Is Cherry Eye in Cats Contagious? What to Know
By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD ·
Is cherry eye in cats contagious? No. Cherry eye is not an infection and cannot spread from one cat to another, or from a cat to a person. It happens when a tear gland tucked behind the third eyelid slips out of place and becomes visible as a pink or red bulge in the inner corner of the eye.
This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
Quick Answer
- Cherry eye is a mechanical problem with the gland and its supporting tissue, so there is no contagious agent to pass along.
- The classic sign is a smooth, round, pink to deep red swelling at the inner corner of one or both eyes.
- It is not usually a same-day emergency, but it should be seen by a veterinarian within a day or two because the exposed gland can swell, dry out, and become inflamed.
- Some cats need only medication and monitoring, while others need surgery to tack the gland back into place.
- If the eye is squinted shut, cloudy, bleeding, or your cat seems painful, treat it as urgent and call your vet right away.
What Cherry Eye Actually Is
The third eyelid, also called the nictitating membrane, is a pale fold of tissue that sweeps across the eye from the inner corner. It sits under the lower lid and normally stays out of sight. At its base sits a small tear gland that produces a large share of the eye's tears.
In cherry eye, the tissue that anchors that gland to the cartilage of the third eyelid weakens or stretches. The gland pops up and out, and the membrane covering it turns red and swollen. That is why the bulge looks like a small cherry.
Veterinarians call this third eyelid prolapse, or prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. The gland itself is normal tissue in the wrong position. Nothing infectious is involved, which is the core reason the answer to whether cherry eye in cats is contagious is no.
The conjunctiva, the thin membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye, plays a role in tear production, protection, eye movement, and corneal healing [1]. When the gland prolapses, the conjunctiva over it is stretched and exposed, so it dries and inflames easily. That surface irritation is what owners see, but the underlying cause is structural.
Signs Owners Notice
Most owners spot cherry eye while looking at their cat's face during petting, feeding, or a photo.
- A smooth, rounded, pink or red mass at the inner corner of the eye
- The mass may appear suddenly and may look larger after your cat rubs the eye
- One eye is affected more often than both, though both can prolapse
- Watery or thick discharge from the affected eye
- Squinting, blinking more than usual, or pawing at the face
- The third eyelid itself may look raised or prominent
Some cats have no discomfort at all and simply look different. Others are clearly bothered. The amount of redness does not always match how uncomfortable your cat is, so judge by behavior too.
If you are seeing discharge along with sneezing or a runny nose, that points toward a different problem, such as an infectious conjunctivitis. Our guide on why your cat is having eye discharge, herpesvirus, chlamydia, and conjunctivitis covers those patterns.
Causes and Risk Factors
The short version is that cherry eye is usually a problem with how the gland is attached, not with a germ.
Weak anchoring tissue
The gland is held in place by a band of connective tissue. If that tissue is loose or underdeveloped, the gland can slip forward. This is the most common explanation in cats and is often described as an anatomical or breed-related tendency.
Breed and age patterns
Some breeds seem to develop it more often, and young cats are affected more than older ones. The exact inheritance pattern is not well established in veterinary research, so no one can promise a cat will or will not pass it on to kittens.
Inflammation and eye disease
Anything that causes chronic swelling of the conjunctiva can make a prolapse more likely or more obvious. Conjunctival problems matter because some reflect generalized disease, and others can lead to blindness if untreated [1]. That is one reason a vet exam matters even when the eye looks mild.
What is not the cause
Cherry eye is not caused by a virus, bacterium, or parasite that moves between cats. For contrast, infectious eye conditions in cats do exist. Chlamydia felis is a bacterial pathogen linked to conjunctivitis and respiratory disease, and it is more common in younger cats [2]. Feline herpesvirus-1 can also cause ocular disease, and in rare cases a modified live vaccine strain has been linked to corneal lesions in young cats [3]. Those are infections. Cherry eye is not.
Parasites can also involve the eye. Cuterebra larvae have been reported causing external ophthalmomyiasis in young cats, with parasite removal restoring comfort [4]. Fungal disease can reach the conjunctiva and third eyelid too, as seen in cats with disseminated histoplasmosis and ocular adnexal involvement [5]. None of these are cherry eye, and none of them change the fact that a prolapsed gland is a mechanical problem.
Is Cherry Eye in Cats Contagious to Other Pets or People?
No. There is no infectious organism to shed, so a cat with cherry eye does not need to be separated from other cats, dogs, or people.
This is the question owners ask most, and the answer is simple. You cannot catch cherry eye from your cat, and your other cats cannot catch it from each other. If two cats in one home both develop it, that reflects shared genetics or shared anatomy, not spread.
That said, a red eye in a cat can have an infectious cause. If your cat has a red eye plus sneezing, fever, lethargy, or a recent exposure to a sick cat, the redness may not be cherry eye at all. A veterinarian can tell the difference during an exam. If you are unsure whether a red eye needs urgent care, our article on whether cat conjunctivitis is an emergency walks through the timing.
How Veterinarians Diagnose It
Diagnosis is usually straightforward and starts with a full eye exam.
Your vet will look at both eyes, the third eyelids, the eyelids, and the tear film. They will check for a foreign body, a scratch on the cornea, and signs of infection. A fluorescein stain is common. It shows corneal ulcers that you cannot see with the naked eye.
They may also measure tear production and check the pressure inside the eye. These tests help rule out dry eye and glaucoma, which can look similar at a glance or occur at the same time.
If the eye looks infected or the discharge is thick, your vet may swab the conjunctiva for testing. In people, chronic papillary conjunctivitis has been linked to Rickettsia felis infection after cat and flea exposure [6]. That report involved a human patient, so it does not describe a cat disease, but it is a reminder that red eyes in any species deserve a real diagnosis instead of a guess.
Bloodwork is not routine for a simple prolapse. It becomes useful if your cat is unwell in other ways or if the vet suspects a body-wide illness.
Cherry Eye Treatment for Cats
Treatment depends on how long the gland has been out, how inflamed it is, and whether the cornea is damaged.
Medical management
For a recent, mild prolapse, some vets try anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments plus a lubricant. The goal is to reduce swelling and see whether the gland settles back on its own. This works in some cats and fails in others.
Never use a leftover eye medication from a previous pet or a human product without asking your vet. Some drops can worsen certain eye conditions.
If your cat has an infectious conjunctivitis instead, treatment looks different. Our overview of what you can do for cat conjunctivitis explains the general approach, and what to use for conjunctivitis in cats covers medication categories.
Surgery
When the gland stays out or keeps popping out, surgery is the usual fix. The most common procedure tacks the gland back into its normal position under the third eyelid. Your veterinarian will choose the technique based on your cat's eye and their own training.
Removing the gland is generally avoided when possible. That gland supplies a large portion of the tear film, and cats who lose it can develop dry eye later in life. Your vet will discuss the tradeoffs if removal is ever considered.
Doses and medications
Any drug dose for your cat is calculated by your veterinarian from your cat's weight and health status. Do not use a dose from a website, a friend, or a previous prescription.
Cost and timing
Costs vary widely by region, clinic, and whether one or both eyes are treated. Your vet can give you an estimate after the exam. Ask about it directly so there are no surprises.
| Situation | Typical first step | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Small prolapse, cat comfortable, no discharge | Exam, stain, lubricant or anti-inflammatory drops | Routine visit within a few days |
| Prolapse that stays out or keeps returning | Exam plus surgical tacking discussion | Schedule soon, usually within days |
| Squinting, cloudiness, or pawing at the eye | Same-day exam | Call today |
| Bleeding, obvious trauma, or sudden blindness | Emergency care | Go now |
Recovery, Outlook, and Long-Term Management
After surgery, most cats need a cone to stop them from rubbing the eye. You will usually give eye medications for a set period, and your vet will recheck the eye to confirm the gland is staying in place.
Recovery is often smooth. Some cats have mild swelling for a few days. Report any sudden increase in redness, discharge, or pain.
Long term, a cat who has had cherry eye in one eye may develop it in the other. Keep an eye on both. Cats who had the gland removed need monitoring for dry eye, which can show up months or years later.
If your cat also has a chronic infectious eye condition, that needs its own plan. Cats with ongoing sneezing and watery eyes may have an upper respiratory component, which our article on why your cat is sneezing so much with watery eyes discusses.
Prevention
You cannot prevent a prolapse that comes from anatomy. What you can do is limit the damage once it happens.
- Check your cat's eyes during routine handling so you notice changes early.
- Do not let your cat rub or scratch at a red eye. A cone from your vet helps.
- Keep up with routine wellness visits so eye changes are caught before they worsen.
- Follow your vet's instructions on any eye medication exactly, including how long to use it.
- Ask your vet about breed-related risk if you are choosing a kitten.
Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian
This article cannot tell you what is happening in your cat's specific eye. Only an exam with the right tests can do that. Individual cases need a veterinarian.
Call your vet the same day if you see:
- A new red or pink bulge at the inner corner of the eye
- Squinting, tearing, or pawing at the face
- Cloudiness, a change in eye color, or a visible scratch
- Discharge that is thick, yellow, or green
Go to an emergency clinic now if you see:
- The eye is held tightly shut and your cat cries or pulls away when you touch the head
- Bleeding from the eye or a wound near the eye
- Sudden vision loss, a bulging eye, or a pupil that looks different from the other side
- Your cat is lethargic, not eating, or has a fever along with the eye problem
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my other cats catch cherry eye from my cat?
No. Cherry eye is a structural problem, so there is nothing to pass between cats. If more than one cat in your home has it, that points to shared anatomy or genetics, not spread.
Will cherry eye go away on its own?
Sometimes a fresh, mild prolapse settles with anti-inflammatory drops and lubricants. Many cases do not, and a gland that stays out for a long time becomes more swollen and harder to reposition. That is why an early exam is worth it.
Does cherry eye hurt my cat?
It can be uncomfortable, especially when the exposed gland dries out or your cat rubs it. Some cats show almost no signs. Squinting, pawing, and discharge are clues that your cat is bothered and needs care.
Is cherry eye the same as conjunctivitis?
No. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the membrane around the eye and often has an infectious cause. Cherry eye is a displaced tear gland. A cat can have both at once, which is one reason a vet exam matters.
Can cherry eye come back after surgery?
It can, though tacking procedures are designed to hold the gland in place. Recurrence is more likely if your cat rubs the eye during healing or if the underlying tissue is very loose. Follow your vet's aftercare instructions closely.
Related Articles
- Is Cat Conjunctivitis An Emergency
- Why Is My Cat having eye discharge? Herpesvirus Chlamydia and Conjunctivitis
- What Can You Do For Cat Conjunctivitis
- What To Use For Conjunctivitis In Cats
- Why Is My Cat Sneezing So Much And Watery Eyes
- Cat Eye Discharge: Normal or Infection?
- Cherry Eye in Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Surgery Options
- Is Conjunctivitis in Cats Contagious? What to Know
- Conjunctivitis in One Eye: How Cats Get It
References
- Disorders of the Conjunctiva in Cats - Cat Owners. Merck Veterinary Manual.
- Prevalence, risk factors and genetic diversity of Chlamydia felis in cats. Journal of veterinary research, 2025.
- Corneal Lesions Associated With Feline Herpesvirus-1 Modified Live Vaccine Strain F2 in Two Cats. Case reports in veterinary medicine, 2026.
- Feline ophthalmomyiasis externa caused by Cuterebra larvae: four cases (2005-2020). Journal of feline medicine and surgery, 2022.
- Disseminated histoplasmosis with ocular adnexal involvement in seven cats. Veterinary ophthalmology, 2020.
- Chronic papillary conjunctivitis as a novel ocular manifestation of Rickettsia felis infection: A case report. International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases, 2026.