If your cat is pawing at its face or rubbing against objects, it could be dealing with eye issues. Anything from a simple infection to a serious illness can cause cat eye-watering the most common reasons are bacterial infection or viruses. Cat eyes watering is a common disease and cleans up on its own but In some cases, if it’s not taken seriously it may lead to blindness. In general, cats watering eye indicate that it is fighting against infection/viruses.
Symptoms of cat eyes watering
- Pawing, Squinting, or blinking eyes
- Sneezing
- Swelling
- Discharge (Yellow or Green)
- Red eyes
Four Common Causes of cat eye Watering
1-Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye, it is the most common cat eye disorder. It is an inflammation of the thin mucous membrane (which is known as conjunctiva) that lines the inner surface of eyelids and coats the outer surface of the eyeball. Many cats will experience a minimum of a mild episode of the condition at some point in their lives.
Conjunctivitis is also relatively common in cats with immune systems which have been compromised by infections such as FIV(feline immunodeficiency virus) or the FeLV(feline leukemia virus). Environmental irritants can cause conjunctivitis. In most cases, conjunctivitis will resolve itself without any medication.
Signs of conjunctivitis
- Squinting
- Frequent blinking
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Tearing
- Discharge of conjunctivitis (which is colorless and watery or thick and dark-colored)
2-Allergy
Cat eye-watering may occur due to allergy cats are allergic to the following things
- Cleaning products
- Dust
- Medicine
- Mildew
- Mold
- Perfumes
- Pollen
- Laundry detergent
3-Epiphora
In epiphora (overflow of tears from the eyes) a thin film of tears is produced to lubricate the eyes and the excess fluid drains into the nasolacrimal. The nasolacrimal ducts help to drain tears into the back of the nose.
Epiphora is associated with insufficient drainage of the tear film from the eye. Epiphora may also result from the excessive production of tears
Sign of epiphora
- Dampness
- Wetness beneath the eyes
- Reddish brown staining of the fur
- Odor
- Skin infection
4-Upper respiratory infection
Upper respiratory infection may lead to eye-watering, it is a common illness in cats and similar to a cold. This infection is more common in sheltered and breeding facilities cats. Kitten and adult cats are more likely to fall into such infections.
It is caused by bacteria, viruses and other viral infections such as Feline calicivirus, Feline herpesvirus, fungus, and Chlamydia(sexually transmitted infection (STI) that’s caused by a bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis).
You may find such viruses in saliva and tear of infected cats and can be spread by direct contact and touch. Persians and other flat face breeds are more likely to get this infection.
Symptoms of Upper respiratory infection
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Nasal and oral ulcers
- Rubbing eyes
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Congestion
Tips and Treatment to prevent eye watering
- Wash everything regularly that your cat touches such as toys, feeder,
- Keep a clean environment to prevent dust
- Keep the environment clean to reduce allergens and irritation.
- Gently clean your cat’s eyes daily with a warm, damp cloth.
- Eye drops prescribed by a vet can help fight infections.
- Doctors may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial conjunctivitis
- See your vet promptly if your cat has eye issues to get proper diagnosis and care. Left untreated, some causes can lead to blindness.
Source:
- https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/upper-respiratory-infection-cats
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/eye-discharge-or-epiphora-in-cats
