Cats' eyes have a moist outer layer that protects them by washing away debris such as dirt and dust. If you've noticed that your cat's eyes have started to water more than usual lately, or if you notice them squinting, there may be a health problem. You may have come across many cats with sometimes transparent discharge, sometimes inflamed tears mixed with microbes, and sometimes bloody tears. Regardless of the shape and appearance of watery eyes, this is a health problem.
We have previously touched upon the issue of inflammatory eye discharge in cats. In this article, we will try to give information about a cat with watery eyes.
Why Do Cat Eyes Water?
If you notice that one of your cat's eyes is watering, this usually indicates that their eyes are trying to fight off some kind of threat to their health. This can range from a virus to a foreign object. In most cases, if one or both of your cat's eyes are watering, the cause will be minor and will resolve on its own without veterinary intervention. However, there are more serious causes and symptoms of your cat's watery eyes that may require more intensive care.
Watery and Glassy Looking Eyes
Allergies are a common problem affecting cats. This can often cause cats' eyes to dilute a clear liquid to try to expel dust and dirt when they become irritated. Some common allergens that may cause your cat's allergies include mold, cleaning products, perfumes, and pollens. The best way to prevent allergies from causing your cat's eyes to water is to keep them away from the allergen itself. If you cannot pinpoint the exact cause of your cat's watery eyes, you should take your cat to your veterinarian. They will be able to rule out some causes of your cat's eye irritation and help your cat start on the easy path.
Blinking, squinting and constantly scratching with paws
If your cat has watery eyes and is blinking, squinting, or scratching his eyes excessively, you need to visit your veterinarian. Your cat may have a foreign object that is stuck and irritating the eye or a blocked nasolacrimal duct (tear duct). Although nasolacrimal obstructions are not as common in cats as they are in dogs, they can cause tears to overflow and flow from the eye.
Runny Nose and Sneezing
If your cat's eyes are watering, sneezing, or showing symptoms similar to human flu, your cat may be suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection or feline cold. Most cat colds get better on their own within a week. However, if their symptoms worsen or do not improve within this time, you should make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible.
Significant Pain or Swelling
If your cat shows obvious signs of pain, the eyeball is swollen, or there is significant swelling around your cat's eye, it may be glaucoma. It's time to take your cat to the vet to check for glaucoma. Signs of glaucoma in cats indicate that emergency veterinary care is needed. This painful condition can appear suddenly and develop very quickly. In most cases, much of the cat's vision will be irreparably lost by the time symptoms become apparent.
Sticky, Yellow or Green Discharge
Just like with humans, if you notice goo coming out of your cat's eyes. In this case, your cat's eyes are probably infected. Cat eyes watering clear discharge may indicate a virus, while a green or yellow color likely means a bacterial infection. When dealing with eye infections, it is important to take your cat to your veterinarian to prevent more serious conditions and complications from developing. If your cat is diagnosed with an eye infection, treatment will require different medications, from antibiotic drops to ointments.
Red and Inflamed Eyes
If your cat's eyes look red and inflamed, there's a good chance your cat has conjunctivitis (otherwise known as pink eye). Other signs that your cat may 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 the feline herpes virus, and although conjunctivitis is easy to treat, it can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, if your cat's eyes have become red and watery, it is always best to see your vet. Depending on the severity of your cat's eye irritation, dozens of medications will need to be administered by your veterinarian.
When Should You Take Your Cat to the Vet for an Eye Exam?
If you notice that your cat's eyes are watering for longer than a day or two and there is no change, or if their symptoms are worsening, it is time to take them to a veterinarian. A veterinarian or veterinary eye specialist will be able to provide an in-depth diagnosis of your cat's eyes and create a treatment plan. With proper veterinary care, your cat's discomfort or pain can be relieved and more serious conditions can be prevented.