As a cat owner, you’re used to those beautiful, bright eyes staring back at you. But what does it mean when you notice tears or discharge? If you’re asking, “Why are my cat’s eyes watering?” you’ve come to the right place. At petqrdas.com, we help you understand whether it’s a simple irritation or something that requires a trip to the vet.
Understanding Feline Eye Discharge
Just like humans, cats produce tears to keep their eyes lubricated and to flush out debris. However, excessive watering (known as epiphora) is usually a sign that the eye is trying to protect itself from an underlying issue.
5 Common Reasons for Why are my cat’s eyes watering?
- Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): This is the “cat cold.” If the watering is accompanied by sneezing or a runny nose, your cat might have a viral infection like Feline Herpesvirus.
- Allergies: Cats can be allergic to dust, pollen, strong perfumes, or even certain cleaning chemicals. This often causes both eyes to water and look slightly red.
- Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): This is an inflammation of the lining of the eye. If the discharge looks yellow or green instead of clear, it could be a bacterial infection.
- Corneal Ulcers: If your cat is squinting or rubbing its eye, they may have a small scratch on the surface of the eye, often caused by rough play or a foreign object.
- Breed Genetics: Flat-faced breeds like Persians or Himalayans often have watery eyes because their tear ducts cannot drain properly due to their face shape.
When to See a Vet?
At petqrdas.com, we recommend checking for these symptoms:
- Your cat is squinting or keeping one eye closed.
- The discharge is thick, yellow, or bloody.
- The eye looks cloudy or has changed color.
- Your cat is constantly pawing at their face.
How to Help Your Cat at Home
Keep your cat’s face clean by gently wiping the corners of their eyes with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using human eye drops as they can be toxic to cats. For more expert feline health advice, visit petqrdas.com regularly!
