Trapper John is feeling better and gaining weight, but I can't get the dried, black gunk off around his eyes from the upper respiratory infection. Is there a safe way of getting this off?

He's starting to play now, mostly with the Christmas tree decorations. At least he's not climbing the tree like the terrible twosome brother cats we adopted.

He's still a little lovey-dovey too.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 30, 2001

Answers

Take a warm, wet cloth and wash his eyes, even squeezing some water over his eyes. This should be dripping wet and fairly warm water. He might not like this, but it doesn't take long for the warm water to loosen the gunk and you can peel it off.

I have used this method for years with kittens that get eye infections.

-- beckie (none@this.time), December 30, 2001.

I've been doing this every couple of days, he's really good about it but there's still some gunk stuck on there they just won't come off.

Thanks for your help, Beckie.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), December 30, 2001.

I wonder if a mild solution of baby shampoo might get the gunk off. You know...the tearless kind.

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), December 30, 2001.

Maybe a little mineral oil.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@hotmail.com), December 30, 2001.