Talking from personal experience, Siamese cats get “gunky” eyes from time to time.
A little discharge on a Siamese cat’s eyes is usually just because of a simple cold and isn’t a cause for concern. However, when it becomes long-lasting and chronic, or it begins affecting their eyesight, it’s time for a swift trip to the vets.
Pawing at the eyes or rubbing their faces against the carpet is usually an attempt at some relief. It could be down to a small dust particle getting into the lid of their eyes, or something a lot more serious.
Siamese cats have unique eyes, so it’s important you read up on the ways their eyesight may change over the years. Luckily for you, I’ve compiled everything you need to know in this article right here.
Is discharge from cats eyes normal?
A small amount of crusting or gunk (especially after a long nap) in the corner of your Siameses eye is completely normal. However, if it weeps constantly or produces a sticky discharge, do not ignore it.
Having weepy eyes isn’t a disease in itself, but is usually a sign of an underlying health condition. One of the main signs of progressive blindness is eye discharge, so you can see why it is important to catch it in its early stages.
Signs of feline eye discharge include:
What causes eye discharge in cats?
There are a few things that cause your cat’s eyes to produce discharge. Some reasons, such as dry eyes and allergies can be easy to treat, whereas others such as progressive blindness can be irreversible.
Some of the common reasons your Siamese may have eye discharge include:
Are Siamese cats blind?

Not all Siamese cats are blind, nor do all have progressive blindness. That being said, Siamese cats do carry a gene that puts them at a higher risk of vision loss than most felines.
This mutation is called progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and affects ⅓ of Siamese cats. Cats who suffer from PRA slowly lose their eyesight as their retina deteriorates.
There is no cure for PRA, however, you will be happy to know this isn’t a painful experience, and it usually happens well into old age.
Another link to blindness is primary glaucoma. Siamese cats are among the very few breeds that inherit this gene. Glaucoma will cause your Siamese to go blind over time, however, vets can prescribe medicine to ease discomfort.
Despite this, that doesn’t mean your Siamese will go blind in the future, even if they show signs of the above. If you are worried about your Siameses vision, contact a vet as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of a cat going blind?
There are both physical and behavioral signs to look out for if you suspect your cat is going blind.
Physical signs your cat is going blind include:
Behavioral signs your cat is going blind include:
Are Siamese cats’ eyes always dilated?

It is normal for the pupils to dilate when we become anxious, fearful, excited, or when the light changes. This is the same for cats. However, if the pupils are constantly dilated, there is a problem.
There are a few reasons why your cats’ eyes are always dilated:
Is my Siamese cat going blind?
There are a number of reasons why your Siamese may have eye discharge, and most of them do not lead to blindness.
That being said, Siamese cats are more likely to develop blindness later in life due to their genes. So, if you do suspect your kitty is struggling with their eyesight, it is a good idea to get them checked out as soon as possible.
A good way to ensure you catch any possible diseases early is to take your Siamese to their annual check-up. This will not only give you peace of mind but ensure your Siamese stays both happy and healthy.
We gathered all the health tips tailored towards maintaining your Siamese cat’s optimal well-being. Check it out here: Siamese Cat Health: A Complete Guide
Get your FREE Siamese Cat 2025 Printable Calendar
