nononicky has red eyes..advice pls!!!

Hi my senoir cat, nononicky, has developed very red and running eyes. I have noticed a very dark discharge the last 4-5 days and this AM they are swollen and pink around the outside. The discharge seems to be clear now but one eye is almost swollen shut and he is rubbing it with his paw. Anyone have any ideas???? He is one of 7 rescues that live with us and I am hoping this is not contagious. If you know of a website I could check that would be good too..... :confused:
Thanks in advance from a worried Mom. If there is no improvement he will be off to the Vet tomorrow.

Sounds like conjunctivitis to me which, I'm sorry to say is contagious. Let us know what the vet says.

conjunctivitis, I agree that it sure sounds like it.