Kitty eye problems

This is Cecil. He's an 11-month old rescue that I've had from the time he was about 3 months old. He's spayed, current on all of his shots, and has always been a healthy cat. He's very energetic and happy.

However, from the time I adopted him, I've always noticed a buildup of dirt in his nostrils. Since he has no breathing or sneezing issues, I just assumed he was putting his face too close to the litter when digging, and I usually wipe it with a tissue. Over the weekend I've noticed a reddish-brown crust in his eyes, followed soon after by a transparent film over his eyes. He does not seem troubled by this. I haven't noticed any excessive blinking or a change in his behavior. I'm wondering if this is a sign of an allergy? Does anyone have experience with this?

Note: I do plan to take him to the vet, but the office was closed over the weekend and today, since it's a holiday. Assuming we don't get the predicted blizzard tomorrow, I'm planning on making an appointment for him, but I'd like to have some idea of what I could expect.

Cat tears turn a rust color when they dry, so the buiild up you're noticing is just dried on tears. It's the same with the dirt-looking stuff around his nose, my kitten is the same way. The film could just be mor etears being produced by his eye. It's very likely he has something stuck in his eye, maybe a hair you can't see. Cats eyes lubricate much more than humans, because they can't reach in and pluck out what's there. Give it a few days and see if the eye calms down.

Originally Posted by rad65

Give it a few days and see if the eye calms down.

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if not then call your vet.

If there's no colored discharge (eye goop or eye boogers) that are yellowish, greenish, or reddish, then it's probably nothing too severe. He could have a slight eye infection or it could be something like eye allergies. You can use a warm cloth to wipe his eyes & nose and to ease any discomfort until you get him to the vet.

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