Cat Eye & Scab Issue

Hello! I have a 2 year old orange tabby. His eyes started with redness and what looks like heavy scratch marks above his eyes. Now this morning, I noticed crusties around his eyes and scabs under his chin. He's itching a lot around his neck/ears as well as licking and biting his paws. I checked him for fleas (or anything crawling) and didn't see anything. I also looked in his ears and they look fine (to me). He's not sneezing or acting sick. He's been eating Hill's Science Diet since I got him at 4 months, we switched to the Sensitive Stomach and Skin one year ago and then gradually switched to the salmon & yellow pea recipe in January. These problems have never come up before now. I just hope it's not a serious infection. Should I take him to the animal hospital? Can it wait until Monday? Is there anything I can do to relieve the itching/pain in the meantime? Thank you for your help.

Hello!   As there is an eye involved here, I think it's important at least to speak to the hospital and let them do phone triage.  Most 'sore eyes' are emergencies and another 24 hours scratching at it can sometimes make a strong difference to the prognosis.

Possibilities include a mite or flea issue that has resulted in a claw accidentally scratching an eye, so with possible corneal damage or an ulcer, for example.  Skin allergy +/- infection, or possibly one of those 'cold'-like respiratory infections.  Any of these would be quite serious.  Even fleas (it's very common not to see them - one bite or bit of flea dander can cause quite a reaction in some cats without there even being a flea in the room) are uncomfortable and can get much worse in 24 hours.   Best of luck and please let us know how you get on.