What is this?
For context, my boyfriend's family has an outdoor cat that has had 3 litters. Her most recent litter has a kitten who has had concerning eye issues but it recently got way worse when we lost sight of him. His family is financially stable and can afford it, but the dad is hesitant to bring the kitten to the vet. I am a minor and cannot pay for vet costs myself, but I will do whatever I can to get the kitten help
The kitten is around 3 weeks old. This kitten looked fine when I first found him. When we lost sight of him for a day, I found him with both eyes swollen shut and he was panting. His eyes are still very swollen. I had suspected an upper respiratory infection until I realized he was put in a very damp and dirty place by the mother cat and his eyes got worse. Can someone help identify what's happening to him? I'm trying my best but I do feel like something is really wrong.
For more information:
I live in america, and my boyfriend's family is near myrtle beach
If anyone could reccomend rescue shelters or foster homes for this kitten, I would appreciate that so much! I am long distance and I cant bring this kitten home with me.
Edit: I got him an appointment for 4:30 today! My boyfriend and I will be taking him.
Edit 2: Great news!! He is okay, he does in fact have feline herpes and he is getting a prescription from the vet. Thank you all who gave me advice kindly.