Cat eye illness

Question
QUESTION: I have 6 week old kittens.  Mother got outside once and got pregnant first time in heat.  4 babies were born all healthy.  Very quick labor no problems.  One of the baby's eyes didn't open at the same time as the others.  It was almost open and my daughter opened it the rest of the way.  There was a popping sound.  Since then it has progressively gotten worse - crusty, greenish yellow gook.  It has spread to his other eye and now one of the other babies has it in one of his eyes too.  When we clean his eye he seems to be fine and seems to be able to see.  What should we do?

ANSWER: Hi Patty, this is a classic symptom of the herpes virus in cats. Can you keep the two kittens away from the others so that they don't all get it?? And don't share clothes, dishes, or bedding from the ill kittens to the other kittens. It is vital that you keep the eyes clean and you really should get some ointment from a vet to cure the problem. Always use a disposable paper towel when cleaning the eyes and use a fresh one for each kitten and each eye. You also should consider starting their vaccine schedule early and at the same time a vet can have a look at those eyes and make sure there is no permanent damage.
Teresa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Teresa,
Thank you so much for your help!  One more question, how did the kitten get it when neither the mother or father has it?

Thanks,
Patty

Answer
Hi Patty, the mother or father does  have it. If a cat is a 'carrier' they will not show symptoms, and commonly the mom passes it to the kittens as they are delivered vaginally...
Then the kittens have it, and when they are under stress it breaks out. It is a real pain and I even read somewhere that it is estimated 97% of all cats carry the herpes virus !! wow...
It is amazing these problems aren't seen more often, although I have had two incidences of it this week in the "all expert" questions. Teresa