It’s normal to see a bit of moisture in your cat’s eyes. This natural lubrication is essential to keep their eyes healthy, washing away dust and irritants. However, if you’ve noticed your cat’s eyes are excessively watery, or if they’re squinting or showing other signs of discomfort, it’s a signal that something might be wrong. Let’s explore the common reasons why your cat’s eyes might be watering and when it’s important to seek veterinary advice.
Common Causes of Watery Eyes in Cats
Watery eyes in cats, also known as epiphora, are often a sign that the eye is trying to protect itself from some kind of irritation or threat. While sometimes the cause is minor and resolves on its own, there are several potential underlying issues that could be causing your cat’s eyes to water. Observing other symptoms can help pinpoint the cause of the problem.
Allergies
Just like humans, cats can suffer from allergies. These allergies can irritate their eyes, leading to excessive watering. Common feline allergens include pollen, mold, dust mites, household cleaning products, fragrances, and even certain foods or medications. If you suspect allergies, try to identify and remove potential allergens from your cat’s environment. If the problem persists or you can’t identify the trigger, a vet visit is recommended to rule out other causes and discuss allergy management.
Foreign Objects or Irritation
Sometimes a foreign body, like dust, debris, or an eyelash, can get trapped in your cat’s eye and cause irritation and watering. This is a simple and often easily resolved cause. Cats may also experience irritation from environmental factors like smoke or strong winds. Observe if your cat is pawing at their eye, which could indicate a foreign object is present.
Blocked Tear Ducts
Tear ducts, or nasolacrimal ducts, are responsible for draining tears away from the eye. If these ducts become blocked, tears can overflow and result in watery eyes. While less common in cats than in dogs, blocked tear ducts can still occur due to inflammation, infection, or injury.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. It’s a frequent eye problem in cats and can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants. Besides watery eyes, symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, swelling, and increased sensitivity to light. While some cases are mild, conjunctivitis can become more serious without treatment, so veterinary attention is advised.
Eye Infections (Viral & Bacterial)
Eye infections are another common culprit behind watery eyes in cats. Viral infections often produce a clear discharge, while bacterial infections are typically associated with a yellow or green, sticky discharge. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications from eye infections. Bacterial infections often require antibiotic eye drops or ointments prescribed by a veterinarian.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious condition characterized by increased pressure inside the eye. It can cause significant pain and can develop rapidly. Symptoms of glaucoma include obvious pain, a bulging eyeball, and swelling around the eye. Glaucoma is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care to prevent permanent vision loss.
Upper Respiratory Infections (Cat Colds)
Just like humans, cats can catch colds or upper respiratory infections (URIs). These infections often present with cold-like symptoms, including watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Many feline colds are viral and will resolve within a week or so. However, if symptoms worsen or don’t improve, veterinary consultation is recommended to rule out secondary bacterial infections or other complications.
Recognizing Symptoms: What to Look For
It’s important to observe your cat for other symptoms alongside watery eyes to help determine the underlying cause and the urgency of veterinary care. Pay attention to:
- Discharge color and consistency: Clear discharge might indicate allergies or viral infections, while yellow or green, sticky discharge often points to bacterial infections.
- Eye redness and inflammation: These are common signs of conjunctivitis or other infections.
- Squinting, blinking excessively, or pawing at the eye: These can indicate pain, a foreign object, or discomfort.
- Swelling around the eye or bulging eyeball: These are serious signs that could indicate glaucoma or injury, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
- Nasal discharge and sneezing: These symptoms suggest a possible upper respiratory infection.
- Changes in behavior: Lethargy, loss of appetite, or hiding could indicate your cat is feeling unwell overall, potentially related to an underlying eye issue.
When to Seek Veterinary Care
While some mild cases of watery eyes might resolve on their own, it’s crucial to know when to take your cat to the vet. Seek veterinary attention if:
- Your cat’s watery eyes persist for more than a day or two.
- You observe any signs of pain, such as squinting, pawing at the eye, or changes in behavior.
- There is colored discharge (yellow or green) or sticky discharge from the eye.
- The eyes are red, inflamed, or swollen.
- Your cat is showing other symptoms like nasal discharge, sneezing, lethargy, or loss of appetite.
- You suspect glaucoma based on symptoms like a bulging eyeball or obvious pain.
Your veterinarian can perform a thorough eye examination to diagnose the cause of your cat’s watery eyes and recommend the appropriate treatment plan.
Veterinary Ophthalmology: Specialized Care
For complex or chronic eye conditions, your primary veterinarian may recommend a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. These specialists have advanced training and expertise in diagnosing and treating eye diseases in animals, including cats. If your cat is diagnosed with a serious condition like glaucoma, cataracts, or tumors, a veterinary ophthalmologist can provide specialized care and treatment options.
Note: This information is for general guidance only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian for any health concerns regarding your cat.
If your cat is experiencing an eye emergency such as a sudden injury or severe pain, seek immediate care at an emergency animal hospital. Emergency veterinary services are available 24/7 to address urgent pet health issues.
