I captured Thatch after a rousing game of fishie on a pole lured him out of hiding. I held him, petted him for a long time, which he seemed to like, then took him into the bathroom and cleaned the gunk from his eyes with a wet cotton ball. I wish I had some baby saline eye wash.
Then I petted him some more, put the salve on his eyes, and rubbed them gently for a bit. Before I released him, I held him, petted him, rubbed his little belly, and let him go. He ran for the food. I think eating consoles him.