As a cat owner, you’ve probably noticed your feline friend occasionally has a bit of discharge near their eyes—often called “eye boogers.” These small crusts or moist secretions are usually harmless, but sometimes they can signal a more serious problem.

So what exactly are cat eye boogers? When are they normal? And when should you be concerned?

This article breaks down everything you need to know about normal cat eye boogers, what causes them, how to distinguish them from abnormal discharge, and how to care for your cat’s eye health.

What Are Cat Eye Boogers?

“Eye boogers” is a casual term referring to the dried discharge that accumulates at the corners of a cat’s eyes. These can range from slightly moist secretions to small crusty bits that dry out during the day or overnight. Just like in humans, this discharge is a mix of mucus, tears, dust, and dead cells that are naturally cleared from the eye’s surface.

Occasional, small amounts of discharge—especially clear or light brown crusts in the morning—are completely normal in cats. It’s part of the eye’s self-cleaning process.

What Do Normal Cat Eye Boogers Look Like?

Normal eye discharge in cats has some very specific characteristics:

Color: Usually clear, grayish, or light brown

Texture: Slightly watery or soft and crusty

Amount: Minimal—typically seen once in the morning or occasionally after naps

Location: At the inner corners of the eyes (closest to the nose)

Smell: Odorless

No Accompanying Symptoms: The cat otherwise acts normal—eating, grooming, and playing as usual, with no squinting, redness, or swelling

If your cat fits this description, there’s usually nothing to worry about. A quick wipe with a damp cloth once a day is all that’s needed.

Why Do Cats Get Normal Eye Discharge?

Even healthy cats produce small amounts of eye gunk. Here are some common reasons for normal cat eye boogers:

1. Tear Drainage

Tears help keep the eye moist and flush out irritants. Sometimes, a small amount of excess fluid collects at the corner of the eye and dries into a crust.

2. Sleep

Just like humans, cats can get “sleepy eyes.” Tear secretions, dust, and debris can accumulate overnight and dry while your cat is resting.

3. Minor Irritation

Dust, a breeze from an open window, or a gentle scratch near the eye can cause brief irritation and a bit of discharge. If it clears up quickly, it’s usually nothing serious.

4. Breed-Specific Anatomy

Flat-faced breeds (brachycephalic cats) like Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs often have more frequent eye discharge due to the shape of their skulls. Their shallow eye sockets and shorter tear ducts lead to poor tear drainage.

For these cats, daily cleaning may be a regular part of grooming—even when healthy.

How to Clean Normal Eye Discharge

Even though minor eye boogers are harmless, cleaning them helps prevent build-up and irritation. Follow these gentle steps:

Wash your hands before and after.

Use a soft, damp cloth or a cotton pad soaked in lukewarm water or sterile saline.

Wipe gently from the inside corner of the eye outward.

Use a fresh pad or cloth for each eye to avoid cross-contamination.

Never use human eye drops or medication unless instructed by your vet.

Avoid using tissue paper or anything rough, as this can irritate your cat’s sensitive eyes.

When Eye Boogers Are NOT Normal

Sometimes, eye discharge can be a sign of an underlying issue—especially if it becomes excessive, changes in color, or is paired with other symptoms.

Watch for these abnormal signs:

1. Yellow or Green Discharge

This may indicate a bacterial infection, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), especially if the discharge is thick and pus-like.

2. Red or Swollen Eyes

Redness, puffiness, or squinting often signals inflammation or injury.

3. Tearing or Excessive Watering

This could be due to allergies, blocked tear ducts, or foreign objects like a speck of dirt or a hair in the eye.

4. One Eye More Affected

If only one eye is producing discharge, it may be due to a foreign body, trauma, or local infection.

5. Foul Smell or Crusting

Discharge that smells bad or causes thick crusting around the eye needs medical evaluation.

6. Behavioral Changes

If your cat is pawing at their face, avoiding light, not eating, or hiding, they could be in pain and need immediate attention.

Common Eye Conditions in Cats

Here are a few eye-related problems that can cause abnormal discharge:

- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Inflammation of the conjunctiva (the pink membrane lining the eyelid). Can be caused by infection, allergens, or irritants.

- Feline Upper Respiratory Infection

Often caused by viruses like herpesvirus or calicivirus. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, and eye discharge.

- Corneal Ulcer

A scratch or injury to the surface of the eye that can lead to weeping, redness, and visible discomfort.

- Blocked Tear Ducts

Prevents proper drainage and causes fluid to spill over and accumulate.

When to See a Vet

Seek veterinary attention if your cat’s eye discharge:

Increases suddenly or becomes constant

Changes to a yellow, green, or red color

Comes with swelling, squinting, or rubbing

Affects their ability to open the eye

Is accompanied by signs of illness (lethargy, poor appetite, fever)

Even though some eye conditions are mild, others can worsen quickly and lead to vision loss if untreated. Early care is always the best course.

Preventing Eye Issues

While not all discharge can be prevented, a few habits help support healthy eyes:

Keep your cat indoors to limit exposure to irritants and infections

Keep their litter box clean to reduce airborne dust

Groom regularly, especially long-haired cats, to prevent fur from irritating the eyes

Wipe eyes daily in flat-faced breeds

Schedule annual vet visits to monitor overall health

Final Thoughts

Normal cat eye boogers are usually nothing to worry about. Small amounts of clear or light brown discharge that appear occasionally—especially after sleep—are part of the eye’s natural maintenance.

However, changes in the amount, color, or frequency of eye discharge may signal something more serious. Understanding the difference between normal and abnormal eye boogers helps you catch issues early and keep your cat comfortable and healthy.

When in doubt, always check with your vet. After all, your cat relies on you to notice the little signs that something may not be right.