Kittens are at the highest risk for viral conjunctivitis.
Kittens raised outdoors and in shelters are at particularly high
risk. In addition to conjunctivitis, herpesvirus FHV-1 can cause
respiratory distress. Both symptoms can be severe in kittens.
The discharge from the conjunctivitis can be profuse enough to
gum their eyes closed, and the respiratory changes can lead to
life-threatening loss of appetite and dehydration. Therefore,
conjunctivitis in kittens may require more aggressive treatment
and vigilant monitoring than it would in an adult cat. Consult
with your veterinarian right away if your kitten has signs of
conjunctivitis. If your cat is an adult, an initial at-home
treatment may be suitable. HEARTGARD® Plus
(ivermectin/pyrantel), the #1 veterinarian-recommended heartworm
preventive, prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls
roundworms and hookworms that can cause zoonotic disease in
people, including children.