Sometimes, tears can also slowly turn the fur around a cat’s eyes reddish-brown. This is usually related to pigment in the tears, so it can look a little like the eye is bleeding, but it actually isn’t blood.

Today, I want to share how to clean cat’s eyes at home and what works for me. I hope this is helpful for other cat owners too.

1. Why Do I Clean My Cat’s Eyes?

● Cats are pretty good at cleaning their own faces, but flat-faced breeds tend to have shorter tear ducts, and some cats simply produce more tears. Because of this, discharge can easily build up around the corners of their eyes.

● When discharge stays on the fur around the eyes for a while, it can make the area look dirty and may also leave more noticeable tear stains.

● Cleaning my cat’s eyes regularly also gives me a chance to check how her eyes look and notice if anything seems different from usual.

Like any other morning, when it’s time to get up, my cat Nuonuo usually comes over to nudge me awake. Of course, I’ll happily pick her up, but when I notice that she has some eye discharge in the corners just like I sometimes do in the morning, I have to admit—it doesn’t look very pretty, haha. A cute cat deserves to stay nice and clean, so I’ve gotten into the habit of giving Nuonuo’s eye area a quick clean when needed.

2. What Do I Need to Clean My Cat’s Eyes?

Clean cotton pads;

A soft, dry towel;

Cat eye cleaning wipes;

Small treats for rewards;

A comfortable, quiet environment, etc.

3. How to Clean Cat Eyes at Home?

① Choose a time when your cat is relaxed

Pick a time when your cat is calm. You can let your cat sit comfortably in your arms or on your lap—whatever position she usually likes best. Keep the environment quiet and don’t rush to touch her eyes as soon as you start.

② Let your cat get used to having her face touched first

Before I actually start cleaning, I gently pet my cat’s head, cheeks, and the area around her eyes so she can get used to my hands.

With my cat Nuonuo, if she’s in a good mood that day, I’ll sometimes give her a quick brushing first. She actually enjoys being brushed, so once she relaxes, the rest of the cleaning usually goes much more smoothly.

If my cat clearly wants to move away, I’ll pause and give her a little time to relax before continuing instead of holding her down and not letting her move.

③ Get the cat eye cleaning wipes ready

Once your cat is relaxed, take out the cleaning supplies you prepared.

If there’s only a little discharge or dirt around the eyes, I usually just use cat eye cleaning wipes.

Before using them, make sure to follow the product’s instructions and check that the wipes are specifically suitable for cats.

④ Check the eye area before you start cleaning

Before wiping, I take a quick look at the area around my cat’s eyes.

If there’s only a little dried discharge in the corner of the eye or some surface dirt on the fur, I usually let it soften first instead of trying to wipe it off right away. VCA Animal Hospitals also recommends keeping the area around the eyes clean and removing accumulated discharge.

If the discharge is quite dry, you can gently hold a damp cotton pad against it for a little while to help soften it.

⑤ Gently clean around the eye from the inner corner to the outer corner

Next, I gently wipe from the inner corner toward the outer corner, following the edge of the eye. I mainly clean the corner of the eye and the fur around it, rather than rubbing directly on the eyeball just to get everything perfectly clean.

If there is some dried discharge in the corner, I soften it first and then gently wipe it away with the cat eye cleaning wipes I prepared instead of rubbing it off forcefully.

❤ A little reminder:

Try not to wipe too hard or keep rubbing the same spot over and over just to remove a tiny bit of leftover dirt.

⑥ Use a clean area when cleaning the other eye

After cleaning one eye, I’ll use a fresh wipe or a clean section of the wipe, depending on the product instructions, before cleaning the other side.

For me, this also makes things easier and helps prevent the dirt I just wiped away from being transferred to the other eye.

⑦ Gently tidy the area around the eyes after cleaning

Once both sides are clean, I’ll take another quick look around my cat’s eyes.

If the fur is still a little damp, I’ll gently pat it with a soft, dry towel to keep the area around her eyes dry and comfortable.

⑧ Give your cat a little reward at the end

Once the cleaning is finished, I usually give Nuonuo a small treat that she likes.

I’ve found that doing this has gradually made her more comfortable with the whole process. As long as I keep the session short and don’t force her to stay still, she’s usually much more willing to cooperate than she used to be.

4. My Tips for Cleaning My Cat’s Eye Area

Be gentle when wiping your cat’s eyes;

Avoid rubbing the same spot repeatedly. If a small bit of dirt doesn’t come off right away, I usually moisten it a little more and give it some time to soften before trying again;

If my cat’s eyes look noticeably abnormal, or if the problem continues or gets worse, I wouldn’t simply clean more often to deal with it. I would consider consulting a veterinarian.

5. FAQ

How Often Should I Clean My Cat’s Eyes?

You don’t need to clean your cat’s eyes every day. How often you clean them can depend on the condition of the area around your cat’s eyes.

I don’t usually set a specific schedule for cleaning. Instead, I’ll take a quick look when I’m brushing my cat or petting her face. If I notice some dirt or discharge in the corner of her eye, I’ll simply give it a gentle clean.

Can You Use Wipes to Clean a Cat’s Eyes?

Yes. Just make sure to choose eye cleaning wipes that are suitable for cats and follow the product instructions. Be gentle when wiping and cleaning the area.

What Should I Do If My Cat’s Eyes Always Have Discharge?

If there’s only a small amount of discharge from time to time, you can gently clean around the eyes first. But if your cat’s eyes consistently have a lot of discharge, or if you also notice redness, swelling, frequent squinting, or your cat keeping the eye closed, don’t keep wiping repeatedly. It’s best to have your cat checked by a veterinarian.

Can I Use Baby Wipes to Clean My Cat’s Eyes?

It’s best not to use baby wipes to clean your cat’s eyes. Baby wipes are mainly designed for human use and may not be suitable for the sensitive area around a cat’s eyes. Instead, I’d prefer to choose a cleaning product specifically labeled for use around cats’ eyes and follow the product instructions.

1. Are eye wipes safe for cats?  

Safety depends primarily on ingredients and usage. Cat-specific eye wipes should only be used to clean around the eyes and remove discharge, never directly or repeatedly wiped across the eyeball.  

How to determine safety:  

• Choose pet-specific eye wipes; never substitute with human-use wipes, as cats’ skin differs from humans’, increasing the risk of irritation.  

• Check the ingredient list: Avoid alcohol, bleach, fluorescent agents, formaldehyde, and other irritants.  

• If the product has antibacterial properties, ensure it has been tested for oral toxicity and skin compatibility, since cats often lick their faces and fur.  

2. Essential Guide to Cat Eye Wipes for Beginners  

2.1 What can you use daily to clean your cat’s eyes?  

Use pet-safe wipes, soft cotton swabs, saline solution, or clean lukewarm water—always ensuring sterility.  

① Gently place your cat on your lap, hold its head still, and calm it with soothing words to help it relax.  

② Use a wipe or a cotton swab soaked in saline solution to gently wipe away debris from the inner corner of the eye outward. Be extremely gentle to avoid injuring the eye.  

③ After cleaning, lightly press the corner of the eye with a clean tissue to absorb excess moisture or residue. This completes routine eye care.  

2.2 How often should you clean your cat’s eyes?  

Keeping a cat is a joyful experience, but it requires attentive daily care. The frequency of eye cleaning varies and should depend on the cat’s breed, age, and eye condition.

3. Which cat eye wipe should be used for different situations?  

3.1 How to clean brown discharge from a cat’s eyes?  

✔ Correct cleaning method:

① First, wash your hands thoroughly to reduce bacteria. Prepare cotton pads or gauze soaked in warm water or saline solution, soften the discharge before gently wiping it away.  

② Be gentle when cleaning—wipe from the inner corner of the eye toward the outer corner in one direction only; avoid rubbing back and forth.  

③ If the discharge is dry or hard, moisten it for a few seconds first, then gently wipe. Never pick it out directly. Use a fresh pad for each eye to prevent cross-contamination.  

❌ Incorrect practices:  

① Do not use your fingers to dig or scratch the eyes, nor should you insert cotton swabs directly into the eye.  

② Avoid using unverified eye-washing solutions or human eye drops without veterinary guidance.  

③ If your cat keeps scratching its eyes, squinting, or showing obvious discomfort, don’t just focus on cleaning.  

If you notice persistent increase in discharge, yellow-green or foul-smelling secretions, recurring brown discharge, accompanied by sneezing, runny nose, lethargy, loss of appetite—especially in kittens—or symptoms such as red eyes, excessive tearing, inability to open the eyes, or frequent eye rubbing, seek immediate veterinary care.  

3.2 How effective are specialized eyelid cleaning wipes in practice?  

Below are insights compiled from real user feedback on Reddit, which we hope will be helpful to you:

3.3 For cats with conjunctivitis, should you choose specialized eye wipes or eye drops?  

Choosing eye drops. According to data from authoritative veterinary institutions in the U.S., eye drops are an effective treatment for feline conjunctivitis, while eye wipes serve only as a supplementary cleaning aid and cannot replace medication.  

Based on data from VCA Animal Hospitals, recovery rates: most bacterial and viral infections can be cured within 5–14 days. Dosage frequency: eye drops typically require administration 3–6 times daily at the start of treatment, whereas ointments are used less frequently but are more difficult to apply. Treatment duration: even if symptoms improve, the full course of treatment must be completed; stopping medication prematurely may lead to recurrence and make the infection harder to treat. Role of wipes: sterile cotton balls or gauze soaked in saline solution can be used to clean around the eyes, helping prevent bacterial growth, but they must be used alongside eye drops for effective treatment.

4. Pet Cleaning Tips  

4.1 Can cat ear wipes and eye wipes be used interchangeably?  

It is not recommended to mix them. The formulations are specifically designed for the sensitivity of different areas, and using them interchangeably may easily irritate your cat.  

Cat eye wipes: These are formulated to be gentle and non-irritating, free from alcohol, fragrances, and harsh preservatives. The fabric is softer and more plush, intended only for cleaning secretions around the eyes—never touch the eyeball, and do not use them on the ears.  

Cat ear wipes: These offer stronger cleansing power, specifically designed to remove dirt and debris from the folds of the outer ear.

5. Buying Guide for Brand and Channel Eye Wipes  

5.1 In-Store Purchase: How to Choose PetSmart Cat Eye Wipes  

Alcohol-Free:  

Selection Criteria: Look for clear labeling on the packaging stating “alcohol-free.” Alcohol is highly irritating; wiping it around a cat’s eyes can cause dryness, flaking, redness, and swelling, damaging the delicate eye area skin.  

Avoid Artificial Fragrances:  

Selection Criteria: Choose products labeled as fragrance-free, preferably unscented. Cats have extremely sensitive noses—artificial scents may irritate them and cause resistance.  

My Ragdoll cat previously used a scented wipe, and whenever I tried cleaning its eyes, it would avoid me and run into the kitchen. After switching to an unscented version, it became much more cooperative.  

Prioritize Safe Formulas:  

Selection Criteria: Check for labels indicating “food-grade” or “safe for licking.” Cats often lick their faces after grooming, so using non-toxic ingredients significantly reduces the risk of accidental ingestion.  

Natural Plant-Based Ingredients:  

Selection Criteria: Look for ingredients such as purified water, wood pulp fiber, witch hazel, chamomile, and aloe vera—gentle, soothing components ideal for cats with sensitive eyes or tear stains.  

Maintain Slightly Acidic pH:  

Selection Criteria: The pH should be between 5.5 and 7.0, matching the natural pH range of feline skin (6.2–7.5). Mismatched pH levels can disrupt the skin barrier around the eyes, making it increasingly fragile over time.  

Choose Eye-Specific Products:  

Selection Criteria: Ensure the packaging clearly states “for eyes” or “tear stain removal only.” Full-body wipes contain stronger formulas not suitable for the delicate eye area; dedicated eye wipes are gentler and better suited.  

Select Cat-Specific Wipes:  

Selection Criteria: Prefer cat-specific products; if unavailable, choose dual-purpose wipes for both cats and dogs. Feline skin is more sensitive than canine skin, and cat-specific wipes are formulated according to feline tolerance, offering higher safety.  

5.2 Which Cats Should Not Use Medicated Eye Wipes?  

Cats with corneal injuries, herpesvirus, allergies, kittens, pregnant cats, autoimmune diseases, or open wounds should not use medicated eye wipes. These cats must first see a veterinarian for proper medication, then use non-medicated, fragrance-free, alcohol-free cleansing wipes for supportive care.

6. Hidden Health Risks in Cats That Are Easy to Overlook  

6.1 What Hidden Health Risks Do Eye Abnormalities in Cats Signal?  

Eye abnormalities in cats are not merely local issues; they may also be “hidden signals” of systemic diseases. Deep red or yellow-green discharge, abnormal pupils, protrusion of the third eyelid, and cloudy eyes are all high-risk signs requiring immediate veterinary attention. Mild tearing or a thin pink film can be observed for 2–3 days; if no improvement occurs, medical consultation is necessary. Early detection of eye problems can effectively prevent hidden health risks such as kidney disease, dental abscesses, and neurological disorders.