How To Treat Cats’ Watery Eyes? Causes and Diagnosis

Watery eyes in cats can mean several things, with most of them being concerning ones. In this blog, we’ll discover the common reasons why a cat’s eyes get watery as well as how we can help them. 

What Are Watery Eyes in Cats?

Watery eyes in cats are also known as epiphora. This is a condition in which their eyes experience an abnormal overflow of tears, which can be due to blocked tear ducts or excessive tear production. 

This condition can range from a mild symptom to a severe situation, which is why finding out quickly is important.

What Causes Watery Eyes in Cats?

Cats can get watery eyes from several conditions and factors, which include: 

Blocked Tear Ducts

Tear ducts are the openings that work as a drainage for tears. When tear drainage systems are blocked, tears can remain in the eyes and cause them to look watery. This can lead to a multitude of problems for your cat, such as eye irritation and infection. 

Since these tear ducts are blocked, tears can also find their way to your cat’s face and skin. This is often the reason why some cats can have dark stains under their eyes, which are known as tear stains. 

Allergies

Allergies are the responses of a cat’s immune system whenever an allergen comes into contact with them. Allergens around the environment, such as dust, pollen, dirt, and mold, can be the reason why your cat has watery eyes. 

In many cases, even household chemicals such as cleaners and perfumes can be allergens for your cat. 

Infections

Another possible reason why your cat has watery eyes is eye infections. This happens because the inflammation involved prompts the body to produce excess tears to flush out the irritants and fight off the infection.

One common condition is conjunctivitis, an infection in which the cat’s conjunctiva gets inflamed. 

Foreign Objects

Small objects, such as grass and toys, can also cause watery eyes in cats. It happens when the foreign object directly hits the eye’s surface, leading to irritation that makes the body produce tears to flush it away. This is especially concerning for curious and active cats. 

Genetics and Anatomical Issues

While watery eyes are common in cats, some breeds experience them even more. A common example is brachycephalic breeds. Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs have flat faces and pushed-in noses.

Because of this facial structure, they have distorted tear ducts and shallow eye sockets, making them susceptible to watery eyes. 

Eye Injuries

Cats can also get watery eyes because of physical injuries. These might happen when your cat comes into contact with hazardous surfaces or fights with other cats. Plus, this can also result in corneal ulcers, which is another problem in itself. 

How to Know if a Cat Has Watery Eyes?

Even though epiphora is a symptom, there are other signs that tell you a cat has watery eyes. These include: 

• Wetness and Tear Stains. A clear sign of watery eyes in cats is when the eyes look wet. In some cases, the tears may also run down their face, causing streaks of dark-colored fur. 

• Redness or Swelling. In many eye conditions that cause tearing, the tissues around the eyes can appear red or swollen. 

• Excessive Blinking or Squinting. Along with tearing, some cats may repeatedly blink or squint as a response to the irritation they feel. 

• Pawing at the Eye. Cats with watery eyes also tend to paw at them because of the constant discomfort they feel. 

• Eye Discharge. In some cases, discharge can be present. This can range from clear and watery to thick, yellow, or green.