Why Are My Cats Eyes Watering? If you’ve been paying attention to your cat lately, you may have noticed that their eyes have been watering.
While it’s not always easy to determine the root cause of this watering, there are a few potential explanations. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common reasons why are my cats eyes watering? and what you can do about it.
One possible explanation for eye-watering in cats is that they’re suffering from an infection. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a common infection in cats and can cause excess tearing. If your cat seems to be bothering his or her eyes more than usual and they’re producing excessive tears, it’s best to take them to the vet for a diagnosis.
Another potential reason for eye-watering in cats is allergies. Cats can be allergic to all sorts of things, from pollen to food ingredients.
Why Are My Cats Eyes Watering?
Causes of Watery Cat Eyes
Watery eyes can be a sign of a number of different medical conditions, some minor and some more serious. In cats, watery eyes are most commonly caused by conjunctivitis, or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.
Other causes of watery eyes in cats include infection, allergies, and exposure to irritants such as smoke or dust. Sometimes the cause of watery eyes is unknown.
While Feline Herpes Virus can cause upper respiratory infections (AKA cat flu), it’s also the most common virus that affects cats. In fact, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center, “most cats are infected with feline herpesvirus by the time they are 2 years old.”
The good news is that for most cats, the virus causes only mild symptoms and goes away without treatment. However, in some cases, the virus can lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia.
If a cat comes into contact with an object—like a toy, a food bowl, or a blanket—contaminated with saliva or tears from an infected cat, it can contract upper respiratory infections.
Congenital Allergies
If your cat’s eyes are watering, it’s possible that they have a congenital allergy. Congenital allergies are caused by something the cat is born with, as opposed to an allergy they develop later in life.
There are a few things that can cause congenital allergies in cats, but the most common is a reaction to proteins in their mother’s milk. If your cat has a congenital allergy, their eyes will water constantly and they may also sneeze and have a runny nose.
Fortunately, there is treatment available for this condition. A recent study by the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine found that one-third of cats in the United States are allergic to at least one ingredient in their food.
If your vet discovers that your cat is allergic to an ingredient in their food, they may recommend a grain-free diet.
Are Some Cat Breeds More Likely to Have Watery Eyes?
Yes, it is true that some cat breeds are more prone to having watery eyes. For example, Persians and Himalayans are prone to weepy eyes because of their long fur coats.
Other breeds that are prone to watery eyes include Ragdolls, Maine Coons, and British Shorthairs. However, both conjunctivitis and congenital allergies can impact cats of any age, sex, or breed.
For instance, bacteria can be passed between cats in a multi-cat household or be passed between outdoor cats. However, even if your cat lives mostly indoors and stays away from dirty items, they are still susceptible to bacteria if they spend time with contaminated objects, like a shoe they keep attacking.
When to See a Vet
Many people assume that when their cat’s eyes are watering, it’s because of something in their environment like dust or smoke. However, there are many other reasons why a cat’s eyes might be watery, including allergies, infection, and even tumors.
If your cat is also scratching themselves or rubbing up against objects, it’s important to take them to the vet to determine the cause of the watery eyes. If your cat is experiencing any symptoms, whether it be watery eyes, sneezing, or a loss of appetite, it is important to document them before your appointment with the vet.
This will help the vet have a better understanding of your cat’s health and what might be wrong. By using keywords like “Why Are My Cats Eyes Watering?” when describing your cat’s symptoms online, you can help other pet owners who may be experiencing similar issues.
When your veterinarian asks for a description of your cat’s symptoms, it can be difficult to know where to start. Consider taking photos or videos of your cat’s symptoms to show your vet.
Treatments for Your Cat’s Watering Eyes
After your vet determines the source of your cat’s symptoms, they’ll prescribe eye drops that will both soothe your cat’s pain and treat the cause of the fluids in their eye. If your vet concludes that your cat’s watering eyes are caused by bacterial conjunctivitis, they will also prescribe an antibiotic to eliminate the bacterial infection.
In the case of the Feline Herpes Virus, your vet is unlikely to prescribe an antibiotic, as they can’t eradicate viruses. Regardless of whether your cat’s eyes are watering to accommodate the Feline Herpes Viral Infection, you can supplement your cat’s recovery with Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Eye Wash.
Their non-stinging formula gently cleans your cat’s eyes, restoring natural moisture, and helping to prevent future irritations.
How To Keep Your Cat’s Eyes Healthy
Vetericyn Plus Feline Antimicrobial Facial Therapy can help keep your cat healthy skin by killing naturally occurring bacteria that may be associated with the development of common skin, eye, mouth, and ear conditions.
So, Why Are My Cats Eyes Watering?
In conclusion, while there are many potential reasons why a cat’s eyes might water, the most common causes are due to either an infection or an irritation. If you are concerned that your cat’s eyes are watering for no apparent reason, it is best to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
