Cat Tears: Causes of Watery Eyes in Cats | Pet-Stars
Noticing that the pet has discharge from the eyes, the caring owner rushes to the veterinarian. And this is correct because when a cat has watery eyes, this can indicate both a simple malaise and a serious illness.
It is necessary to take into account the fact that the eyes of an animal can be watery for no reason, as in humans. These are the so-called morning tears. Another common reason is the young age of the pet. Kittens are not yet very good at the science of washing properly, and they need a little help using warm water and a cotton pad.
If tears appear one time, this may indicate an allergic reaction. But if the pet has repeatedly cleared his eyes, and tears continue to accumulate, the eyelids turn red, purulent crusts appear, apathy and refusal to eat are observed, this is a reason for contacting a specialist.
1 Main Causes of Watery Eyes in Cats
2 Feline Diseases Accompanied by Lacrimation
3 Preparation for Going to the Clinic and Treatment
4 Prevention of Tears in Cats
Main Causes of Watery Eyes in Cats
The following reasons can provoke profuse lacrimation in a cat:
Contact with a foreign body. Garbage, a fragment of a leaf, a small insect will cause anxiety and tears. If something like this is found during the examination of the eyes, rinse with water and lubricate the upper eyelid with tetracycline ointment.
Weakening of the body’s natural defenses. This can happen if the baby is taken away from the mother too early. It is necessary to visit a veterinarian who will adjust the diet and prescribe the necessary medications.
Allergic reaction. Cats, like their owners, are prone to allergies and can react to a variety of irritants – dust, pollen, household chemicals. If you suspect an allergy, you need to contact a veterinarian, since the owner will not be able to independently determine the allergen and choose the means to eliminate it.
Helminthic invasion. This is a common cause of watery eyes in cats. It is necessary to treat the pet with anthelmintic drugs.
The specificity of the breed. Representatives of some breeds, in particular the Persians, British, and Scots have a specific skull structure. They are characterized by a flattened nose that deforms the lacrimal canals. In this case, only enhanced hygiene is indicated.
Disease. If profuse lacrimation is accompanied by coughing and sneezing, and the animal drinks a lot and sleeps almost all the time, then most likely the cat is sick and you need to seek help from a veterinarian.
Panleukopenia (feline plague). A viral disease accompanied by a purulent discharge from the eyes, diarrhea, vomiting, fever. Self-treatment is unacceptable, if you suspect you should immediately contact a specialist.
Feline Diseases Accompanied by Lacrimation
Tears can flow with conjunctivitis, viral or fungal diseases, and diseases that directly affect the organs of vision. For cataracts, the lens acquires a whitish color, and glaucoma is characterized by a clouded cornea. Naturally, it is necessary to deal with the treatment of such ailments only in a veterinary clinic.
Inflammation of the cornea, which is characterized by redness and the appearance of a dull film on the eye, a twist of the eyelid, characteristic of certain breeds (Persians, Sphynxes), and injury, can cause profuse lacrimation.
A pet can get injured during a showdown with fellow tribesmen when free going out into the street or by accident, catching on some object. If the tears contain an admixture of pus or have a reddish tint, it is imperative to consult a specialist.
Preparation for Going to the Clinic and Treatment
Before going to the doctor, you need to write down or note for yourself exactly when lacrimation began, which eye began to water first, the nature of the discharge, the animal’s diet in the last few days, treatment, vaccination. This will allow the veterinarian to quickly make the correct diagnosis and prescribe effective therapy.
To speed up the recovery and alleviate the condition of the animal, you can resort to auxiliary therapy, if, of course, we are talking about an allergy, and not about a serious disease of the organs of vision. Eyes can be washed with furacilin solution, calendula or chamomile infusion, and even ordinary black tea. These products have antibacterial and soothing properties.
With a cotton pad moistened with the infusion, gently wipe the eyelid area, remove the crusts, and drip the medicine. During the manipulations, it is advisable to resort to the help of someone close to you. In the absence of such an opportunity, the animal must be tightly fixed, for example, with a scarf. It is important during manipulations to talk to the cat gently and calmly, so as not to scare the animal, and at the end, be sure to cheer up with a treat.
Prevention of Tears in Cats
To prevent lacrimation in a cat, it is necessary to resort to the following preventive measures:
bathe the animal regularly, brush the eyes, ears, teeth, and comb once a week (the frequency is determined taking into account the breed);
visit a veterinarian on a schedule;
take care of your pet’s immunity;
feed the cat in a balanced way and, if possible, organize walks in the fresh air.