The moist outer layer of your cat's eye protects the inner workings of the eye by washing away dirt and debris. But if your kitty's eyes are watering excessively, or if your pet is squinting or rubbing at their eye, there could be a more serious issue. Our Memphis vets discuss reasons why cats' eyes water.
Reasons Why Your Cat's Eyes Might Water
If your cat has watery eyes it likely means that the eye is attempting to fight off some form of health threat such as a virus or a foreign body. In many cases, the cause is minor and will clear up without veterinary care. That said, there are a host of more serious reasons that your cat's eyes could be watering. To find the cause of your cat's eye issue it's necessary to look for other symptoms.
Symptoms of Eye Issues in Cats
Much like our own eyes, your cat can suffer from a variety of conditions that could cause their eyes to water excessively, become irritated or show other symptoms. Below are a few of the most common:
Cat Eye Watering & Glossy Appearance
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.
If you are able to determine the allergen causing your kitty's eyes to water, keeping your cat away from the allergen should help their eyes clear up quickly. That said, some allergens just can't be easily avoided and sometimes you simply can't seem to pinpoint what is causing your cat's watery eyes. That's when 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 feline friend'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 a visit to your vet is required. Your cat could have a foreign body trapped and irritating the eye, or a blocked nasolacrimal duct (tear 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
If your kitty's eyes are red and inflamed conjunctivitis (otherwise known as pinkeye) may be the issue. Other signs that your cat might have conjunctivitis include swollen eyes and increased sensitivity to light. This common eye condition in cats can be caused by anything from an infection or allergy to feline herpes virus, and while conjunctivitis can be easy to clear up, without treatment it could lead to more serious complications. For that reason, it is always best to see your vet if your cat's eyes have become red and watery. Depending on the severity of your cat's eye irritation treatment may include eye drops or ointment prescribed by your vet.
Sticky, Yellow or Green Discharge
As with people, a goopy or sticky discharge coming from your cat's eyes is typically a sign of infection. A clear discharge often indicates a viral infection whereas a green or yellow discharge suggests that your cat has a bacterial infection. When dealing with eye infections early diagnosis and treatment can help to avoid more serious complications down the road. If your cat has a bacterial eye infection treatment may include ophthalmic antibiotic drops, gels or ointments. In most cases, oral medications are unnecessary unless your cat's eye problem is the result of a systemic infection.
Obvious Pain or Swelling
If your cat is displaying obvious signs of pain, the eyeball is bulging or there is notable swelling around your cat's eye it's time to get your cat to the vet to check for glaucoma. Symptoms of glaucoma in cats indicate that emergency veterinary care is required. This painful condition can appear suddenly and develop very rapidly. In most cases, by the time symptoms become evident much of the cat's eyesight will be irreparably lost.
Cat Eye Watering & Sneezing
If your cat is displaying typical human cold symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing and a runny nose, your feline friend 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.
When To See Your Vet About Your Cat's Eye Watering
If your cat's eyes are watering 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. Treatment for your cat's eye condition could be as simple as eye drops or allergy treatment but in severe cases such as glaucoma eye surgery may be required.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.