Cat has tears in one eye after moving. Is it dust or an infection?

This actually sounds more like a viral upper respiratory infection. Herpesvirus and calicivirus are very common in cats and many cats are exposed as kittens then continue to have mild outbreaks throughout their lives, particularly during times of stress. Symptoms include watery or red eyes with clear discharge, squinting, sneezing and clear nasal discharge. If this is new for Cass I'd recommend having your veterinarian take a look at her to see what they think. I would not recommend using any eye washes or giving antihistamines - this would be unlikely to help and could make the symptoms worse.

It sounds like Squeak could have an eye infection. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. You need to take her into a vet immediately to have her eye examined and diagnosed so it can be treated as needed. I hope this helps!

It could be minor infection (bacterial or viral), foreign body, stray eye lash or even an obstructed tear duct. Without a physical exam, it is difficult to determine definitively what the underlying cause may be. If the discharge persists, consider an exam with your veterinarian. If Ruth is rubbing ornpawing at the eye, place an e-collar (cone) on her until she sees the doctor.

If Cali is behaving normally otherwise, you can try using an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent scratching or rubbing. This may allow time for healing. Also, check her over for fleas or flea dirt. If she is sensitive, just one flea bite could make her very itchy. A pheromonal product, such as Feliway spray or diffuser, may decrease any stress or anxiety due to your new addition (Congratulations, by the way!). Keep the Ivy out of reach if possible. While not high on the toxicity scale, ingestion or chewing of a leaf or two may cause irritation in and around the mouth and/or GI upset. Monitor for worsening of symptoms, squinting of the eye(s) or discharge. See your veterinarian for a physical exam to address non healing or additional symptoms.

A clear discharge can be caused by some irritation such as dust or excessive draft. This would not be concerning and would pass within a few hours. Sometimes cats have an obstructed tear duct and then this could also cause a transparent watery discharge. Another cause would be a viral respiratory infection. In that case however , both eyes would be affected. Monitor the discharge and if it turns yellow or green or milky she will need to be seen by a vet for a bacterial respiratory infection.

I would recommend taking her to the vet today. It could be an infection, conjunctivitis, or a corneal ulcer or abrasion. The vet will do a thorough exam and use a special stain to see if there is an ulcer. Then they will prescribe appropriate medications. Try to keep her from rubbing the eye any more, as this could cause trauma to the eyeball.

That is just a little eye discharge from her eye. She doesn't look like she is favoring that eye or anything. It is likely fine now that you removed the hair but just watch for any squinting or any green or yellow discharge. If noted, I would have your vet take a look at it to ensure she doesn't have an infection or a laceration/ulcer on her eye. I hope this helps!