Your cat's eye has a moist outer layer that helps clean away dirt and debris to protect it. However, if your cat's eyes are tearing or watering a lot, or if they are squinting, it might be a sign of a problem. Our Clovis vets will share a few reasons why your cat's eyes may be watering.
Reasons Why Your Cat's Eyes Might Water
If your cat's eyes are watery, it could be a sign that something is bothering its eye, like a virus or something foreign. Usually, it's not a big problem and will get better by itself. However, sometimes it can be a more serious issue, so it's important to look for other signs to figure out what's wrong.
Symptoms of Eye Issues in Cats
Water and Glassy Looking Eyes
Cats often have allergies that can make their eyes feel irritated and watery. Things like pollen, mold, cleaning products, and medicine can all cause these allergies. If you can figure out what's causing the allergies, keeping your cat away from it can help. But if you're not sure, you should take your cat to the vet. The vet can check for more serious eye problems and suggest ways to make your cat more comfortable.
Blinking, Squinting and Pawing at Eyes
If your cat's eyes are watery and they're blinking a lot, squinting, or pawing at their eyes, you should take them to the vet. They might have something in their eye that's bothering them or their tear duct could be blocked. While this isn't as common in cats as it is in dogs, it can cause tears to overflow and run out of their eye.
Red and Inflamed Eyes
If your cat's eyes look red and swollen, it might have conjunctivitis (also known as pinkeye). Other symptoms could be puffy eyes and sensitivity to light. This eye problem is common in cats and could be caused by an infection, allergy, or feline herpes virus. If left untreated, it could lead to serious complications. So, it's best to take your cat to the vet if you notice any redness or watering in their eyes. Your vet might prescribe eye drops or ointment based on the severity of your cat's eye irritation.
Sticky, Yellow or Green Discharge
If your cat's eyes have a sticky or goopy discharge, it could mean they have an infection. A clear discharge might be a viral infection, while green or yellow discharge usually means bacterial. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment for an eye infection can prevent bigger problems later on. Your vet may prescribe ophthalmic antibiotic drops, gels, or ointments to treat a bacterial infection. In most cases, oral medication is not needed unless your cat's eye infection is part of a larger systemic infection.
Obvious Pain or Swelling
If your cat is displaying obvious signs of pain, the eyeball is bulging or there is notable swelling around your cat's eye it's time to get your cat to the vet to check for glaucoma. Symptoms of glaucoma in cats indicate that emergency veterinary care is required. This painful condition can appear suddenly and develop very rapidly. In most cases, by the time symptoms become evident much of the cat's eyesight will be irreparably lost.
Nasal Discharge and Sneezing
If your cat has a runny nose, sneezes, and watery eyes like humans when they have a cold, it might have a cat cold or a respiratory infection. Usually, cat colds go away within a week even without veterinary care. However, if your cat's condition worsens or doesn't improve in a few days, you should take it to the vet.
When To Take Your Cat to the Vet for an Eye Examination
If your cat's eyes are watery for more than a day or two, or if you notice signs of pain or infection, it's best to take them to the vet. The vet can examine your cat's eyes and suggest treatments to make your cat feel better.
Veterinary Ophthalmology Services
If your cat has a serious or long-lasting eye problem like a tumor or glaucoma, book an appointment with our veterinary ophthalmologists in Clovis. Our eye doctor is an expert in diagnosing and treating eye problems in cats and dogs.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
