops provide a long-lasting coating for the eye for relief of redness, stinging, dryness, and other common symptoms.
Key Features:
- Alcohol-free
- Veterinarian-recommended
- Non-toxic to animals
Cost: $13
Use these eye drops in your cat’s regular care routine to flush the eyes, prevent irritating eye symptoms, and reduce tear stains.
Key Features:
- Different sizes available
- Prevents tear stains when used daily
- May clear conjunctivitis
Cost: $11
Optixcare lubricating drops are designed to provide long-lasting lubrication for cats who are prone to consistent dryness or irritation in their eyes.
Key Features:
- Long-lasting formula
- Hydrates eyes safely
- Easy to apply
Cost: $13
Made by the same company as our top pick, this spray might be a better alternative than drops for finicky cats. The formula can reduce symptoms associated with conjunctivitis.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use sprayer
- Flushes eyes of irritants
- No antibiotics or medications
Cost: $33
If your cat’s eyes need longer-lasting relief than most drops provide, you might want to try this gel, which leaves a generous coating on the eyes to help them heal.
Key Features:
- Non-toxic
- Can use daily
- Thicker formula than most drops
Cost: $23
