My cat has yellow eye boogers. Can I use leftover antibiotics for it?

Most respiratory infections in cats are viral induced. he likely has a secondary bacterial infection due to the yellow discharge. You can try and add anti virals to his diet such as Lysine which can be purchased at any pet store. Keep his eye and nose clean and wipe them daily. You can apply a warm compress to help with his eyes I would try to find a shelter or rescue that can help with cost to get him treated at a vet since you likely need eye antibiotics and medicine by mouth

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). Often viral diseases are responsible for it in cats. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed; yes Tobrex can be used for 3 days twice daily on both eyes but it is unlikely to resolve the problem. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! I wouldn't use human eye medications as cats are very sensitive to medications. If you can find the product in the link below that is a better option twice daily for 7 days. https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9675

If the eye discharge is clear then an infection is not present, so you don't have to use the eye gel (erythromycin). Instead you should use an anti-viral supplement such as Lysine gel/powder from your local pet store or vet clinic. Cats are prone to viral infections which can cause watery eye discharge and reddish discharge. The use of antibiotics is only needed when a secondary infection is also present. Lysine powder/gel can be given throughout Richard's lifespan to help boost her immune system and help ward off future viral infections (i.e. herpesvirus).

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to the upper respiratory infection or an ulcer for example. Regardless, he is likely going to need eye medications. I recommend you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Best of luck!

It is never recommended to medicate a pet without the advice of your veterinarian. A physical exam is strongly recommended to confirm infection so the appropriate antibiotic can be used. Inappropriate antibiotic use can lead to resistant bacteria and may complicate any underlying conditions. If you choose to use this medication, chloramphenicol can cause serious blood abnormalities, thus should be handled with caution.

A check up would be needed anyway as the signs you are describing could be compatible with corneal ulceration. Antibiotics eye drops may be necessary (clindamycin eye drops 0.5% for humans would be ok). If a corneal ulcer is present medical treatment may not be enough to solve the problem.