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 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 To Expect At The Vet Visit
Because eye issues can change and worsen quickly, it is very important to get your cat to the vet if you have any concerns about his eyes. Your veterinarian will do a thorough exam of your cat. While they may focus on the eyes, they are also assessing overall health to look for other causes like respiratory infections.
Typically your vet will perform a test called a fluorescein eye stain. This is a greenish-yellow dye that is put in the eyes to help identify scratches to the surface of the eye.
This test is often vital in determining which medications to use, if any, on your cats eyes. For example, if there is a scratch on the surface of the eye , we do not want to put steroid eye drops in them since this can actually make the corneal scratch much worse. If the stain indicates no scratch, then your veterinarian may recommend a non-medicated or antibiotic eye drop or ointment.
In cases where your vet suspects an underlying virus that is causing infection and eye symptoms, there are various anti-viral medications that may help curb a viral flare-up.
Don’t Miss: Can Cats Get Tapeworms From Fleas
Preventive Care At Home
The best preventive care you can do is to keep up with your regular vet visits and vaccinations. But, the second best thing is to keep a close watch on your cat at home. Make it a habit to check your cats eyes for redness, cloudiness, or excessive watering.
If you know your cat gets watery eyes due to an allergy, there are quite a few treatment options for allergies out there! The first step is, of course, to try and avoid whatever causes the reaction. However, if thats not an option, hyposensitivity shots or allergy medication might help to keep your cats eyes from watering too much!
Reasons Your Cats Eyes May Be Watering
By Anna Barden reviewed by Matthew Belden, DVM
Like humans, cats eyes can water for several reasons, including allergies, trauma and infections. Many cases are easily treated , but sometimes the issue will require special prescriptions or even procedures performed by a veterinarian.
Factors such as the size of a cats muzzle can affect both the frequency and intensity of watery eyes. Environmental factors can also play a role in the condition. Whether mild or severe, it is best to speak to a veterinarian about the causes, treatment and long-term management if your cat experiences watery eyes.
Don’t Miss: Purina Nf Early Care Cat Food
Why Does My Cat Have Runny Eyes
Given the variety of causes, you might still be unsure what is wrong with your cat. Take a close look at your cats eyes and consider the color and texture of the discharge and the color of the eye itself.
Then, refer to this quick summary:
- Dark pink/red in the outermost edges of the eyeball The conjunctiva is inflamed, so your cat probably has conjunctivitis. The most common cause is a bacterial or viral infection, but there are other causes.
- Green or yellowish discharge This usually indicates a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
- Clear, watery discharge Allergy or epiphora
- Clear mucuslike discharge Systemic infection bacterial, viral, or fungal
- Brown/red stained fur under the eyes Epiphora
- Mottled Iris Keratosis/Corneal ulcer.
There are, of course, exceptions to the above. For example, bacterial/viral infections usually produce an eye discharge with a yellow tinge, but the discharge can occasionally be colorless.
Signs Of Eye Problems In Cats
Watery & Glassy Looking Eyes
Allergies are common in cats and can certainly lead your kitty’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 clear up 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 & Pawing at Eyes
If your cat has watery eyes and is blinking excessively, squinting or pawing at their eyes it’s time for a trip to the vet. 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 & Inflamed Eyes
Yellow or Green Sticky Discharge
Pain & Swelling
Sneezing & Runny Nose
Cold symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose mean that your cat is likely suffering from a cat cold or feline upper respiratory infection. Many cat colds will clear up within a week without the need for veterinary care, however, if your cat’s symptoms become worse or fail to improve within a couple of days make an appointment to see your vet.
You May Like: How To Make Your Cat Nicer
Your Cat Has Something In Their Eye
What cat lover hasnt had a cat hair in their eye? Turns out, your cat might be experiencing the same misfortune. More often than not, the whiskers above your cats eyes protect your cats eyes from any foreign objects before they can do any damage. But sometimes, a stray hair or particle of dust gets in. This could cause minor irritation along with redness and watery discharge. Your cat should be able to naturally remove the intruder, but if irritation lasts for more than a day or two, she may have an abrasion that requires professional care.
Dr. Greenstein says to think twice before reaching for human eye drops or saline solution. When it comes to your cats eyes, only your vet can prescribe cat-appropriate medication.
iStock/Amanda Comarim
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.
Also Check: How To Paint A Cat Face
General Information And Causes
A small amount of crusting in the corner of your cat’s eyes is normal, but a constant weeping or a sticky discharge, is not. Some common causes of weepy eyes include:
- Eye injuries such as corneal ulcers, a scratch, a blow to the face
- Something stuck in the eye such as a grass seed
- Eye and eyelid lumps
- Blocked tear ducts – cause tears to spill down the face
- Eyelash problems
- Eyelid problems
- Breed related – flat-faced breeds such as Persians tend to have weepy eyes and tear staining due to the shape of their face.
The crust around this cat’s eyes is abnormal
Causes Of Watery Cat Eyes
If your cats eye watering quickly improves on its own, it was likely a rogue hair or piece of dust that temporarily got stuck in the eye. However, if your cats eyes are consistently watering, they may be suffering from a common cat eye issue, such as:
- Conjunctivitis An infection also known as pink eye.
- Congenital allergies This may be due to pollen or other substances in the environment.
You May Like: How Does Cat Poop Look Like
About Edele Grey Bsc Mvb Cert Esm Certavp Mrcvs
Graduating in 2013, Edele has had a passion for writing and education, further stimulated during the completion of an Internship in Equine Medicine and Surgery within the University of Liverpools Equine Hospital, UK. Since graduation, she has continued to write for scientific journals and websites primarily aimed towards maximizing the pet-owner bond and welfare through education accessible to everyone.
Is Your Cats Eye Watering And Squinting Time To Take Them To The Vet
If your cats eye is watering or squinting, its time to take him to the veterinarian. There are a few possible causes for this condition, including a foreign body or a blocked tear duct. To effectively treat your eyes, rinse them three to four times per day with a non-toxic eye wash. As a result, you will be able to relax and hopefully resolve the problem.
Don’t Miss: Cat Presents For Cat Lovers
Are Some Types Of Cats And Cat Breeds Predisposed To Have Watery Eyes
Sometimes, those watery cat eyes can be caused by the shape of the face and eyes. Brachycephalic cats often experience watery eyes. When a cat has a flat face, a small nose and large, round eyes, the tears tend to spill over the eye rims.
Some cats are also genetically predisposed to producing more tears than other cats. Watery cat eyes and the resulting tear stains are common in cat breeds like Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans and Persians, for instance. In general, this doesnt harm the cat as long as nothing else is going on with the eye , although you should regularly wipe the under-eye area to keep it as clean and dry as possible to prevent skin irritation.
Treatments For Watery Cat Eyes
The treatment for the watery eyes in cats will mainly depend on the primary cause, but might include:
- Pain relieving ointments, which aid the healing of congenital abnormalities, conjunctivitis, and trauma.
- Topical antibiotics for the treatment of the infection.
- Antihistamine treatments to manage the allergies.
- The removal of the foreign entity thats lodged into the eyes.
In case there is a tear duct blockage, the use of a catheter might be essential in opening the duct and allowing the fluid to pass.
Furthermore, surgical repair of the eyelid might be essential in treating the abnormal formation of the eyelid.
You May Like: Do All Male Cats Spray In The House
When To See A Vet About Your Cats Eyes Weeping
If you ever spot signs of eye pain in your cat, including any discharge coming from the eye, its always best to get in contact with your vet straight away as eye problems can get worse very quickly. Speedy diagnosis and treatment are the keys to helping your cat make a quick recovery so they can go back to being their happy and healthy selves. Although some brachycephalic cat breeds are more prone to eye problems, its best to always get a new pet checked over and also continue to monitor the discharge, contacting your vet if you have any concerns.
Why Are My Cat’s Eyes Watery
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Stop Cat From Peeing On Clothes
Why Are My Cats Eyes Watering
The outer surface of cats eyes includes a layer of moisture, and just like human eyes, produce tears. Like us, cats use the moisture in their eyes to clean away dirt and debris, flush away bacteria, and keep the eye moisturized and healthy.
A little bit of moisture in your cats eyes is normal, and even runny eyes can be a normal reaction to an environmental irritant like dust or pollen. However, excess liquid, discolored liquid, redness, puffiness, and irritation can be a sign of a more serious condition.
In this post, well cover some of the most common reasons why cats eyes water. If you notice your cats eyes are watering excessively, or your cat seems to be in pain, it is important to contact a veterinary professional quickly.
Use the links below to find out more about possible answers to the question, why are my cats eyes watering?:
Eye Discharge In Senior Cats Signs And Symptoms
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.
Also Check: Where Can I Get My Cat Spayed And Neutered
Happy Tails From Clients
- “I could not believe how wonderful this place was and is, from the moment we walked in, to the moment we checked out. I could not express how much gratitude I have for this place. They worked with us from the moment we stated that we didnt have enough money for surgery. We cannot thank this place enough for all the help they did. The staff is amazing and the doctors are outstanding. I would highly recommend.”- Caitlin K.
Why Do Cats Eyes Water
If you notice that your cat has watery eyes, this can indicate a range of issues from a cold, allergies, or foreign material in the eye like dust or grass seeds.
In healthy animals, the tear film on the eye serves multiple functions it lubricates the surface of the eye, it helps get rid of debris, and provides the eyes surface with nutrients and healing factors.
An overproduction of tears or watery eyes can be a reaction to an allergen like pollen or dust, but it can also be due to infections, injury, or even blocked tear ducts. Often though watery eyes and respiratory issues like allergies and infections go hand in hand.
Read Also: When Can Kittens Be Spayed
The Bottom Line On My Cat Has Watery Eyes And Sneezes
Your cat will most likely have an upper respiratory illness the majority of the time. Several of the illnesses mentioned on this page can cause these. If your cat exhibits any symptoms, you should note them and take him to the doctor so they may recommend a course of treatment. Get your cat immunised against the two deadly URIs, feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus, so they are protected from them.
Allergies are the sole other cause of watery eyes and sneezing. At any point during their lifetimes, cats might develop allergies to items they have previously tolerated without any problems. As always, a veterinarian should be contacted. They can determine the substances to which your cat is hypersensitive and offer advice on how to manage these allergies successfully.
Is It Bad If My Cats Eye Is Watering
If your cats eyes have been tearing for more than a few days, or if you notice any discomfort, infection, or swelling, you should see a veterinarian. A veterinarian will perform a full eye exam as well as a few tests to determine what caused the problem and what treatments are appropriate.
Excessive tearing is caused by an obstruction in the drainage of tears or an irritation of the eye. Causes can be caused by a variety of factors, including those that will only affect themselves and those that require veterinary care. When is it safe to monitor a cat at home and when should I take him to the veterinarian? When there is a common cold in the eye, known as conjunctivitis, it causes the eyes to be extremely red and irritated. It can also be caused by an allergic reaction . It can cause irreversible vision loss if left untreated it can also cause rapid eye movement and abscess formation in the same way. Its a good idea to take your cat to the veterinarian if his or her eyes have been tearing for more than a few days. A veterinarian will examine your eyes and perform a series of tests to identify the underlying cause. If you notice a goopy discharge from your cats eyes, clean it up as needed to make him feel more at ease.
You May Like: Are Cats As Smart As Dogs