Just like humans, cats can also have teary eyes. There could be several reasons why your cat’s eyes are constantly watery. One of the most common reasons is allergies. Cats are known for being allergic to a wide range of things such as pollen, dust, and even certain foods. When this happens, their eyes can become red, itchy and watery.
Another possible cause of teary eyes in cats is conjunctivitis, which is an inflammation of their eye’s conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, as well as other irritants such as smoke or chemicals. Other signs of conjunctivitis include eye redness, swelling, discharge and squinting.
In some cases, teary eyes can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition such as glaucoma, uveitis or corneal ulcers. These conditions require immediate veterinary attention to prevent permanent damage to their eyes and prevent vision loss.
If you notice that your cat’s eyes are constantly watery, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. They’ll be able to perform a thorough examination and determine the underlying cause of their teary eyes. Depending on the cause, your veterinarian could prescribe medication or recommend other treatments to manage their condition.
Symptoms of Feline Teary Eyes
- Constant tearing or watery eyes
- Redness and swelling around their eyes
- Discharge from their eyes
- Squinting or closing their eyes
- Itching or rubbing their eyes
- Changes in behavior such as lethargy or decreased appetite
Diagnosing Feline Teary Eyes
When you take your cat to the veterinarian for teary eyes, they will perform a thorough physical examination and ask about any other symptoms that your cat might have. The vet should also ask about your cat’s medical history and any recent changes in their environment or diet.
During the exam, the vet will closely examine your cat’s eyes using a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope. This will allow them to check for signs of an infection, inflammation or injury to their eyes.
In some cases, the vet may need to do additional tests such as a culture on their eye discharge or blood work to rule out other underlying conditions.
Stages of Feline Teary Eyes
The stages of feline teary eyes depend on the underlying cause and severity of their condition. Here are some common stages:
Stage 1
Mild symptoms such as occasional tearing or watery eyes, and slight redness or swelling around their eyes.
Stage 2
Moderate symptoms such as constant tearing or watery eyes, redness and swelling around their eyes, and discharge from their eyes.
Stage 3
Severe symptoms such as squinting or closing their eyes, itching or rubbing their eyes, lethargy or decreased appetite, and potential vision loss.
Treating Feline Teary Eyes
Treating teary eyes in cats depends on the underlying cause. If your cat has allergies, your veterinarian could recommend antihistamines or other medications to manage their symptoms. In more severe cases, they could suggest immunotherapy, which involves exposing your cat to small amounts of the allergen over time to build up their immunity.
If your cat has conjunctivitis, your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications to treat their infection. They could also recommend using warm compresses or eye drops to soothe your cat’s eyes and reduce their inflammation.
For more serious conditions such as glaucoma, uveitis, or corneal ulcers, your veterinarian will likely refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist for specialized treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment will likely include medication or surgery to prevent permanent damage to their eyes and preserve your cat’s vision.
Preventing Feline Teary Eyes
Preventing teary eyes in cats can be challenging since there are many potential underlying causes. There are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of your cat developing this condition:
- Regular visits to the vet can help identify any potential health issues before they become serious.
- Feeding your cat a well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs can help support their overall health and immune system.
- Keeping your cat’s living space clean and free from dust, allergens, and other irritants can help prevent allergies and infections that may lead to teary eyes.
- Regularly cleaning your cat’s eyes with a damp cloth can help remove any debris or discharge that can accumulate around their eyes.