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Cat’s Eye Is Watery

Eye Discharge In Senior Cats Signs And Symptoms

“Cat’s Eyes” | STRAY SONG

Here are some of the most common causes of weeping eyes in cats:

  • Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis refers to the inflammation of the eyes conjunctiva. This is the pink membrane that surrounds the whites of the eyes and lines the inside of the cats eyelids. Conjunctivitis causes discharge, squinting, and redness.
  • Epiphora This occurs when there are too many tears in the cats eyes. This results in wet and drippy eyes. It can also lead to staining of the fur underneath the eyes.
  • Keratitis This is an inflammation of the cornea . The cornea may look rough, ulcerated, or damaged. This is likely to cause weeping and eye discharge.

Conjunctivitis, epiphora, and keratitis are not the cause of eye discharge. Rather, they are a collection of different symptoms.

Most Common Disorders Causing Watery Eyes & Sneezing In Cats

Unfortunately, the symptoms of the common bacterial and viral causes are all very similar. There may be tests your vet can perform to help diagnose a particular condition other times they rely on improvement with certain medications to determine the cause. For example, if antibiotics dont help, but antivirals do, then it is likely a virus causing the problem.

  • Allergies : Allergies in cats typically show up as skin issues, but can sometimes cause eye-related symptoms as well. This Cat-World article talks about common household cat allergies. Environmental allergens are more likely to cause respiratory and eye symptoms food allergies typically result in skin symptoms.
  • Feline Herpesvirus: Herpesvirus is the most common viral cause of eye issues in cats. Some researchers suggest 80% of cats worldwide are carriers of this virus. They often display no symptoms unless under stress , and can then spread the disease via nasal and eye secretions or by mouth. In adult cats, the recurrence of eye symptoms can affect one or both eyes.
  • Bordetella infection: Bordetella is common bacterial infection in young cats and is often seen at the same time as viral infections. It is spread through saliva, nasal, and eye secretions, and infected cats can shed the bacteria for months. Dogs and immunocompromised people are also susceptible to this bacteria as well.
  • What Is The Prognosis For Epiphora

    Unless an underlying cause can be found and treated, most patients with epiphora will experience intermittent episodes throughout their life. If your cat’s facial anatomy prevents adequate drainage of the tear film, it is likely that some degree of epiphora will persist despite all treatment efforts. In many cases, no significant problems may arise, and the tear staining may be cosmetic. Your veterinarian will discuss the particulars of your cat’s condition and will determine the specific treatment options and prognosis for your cat.

    Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM Ernest Ward, DVM

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    Some Cats Have An Increased Tendency To Watery Eyes

    Some cats have a tendency for watery eyes. Especiallywith breeds with a short nose, the shape of the skull often causes the eyes to be easily irritated by dirt particles or draughts and therefore they start to water very quickly.

    In order to prevent serious complaints such as eye inflammation, conscientious eye care is especially important in these cats.

    Signs Of A Healthy Eye:

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    • Clear with no discharge.
    • Squinting or not able to open the eye wide.
    • Pupils are not the same size.

    Many feline problems can result in eye symptoms, so if you are concerned about your cats eyes seeking veterinary treatment quickly will rule out any complications.

    Keeping your cats indoors during windy weather can also help prevent weepy-eyes. Also if you cat is susceptible to weepy-eyes consider keeping a diary and see if you can pinpoint the issue that could be causing the problem.

    It can sometimes be as easy as the new perfume you have just purchasedor the flea treatment you are using. Domestic cleaning products can also irritate the eyes of a cat. On a personal note we could never use the sprinkle-on carpet deodorizer with our Siamese, as he would suffer weepy sore eyes within a day of using the product. It took a few weeks and a diary to figure out the cause. So be careful with the cleaning products you are using. Cats eyes are very sensitive and it could be the slightest change that is causing the upset.

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    Your Cat Has Pink Eye

    Also called conjunctivitis, pink eye is the inflammation of the membrane of the eye. Pink eye can be caused by an infection from a virus, bacteria, or a fungus, with feline herpesvirus being a leading cause. It can also be non-infectious, stemming from irritation instead of an infection. If you see excessive tearing or watering from one or both eyes, abnormal discharge thats cloudy, yellow, or greenish, or reddened conjunctival membranes, your cat may have conjunctivitis, writes VCA Hospitals. If your vet diagnoses your cat with pink eye, vet-prescribed eye drops or ointment are the likely antidote.

    Promote Cat Eye Health With Vetericyns Preventative Products

    It can happen to even the most responsible pet parents: Youre lounging on the couch, watching your furry friend play with their favorite toy, when all of a sudden you realize, My cats eye is watering!

    Luckily, most causes of cats eyes watering are common and treatable. A few days after a trip to the vet, your cat will be back to normal. But, prevention is the best medicine, and treating your cat with Vetericyns slate of antimicrobial products can protect their eyes from future irritation.

    At Vetericyn, we want to help keep your pets comfortable, healthy, and happy. Thats why our products wont sting or burn, and are safe to ingest . Check out our products in-store and online to protect your cats health and wellness and keep those eyes tear-free.

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    Treating Cat Eye Infections

    Bacterial infections and viral infections have the potential to cause a lot more damage that may not be limited to the eye.

    For instance, secondary bacterial infections can lead to pneumonia or other severe ailments. It is imperative that any cat with an eye infection is examined, properly diagnosed, and treated by a veterinary professional.

    Treatment may include antibiotics, medications to control the clinical or physical signs, and supportive care.

    Eyes Suffering From Bacterial Infection

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    Check the color of the water flowing from your cats eyes. Is it transparent or yellow? Is it thick or wet? Is it watering brown?

    • If its colored yellow and in dense clumps, its a bacteria infection.
    • Meanwhile, if the substance is transparent instead of colored, its a virus.

    If you get your cat checked by the vet, the usual instructions would be for you to give it some time and observe if the watery eyes disappear in around two weeks.

    Bacteria can lead to further problems like conjunctivitis. Here are some examples of bacterial infections that can lead to conjunctivitis:

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    Causes Of Watery Eyes In Cats

    Watery Eyes in cats can be caused by a number of underlying health complications, but it is commonly seen in short faced cats. Short faced, or brachycephalic cat breeds, are genetically predisposed to have short noses and bulging eyes. The bulging eyes are not protected from dirt, pollen and other elements that can scratch and inflame the eye, causing the eyes to water. Other causes of watery eyes in cats include the following:

    • Squamous cell carcinoma : extremely rare, but the most commonly seen eye-associated tumor in cats. White cats are the most commonly affected group.
    • Glaucoma: increased pressure within the eye
    • Tear duct blockage due to a structural deformity of the tear duct or inflammation caused by a secondary condition.
    • Distichiasis: irregular growth of eyelashes
    • Entropion: turning inward of the eyelashes

    Growth/lump On A Cats Eyelid

    Unlike in dogs, lumps and bumps on the eyelids are not common in cats. These are most commonly benign and slow growing.

    However, you should still take your cat to the vet within a few daysparticularly if the bump grows/changes, causes inflammation in the eye, has any pigment to it, or seems to bother your cat.

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    Is Cat Eye Discharge An Emergency

    If your veterinarian diagnosed your cat with the feline herpes virus, chronic eye-watering is not uncommon but can be treated with prescription eye drops or ointments. However, if your cat has suddenly started to have watery eyes, it may be due to infection, trauma, or a foreign body. If your cat is showing signs of pain or symptoms of an eye infection, contact your veterinarian right away. Your vet can examine your cats eyes and recommend appropriate treatments to help relieve any pain or discomfort your pet may be experiencing.

    What Can I Do To Make My Cat More Comfortable

    Upper Respiratory Infections In Cats: Nothing To Sneeze At

    You can make your cat more comfortable by cleaning any goopy discharge from his eyes as needed. Try to keep the face clean and dry. Donât forget to clean facial folds if your cat has them. You can pour some saline on a cotton ball to carefully wipe each eye from the inside corner to the outside. Make sure to use a fresh cotton ball to clean each eye. Avoid any over the counter washes or solutions unless your veterinarian has approved them for your pet. If you clean your catâs eyes before visiting your vet, make sure to take a photo to document the severity of the symptoms.

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    When To See A Vet

    The only way to confirm the cause of your cats watery eyeswhether its conjunctivitis or a congenital allergyis to schedule a visit to your vet. But, are watering eyes an emergency?

    If watering eyes are the only symptom youve observed in your cat so far, its best to wait 24 hours to see if the problem resolves itself. If your cats watery eyes persist, look for other symptoms, such as:

    • If your cat is squinting or blinking more frequently than usual, and if the discharge coming out of their eyes is thick, opaque, or discolored, theyre likely suffering from conjunctivitis.
    • If your cats eyes are watering and theyre also scratching themselves or rubbing up against objects to itch themselves, they could be experiencing an allergic reaction.

    If you notice any of the symptoms above, in addition to your cats eyes watering schedule an appointment with your vet. Before your appointment, document all symptoms to the best of your ability. Consider taking photos or videos of your cats behavior to show your vet. Theyll need as much information as possible to confirm your cats diagnosis and recommend the most effective course of treatment.

    How Is Epiphora Treated

    If the nasolacrimal duct is suspected of being blocked, your cat will be anesthetized and a special instrument will be inserted into the duct to flush out the contents. In some cases, the lacrimal puncta or opening may have failed to open during your cat’s development, and if this is the case, it can be surgically opened during this procedure. If chronic infections or allergies have caused the ducts to become narrowed, flushing may help widen them.

    If the cause is related to another eye condition, treatment will be directed at the primary cause which may include surgery.

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    When To Take Your Cat To The Vet For An Eye Examination

    If your cat’s eyes continue to water for more than a day or two, or if your cat is showing signs of pain or symptoms of infection, it’s time to head to the vet. Your vet will be able to examine your cat’s eyes and recommend appropriate treatments to help relieve any discomfort your cat may be experiencing.

    Causes Of Eye Discharge

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    There are a number of things that can cause your cats eye to water. Tears can overflow due to inflammation, infection, or swelling that blocks the cats tear duct. Excessive cat eye watering can be caused by allergies, a foreign body in the eye, or even the shape of the cats face.

    To evaluate the causes, ask yourself this series of questions:

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    What To Do If Your Cats Eyes Are Watering

    If your cats eyes are looking weepy, take a closer look at their behavior and appearance. If your cat exhibiting other signs of illness, contact a vet immediately.

    So youve just noticed your kittys eyes are looking a little weepy, the next thing to do is look for signs of pain , redness or cloudiness to the eye and its surrounding tissues.

    If you think there is any bulging or swelling to your pets eye or if there are other symptoms including sneezing or fever then you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

    If your pet is acting completely normally and has only a mild discharge that has just started, you can monitor them for a few hours. You can also gently wipe away the tears with a cotton pad to determine if the discharge persists as some pets can develop weepy eyes if they have gotten a speck of dirt in their eye that is washed away and are fine within a short time.

    Does Your Cat Have A Sticky Yellow Or Green Eye Discharge

    Thick, mucus-like discharge forming in your cats eyes is often a sign of a bacterial infection. Feline chlamydophilosis, an infection caused by a bacterial strain in the chlamydia family, is responsible for up to 30% of chronic conjunctivitis in cats. It is often accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nasal discharge, and sneezing.

    The illness is contagious but typically only transmitted through direct contact between cats. Fortunately, feline chlamydophilosis is treatable with antibiotics. Your vet may also recommend that you vaccinate your kitty against chlamydophilosis to stop the infection before it starts.

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    Are Your Cats Eyes Swollen Vetericyn Can Help

    Cat eye swelling, irritation, and discharge can be a symptom various conditions, so its paramount that you bring up any eye abnormalities with your vet as soon as you notice them.

    But, prevention is the best medicine, and Vetericyn is here to help. Nip any potential irritations in the bud with Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eye Wash which can flush out dirt and debris that may be causing your cats eye irritation. Our eye wash not only provides instant relief, but it also helps keep eyes healthy and reduce chances of future eye problems.

    For the most effective treatment, gently flush the affected eye 3 to 4 times a day. Because our eye wash is non-toxic and free of alcohol, steroids, and antibiotics, theres no rinsing necessary.

    In fact, Vetericyns entire pet care line is pioneered with pet wellness in mind. Check out our products online or in-store, and go the extra mile to keep your cat happy, healthy, and well.

    Why Are My Cat’s Eyes Watery

    Watery Eyes in Cats

    The moist outer layer on your cat’s eye protects it by washing away dirt and debris. If your kitty’s eyes have started to water excessively, or if your feline friend is squinting, it could be a sign that there is a more serious issue. Today, our Gaithersburg vets explain a few reasons why cats’ eyes might water.

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    Symptoms Of Eye Issues In Cats

    Water and Glassy Looking Eyes

    Allergies are a surprisingly common issue for cats and can certainly lead a cat’s eyes to become irritated and watery. Common allergies that could affect your cat’s eyes include pollen, mold and mildew dust, household cleaning products, perfumes, and some medications. Keeping your cat away from the allergen could help to clearup the issue. However, if you are unable to pinpoint what is causing your cat’s watery eyes a trip to the vet is in order. Your vet will be able to rule out more serious causes for your cat’s watery eyes and be able to recommend ways to help make your cat’s eyes feel more comfortable.

    Blinking, Squinting and Pawing at Eyes

    If your cat has watery eyes and is blinking excessively, squinting or pawing at their eyes a visit to your vet is required. Your cat could have a foreign body trapped and irritating the eye, or a blocked nasolacrimal duct . Although nasolacrimal obstructions aren’t as common in cats as they are in dogs they can result in tears overflowing and running out of the eye.

    Red and Inflamed Eyes

    Sticky, Yellow or Green Discharge

    Obvious Pain or Swelling

    Nasal Discharge and Sneezing

    Is It Bad If My Cat’s Eye Is Watering

    This depends on how long and what type of discharge your cat has. If it’s temporary and not associated with pain or other signs then it’s most likely nothing to worry about. If, however, you notice that your cat develops a yellow, thick discharge, seems painful, has other signs or the discharge persists then you need to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have your kitty checked out.

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    Our Tip: Caring Eye Drops For Cats

    If your cat has an increased tendency to watery eyes due to the breed, it is important that you pay enough attention to eye care. For this purpose, we recommend using I love my cat eye care drops.

    The natural eye drops contain high-quality ingredients, such as aloe vera, and are therefore ideal for gentle eye care for particularly sensitive cats. In addition, the drops can also help to alleviate the symptoms of non-infectious conjunctivitis in cats, for example, and to counteract the tears that this causes in the eyes.

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