Cats are bright- and clear-eyed creatures. A moist layer protects the beautiful sparkling eyes, also called the tear film. This layer plays a vital role in retaining the health of the cats. It provides nutrients, fights bacteria viruses, removes foreign agents like dirt and debris from the eyes of a cat, and keeps their eyes moist. Sometimes your cat may show an abnormally excess flow of tears. This cat eye discharge brown color condition is known as Epiphora. It can typically occur when a cat’s eyes are harmed or irritated somehow. But there are some situations when consulting a vet becomes unavoidable. Looking for reasons why are my cats eyes watering and how to prevent it.
Why Are My Cats Eyes Watering?
Your cat eye watering and squinting can happen due to several reasons. In normal cases, they will clear up their eyes on their own. But when they are in trouble, they show unusual behaviors like rubbing their eyes frequently on the sofa and rugs, pawing up at their eyes, blinking them extremely, and squinting. All you have to do is to see a vet. Allergies: There are several allergens and irritants around your cat that may trigger watery eyes. These can be either present in your indoor environment or an outdoor environment. All you need to do is figure out the allergen and remove it from the surrounding of your cat. Other than bacteria and viruses, some other substances can lead to allergies in your cat. They include
- Pollen
- Food
- Perfumes
- Other microorganisms like molds
- Dirt or dust
- Chemical substances
- Household cleaners
- Itching and sneezing
Conjunctivitis in cats
The issue is associated with the inflammation of the light pink lining or conjunctiva of the cat’s eye. Ever wonder what causes watery eyes in cats? Various problems like swelling, redness, and light sensitivity in your felines. The primary causes for this problem are microorganisms like viruses, bacteria, and other irritants present in the surrounding. Generally, cats once in their lives experience this condition. In some serious cases, it becomes imperative to see a veterinarian. This problem needs to be treated quickly as if it is left untreated, and it may cause eyesight loss.
Eye Ulcer
Eye ulcer refers to excessive tear production and discharge of mucus. Redness in the cat weeping eye, cloudiness, light sensitivity, squinting, etc. are other symptoms associated with this problem.
Upper Respiratory infection
The Upper respiratory infection occurs due to feline herpesvirus and calicivirus infection. This infection is also known as cat flu. The signs of cat flu include nasal discharge, sneezing, fever, etc.
Eye Infections
These can happen either due to injury in the eye or because of foreign particles entering the eye. Viral or bacterial diseases are another cause of eye infection in cats. Feline chlemydophilosis is one example of such bacterial disease causing the infection. Apart from this, kittens may catch an cat swollen eye from the mother’s vaginal infection during birth.
Epiphora
It refers to excessive tearing of cats and can be due to Excess tear production and blockage of tear ducts.
Dry Eyes
Dry eye is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is a condition where there is no tear production in a cat for a prolonged period. As the cat lacks tears, a yellow gooey discharge may appear in the cat’s eye.
Injury or Trauma
Any injury can cause redness, inflammation, and watering of the cat’s eye. The reasons behind this can be any minor injury, entry of foreign particles, or tussle with another animal. Careful observation is necessary to keep a check on your cat’s condition. If the problem gets severe, you may need to see your veterinarian. The symptoms of a primary injury consist of
- Cloudiness in cornea
- Protruding eye
- Bleeding
- Severe pain
Symptoms of Eye Problems
- Glassy Eyes: The watery eye is a common allergy symptom in cats. Some common allergens present in the surrounding of a cat include perfumes, household cleaner, mildew dust, etc. Removing these irritants from her surroundings will surely reduce the problem.
- Sneezing with Nasal Discharge: If the symptoms your cat is showing are similar to that of a human cold, then there are chances that your cat is suffering from an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Most cats cope with this problem on their own within one week.
- Swelling and Pain: If you see your cat’s eyeball bulging out and there is significant swelling in and around her eyes along with severe pain, then you need to see your vet. This painful condition is known as glaucoma.
- Squinting, Pawing, and Blinking of Eyes: if your cat is constantly showing these symptoms and has watery eyes, then it may be a sign of some irritating substance trapped inside her eye. A blocked tear duct can also be a reason for this.
- Colored Cat Eye Discharge: A sticky fluid coming out of the eyes of a cat is a sign of some infection. Such as a green or yellow fluid suggests bacterial infection, and clear discharge indicates viral infection. Different colored cat eye discharge indicates different infections. More severe complications in cats can be avoided by timely diagnosis and medication.
- Redness & Inflammation in the Eyes: There are fair chances that your cat has a pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis) problem associated with her. Loss of fur around the eyes of a cat and bad odor coming out of the discharge are some more symptoms of watery eyes in cats.
FAQs
Several factors are responsible for causing allergies in your cat. Some of them are pollen, dirt, chemical substances, perfumes, etc.. Foreign substances entering the cat’s eye can also cause allergies.
Different colored discharges are produced in a cat’s eye, like white, yellow, or green or it may be clear watery fluid. The discharge can be sticky as well as clear.
It can be due to swelling in the third eyelid of your cat. This is not an emergency case, but if you see the swelling doesn’t go on its own, consult your vet.
Yes, a cat can catch a cold just like humans. Sneezing is a common sign. Generally, this problem will go away within one week. But if you see it getting severe, see your vet as soon as possible.
Conclusion
If you see your cat’s eyes are watering for more than one or two days, then it’s time to fix an appointment with your veterinarian. Being an animal expert, he will give an in-depth diagnosis of your cat along with the medication and treatment as required. Hope you find this why are my cats eyes watering guide help to clarify all your doubts.