We all love looking into our cats’ eyes and marveling at their color and depth. It also certainly helps that they’re just so cute with their large, round eyes. However, if you’ve noticed that your fur baby’s eyes are watering, it can be cause for concern.
Watery eyes in cats are fairly uncommon, especially if your cat is healthy and lives in a controlled environment (read: your home). That said, they could catch a bug or get something in their eyes from time to time. In this article, we’ll look at what can cause watery eyes in cats, the symptoms, and how to help your cat feel better. We also have some home remedies and preventative measures to keep those beautiful eyes healthy and vibrant.
Symptoms & Causes Of Cat Watery Eyes
If you’re wondering “Why are my cat’s eyes watering”, you first have to identify the symptoms and work from there. Here are the most common signs to look out for:
Watery Eyes
Of course, the most obvious sign is the presence of excessive moisture around the eyes. This can lead to damp fur around the eyes and even staining of the fur, which is more common in light-colored cats. This could be caused by allergens in the environment such as dust, mold, pollen, household chemicals, perfumes, and even medication. If your cat’s eyes start to water after recently being exposed to the aforementioned things, it’s worth keeping them away from your furry friend.
Inflamed Or Red Eyes
If your cat’s eyes appear red, swollen, or inflamed, it might indicate your cat has conjunctivitis or pinkeye. Conjunctivitis is often accompanied by sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. Your cat may also be squinting or blinking more frequently.
Fortunately, conjunctivitis is easily treated. Your vet may prescribe eye drops or ointments for your cat that you should use regularly. If treated early, this condition can be fixed fairly easily, so be sure to consult your vet if you notice these symptoms along with your cat’s watery eyes.
Sneezing, Runny Nose & Weepy Eyes
If your cat is not only experiencing watery eyes but also sneezing and has a runny nose, it could be a sign of a cold or upper respiratory infection. These conditions often go hand in hand, and while most cat colds will go away in about a week, you should see a vet if the symptoms persist, get worse, or if your cat is at high risk, such as if they’re old.
Excessive Discharge From Eyes
A clear, white, or yellowish discharge from the eyes is usually a sign of a more severe issue, such as an eye infection. This is a clear sign to bring your cat to the vet to get treatment. Pay close attention to the consistency and color of the discharge so you can better communicate with your vet. A clear discharge often suggests a viral infection while bacterial infection usually causes green or yellow discharge.
Squinting, Blinking, Or Pawing At Eyes
Cats might squint, blink excessively, or even paw at their eyes when they are experiencing discomfort. Whether your cat’s eyes are watering or not, constant pawing of the eyes is a clear sign that your cat is in discomfort and something is not right.
Swelling In The Eyes
Swelling around the eyes can be alarming. If you notice puffiness or swelling, it’s essential to investigate further. Swelling is usually painful, if not just uncomfortable, and can progress quite rapidly into something more serious, so take your cat to the vet immediately if you notice this symptom.
Cloudy Eyes
If your cat has cloudy eyes, it could be a sign of several different diseases such as an eye ulcer, cataracts, glaucoma, or keratitis. The treatment for this differs depending on the exact cause, so be sure to visit a vet if you notice cloudy and watery eyes in your cat.
Say hello to Chippy
A stray kitten we once fostered who we named Chippy had cloudy eyes which the vet determined could be a corneal ulcer caused by dirt or infection since he was always outdoors. The vet prescribed some medicated eye drops and we kept him clean and well-fed, and his eyes mostly cleared up within a week.
When To Get A Vet’s Help For Your Cat’s Watery Eyes
Some mild cases of watery eyes in cats might be caused by exposure to dust or dirt and can clear in a few minutes to a few hours. If your cat’s eyes continue watering for more than a day, it’s usually a good idea to see a vet to know exactly what’s wrong and remedy the situation in the early stages. If your cat’s symptoms persist or worsen, your cat might be in more discomfort than they need to be already. Here are some clear signs that you should consult a vet:
- Pus or mucus in the eye discharge
- Eye redness and swelling
- Changes in your cat’s behavior, such as loss of appetite or lethargy
- Your cat appears to be in pain
Cat Weepy Eye Home Remedy & Treatments
While it’s essential to consult a veterinarian for severe cases, there are some home remedies and treatments you can try for mild cat watery eyes:
- Gentle Cleaning: Use a clean, soft cloth or cotton ball soaked in warm water to gently wipe away any discharge from your cat’s eyes. Be very gentle to avoid causing further irritation.
- Saline Solution: A homemade saline solution (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water) can help clean your cat’s eyes. Use a dropper to apply a few drops to each eye.
- Allergy Management: If allergies are the culprit, your vet might recommend antihistamines or other allergy treatments. Keep your cat away from allergens as much as possible.
- Eye Drops: Some over-the-counter artificial tears or vet-prescribed eye drops can help relieve dryness and irritation.
Image by prostooleh on Freepik
How To Keep Your Cat’s Eyes Healthy At Home
Prevention is often the best cure. Here are some tips to keep your cat’s eyes from watering:
- Regular Cleaning: Gently wipe around your cat’s eyes with a damp cloth regularly to prevent the buildup of discharge.
- Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep your cat’s living area clean and free of potential irritants, such as dust and smoke. That means your house should be kept clean too.
- Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet with essential nutrients can help boost your cat’s overall health, including eye health. Feed your cat the appropriate foods and avoid giving it too many treats or human foods.
- Regular Vet Check-Ups: Regular vet visits can help catch potential cat eye problems early. Plus, you’ll be able to stay on top of your cat’s overall health.
Your cat’s eyes are not only a window to their soul but also a vital part of their well-being as they still rely on their eyes when exploring their surrounding. If you notice any signs of watery eyes in your cats, it’s essential to investigate the cause and take appropriate action. With good care, you can keep your cat’s eyes clear and sparkling well throughout their life.