Published Jul 3, 2026
Image Credit: The Cat Chronicles
Popeye started life as a stray farm cat with a terrible eye infection. After having that eye removed, he’s much happier and healthier! Now, he’s a pampered boy who loves exploring the mountains with his mom.
Like most cats, he adjusted very well to the change, and losing his eye hasn’t slowed him down one bit!
Saving Popeye
As a stray, Popeye was very shy. He was always the last to come eat at mealtime, didn’t groom himself properly, and was very withdrawn.
Unfortunately, this is likely because he was in intense pain from an eye infection, which eventually caused his eye to grow to three times its normal size.
When his mom saw this, she brought him into the vet clinic where she worked, asking the vets for help. His eye was too far gone to save, so they had to remove it in surgery.
Now, Popeye is a happy one-eyed cat. His mom says that after surgery, she finally saw him rolling around on the floor and showing affection toward people. He was a normal, happy cat!
Seeing his true personality shine, his mom knew she couldn’t return him to the barn. She adopted him instead!
Exploring the Mountains
Image Credit: The Cat Chronicles
It can be difficult for outdoor cats to adjust to an indoor lifestyle. Living so close to the mountains, Popeye’s mom didn’t want to keep him cooped up, either.
She thinks he deserves to explore nature in a safe way, so now Popeye goes for adventures wearing his harness and leash–a much safer option than unsupervised time outdoors!
Their explorations began with going into the backyard, and slowly they eased closer to the mountains. Along with his harness walks, Popeye also gets to ride in a cat backpack.
They just hang out together, his mom says, and he’s happy so long as she’s by his side. Being outdoors also provides him with a lot of enrichment, whether he’s watching birds hop through the trees or smelling all of the plants and animals in the area.
His mom describes him as a “constant, loving friend,” and says that the best thing about him is his unconditional love.
Recognizing Eye Infections in Cats
Image Credit: The Cat Chronicles
Eye infections in cats can be very serious, and it’s important to catch them early when possible, before they lead to permanent vision loss, rupture of the eye, or the need for removal.
Here are some symptoms to look for:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Squinting or keeping the eye entirely closed
- Heat around the eye
- Itchiness or pain
- Watery or goopy eyes
While eye infections aren’t always emergent, it’s recommended that cats see a veterinarian within a couple of days.
If your cat shows severe symptoms such as excessive swelling, cloudiness, or pupils of two different sizes, call an emergency vet clinic right away.
