Cat Keeps Rubbing Its Eyes — Simple Itch or Sign of an Ophthalmic Condition?

Eye HealthQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled the reasons why cats frequently rub their eyes, how to distinguish normal from abnormal behavior, and the warning signs that indicate a vet visit is necessary.

What Does It Mean When a Cat Rubs Its Eyes?

A cat sitting by the window, one eye closed, with its front paw raised near its face.

Rubbing the eyes can be a normal part of a cat’s grooming routine, but it can also signal discomfort caused by a foreign body, pain, or itching in the eyes. The key factors to consider are the frequency of the rubbing and any accompanying symptoms. Briefly alternating between both eyes, such as during post-meal or post-nap grooming, is normal behavior. However, repeatedly rubbing only one eye, especially when accompanied by tearing, discharge, redness, or squinting, may indicate an ocular condition. This guide outlines how to distinguish normal from abnormal behavior and when to seek veterinary care.

Common Causes of Eye Rubbing in Cats

The reasons behind a cat rubbing its eyes can generally be divided into physiological and pathological causes. - Grooming: This is a normal behavior where a cat licks its front paw and then wipes its face, often seen after eating or waking from a nap. - Foreign body sensation: This occurs when foreign objects such as eyelashes, dust, sand, or small grains get trapped in the conjunctival sac. - Conjunctivitis or keratitis: Infections from bacteria or viruses (such as herpes or calicivirus), or irritation, can cause the mucous membranes to become swollen and itchy. - Allergies: Allergic reactions can be triggered by factors such as pet food, household dust, or air fresheners. - Increased intraocular pressure or uveitis: Pain associated with these conditions may cause the cat to squint or rub its eyes.

Distinguishing Normal Grooming from Pathological Eye Rubbing

Check the table below to see which category your cat’s behavior falls into.

Comparison of Normal vs. Abnormal Eye Rubbing

Item	Normal grooming	Needs attention	See vet immediately
Frequency	Intermittent, brief	Repeated at short intervals	Rubbing/scratching without rest
Left-right symmetry	Alternating both sides	Mainly one side	Concentrated on one side only
Tears/eye discharge	None or clear	Trace discharge, tear stains	Yellow pus, green discharge
Redness	None	Faint redness	Bright red congestion, swelling
Eye appearance	Clear, both sides equal	Slight squinting	One eye closed or protruding
Appetite/energy	Normal	Slightly decreased	Sharply decreased

If even one cell falls under 'See vet immediately,' an ophthalmology exam is needed within the same day

Warning Signs Accompanying Eye Rubbing

When these signs appear together, it’s not just normal grooming. - Squinting (eyelid twitching): A classic sign of pain. - Third eyelid protrusion: A white membrane pushes out from the inner corner of the eye. - Light avoidance: The pet keeps its eyes tightly shut in bright light. - Change in eye discharge color: Yellow or green pus suggests a high likelihood of bacterial infection. - Redness in the whites of the eyes: Indicates inflammation of the conjunctiva, cornea, or uvea. - Scratching the face with front paws: Occurs when itching or pain is severe.

A close-up photo of a cat's eyes showing mild redness and tear stains.

When to Seek Same-Day Veterinary Ophthalmic Care

If your cat repeatedly rubs the same eye for more than 24 hours, is unable to open one eye, has yellow or green discharge, or shows a bulging eye or a white film covering the surface, seek veterinary care immediately. Corneal ulcers can rapidly progress into deep or melting ulcers, and conditions such as uveitis and glaucoma can lead to blindness if treatment is delayed. Diagnosing feline ophthalmic emergencies based on clinical signs alone is challenging; for example, corneal ulcers require precise evaluation, including fluorescein staining to assess the extent of injury and damage. The more complex the combination of symptoms—such as pain, squinting, and discharge—the more urgent veterinary attention becomes.

What to Check and Safe Measures to Take at Home First

These are safe steps you can take at home before visiting the clinic. - Clean hands and nails: Wash your hands thoroughly, then examine your pet’s eyes under good lighting. - Check for foreign bodies: Gently flip the eyelids to check for eyelashes, sand, or other debris. - Flush with sterile saline: Rinse the eye by letting sterile saline flow from the inner corner to the outer edge. - Fit an Elizabethan collar: If your pet continues to scratch, put on a collar to prevent corneal damage. However, human eye drops and steroid ointments are strictly prohibited. If a corneal ulcer is present, these can worsen the condition and potentially cause the cornea to rupture.

A caregiver gently holds a cat's face and examines its eyes with a flashlight.

Basic Ophthalmic Examinations at the Clinic

In ophthalmic examinations, we assess the degree of pain and damage to a cat’s eyes step by step. - Slit-lamp examination: Magnifies the cornea, conjunctiva, and iris to check for injuries and inflammation. - Fluorescein staining: Highlights corneal ulcers and wounds in green. - Schirmer tear test: Measures tear production. Since clinically normal cats may also show low readings, results should be interpreted comprehensively alongside other clinical signs. - Intraocular pressure measurement: Essential for differentiating glaucoma from uveitis. - Bacterial culture and herpes PCR: Identifies the causative infectious agent. Depending on the underlying cause, tailored treatment follows, which may include antibiotic eye drops, artificial tears, antiviral medications, and e-collar management.

Cats Carrying Herpesvirus Are Prone to Recurrence

Cats that have lived in group settings may carry feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) for life. This is especially common in shelter cats and those in multi-cat households. If your cat shows a pattern of eye rubbing and conjunctivitis recurring after stress, moving, or introducing new cats, it may indicate herpesvirus reactivation. FHV-1 can reactivate when the immune system is suppressed, either physiologically or due to medication, so minimizing stress and avoiding situations that suppress immunity can help manage recurrences. Since the virus can be detected even in the corneas of clinically normal cats, it’s important to consult your veterinarian each time symptoms appear to adjust the schedule of eye drops and antiviral medications accordingly.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay if my cat rubs its eyes after eating?

Yes, it’s normal for cats to groom themselves after eating by licking their front paws and wiping their face and the area around their eyes. As long as they alternate between both sides briefly and show no signs of eye discharge, redness, or squinting, there’s no need to worry.

My pet is rubbing its eyes and keeping one eye closed. Should I go to the vet right away?

Yes, squinting with just one eye is a sign of pain. It could indicate an emergency condition such as a corneal ulcer, a foreign body, or uveitis, so we recommend seeing a veterinary ophthalmologist today. Until you can get there, please put an Elizabethan collar on your pet to prevent further injury.

Can I use artificial tears meant for humans?

Human eye drops containing preservatives or antiseptics can irritate cats. It’s best to limit cleaning to sterile, preservative-free saline solution, and always follow your veterinarian’s prescription for any therapeutic eye drops.

Could eye rubbing be a sign of allergies?

If your pet has started rubbing its eyes or face after introducing new food, air fresheners, scented candles, or cleaning products, suspect an environmental or food allergy. If symptoms persist even after removing the suspected trigger, a veterinary visit is necessary to differentiate between allergies and conjunctivitis.

Is it necessary to wear a neck collar?

It’s essential if your cat has a corneal injury or is constantly scratching its eye. Cats have sharp claws that can deepen a corneal ulcer within just a few hours. Keep the protective gear in place during treatment until your veterinarian advises you to remove it.