Cats continuously cry in order to provide their eyes with vital protection. The fluid is in charge of eliminating dirt, maintaining eyeball moisture, and supplying vital nutrients. Some crusting about the eyes is typical because tears are constantly being produced, but if the cat is watering excessively and the discharge is extremely thick and mucousy, there may be a problem.
Causes of weeping eyes in cats
Causes of weeping eyes in cats
It can be quite concerning if your cat's eyes are constantly crying. We have examined a few of the most prevalent reasons for the problem as well as their accompanying symptoms.
1 - Conjunctivitis
Among the most prevalent eye conditions in cats, "pink eye," as it is commonly called, may also be familiar to you. It can cause swelling, redness, and light sensitivity in a single or both eyes. It is an inflammation of the area surrounding the eye. Your cat may weep clearly and be mucus-like, or it may seem quite thick and clean.
Many conditions can lead to conjunctivitis, such as allergies, infections, or even dust. Although very contagious, the problem usually goes away on its own without your vet's help. It is best to call your veterinarian as soon as possible if your cat exhibits symptoms of eye pain, such as redness, swelling, release, watery eyes, etc., as unwell eyes can worsen very quickly.
Since conjunctivitis can be a symptom of a variety of eye illnesses rather than a distinct illness, many of the following causes of weeping eyes can also result in conjunctivitis.
2 - Upper respiratory tract infections in cats
Cats' upper respiratory infections are one reason why they get weeping eyes. Numerous agents, including bacteria, protozoa, herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus, can cause these. Lab testing could be necessary to help your veterinarian determine the underlying source of the issue, as symptoms can vary widely. Upper respiratory infections may cause symptoms of conjunctivitis in addition to making the eyes leak.
3 - Allergies
It's interesting to note that cats might experience watery eyes due to allergies similar to our own. Pollen, mold, dust, mildew, some medications, perfumes, and cleaning supplies are examples of potential allergies. Take your cat to the veterinarian if you think it may have an allergy; they can evaluate your cat and recommend the best course of action.
4 - Eye ulcers
An eye ulcer, or damage that affects the surface of an eye, could be the cause of your cat's weeping and squinting eyes. When your cat has conjunctivitis, they usually attempt to rub their head, which causes the eye to become red and painful. An infection, chemical exposure, or scratches on the eye can all result in this illness. Take the cat to the vet right away if you think it may have an eye ulcer because, if ignored, the ulcer can grow extremely painful and deepen to the point where the eyeball may burst.
5 - Dry eyes
Chronic low tear production leads to dry eye, which makes the eye uncomfortable and red. It also irritates and scars the surface of the eye. In cats, untreated dry eyes might potentially result in blindness. The discharge from dry eyes is typically yellow and gummy since there isn't much fluid being generated. Cats can have dry eyes for a variety of reasons, such as exposure to certain drugs, immune-mediated diseases, nervous system injury, and viral infections.
6 - Epiphora
A problem with the tear ducts' discharge from the eye through the nose is another reason why cats cry from their eyes. Although duct blockage is the most typical cause of this, sinusitis or rhinitis can also be to blame since they produce swelling of the surrounding tissue. Distichiasis, a hereditary disorder characterized by aberrant tiny hairs sprouting beneath the eyelid, is another cause of excessive weeping.
7 - In breeds with flat faces, eye weeping
Compared to other cats, your Persian and other flat-faced cat breeds have a far higher likelihood of having weeping or watery eyes. This is because they are brachycephalic, which puts them at a higher risk of developing specific eye issues due to their short face, rounded skull, and protruding eyes.
Due to their shortened muzzles, which prevent tear fluid from draining properly into their noses and instead pouring across their faces, causing staining that can also cause skin irritation and inflammation, cats with flat faces are particularly prone to epiphora. Furthermore, because of the protrusion of their eyes, individuals frequently have difficulty closing their eyelids, leaving their corneas more exposed and susceptible to keratitis.
When is the right time to visit the vet for my cat's wet eyes?
Due to their shortened muzzles, which prevent tear fluid from draining properly into their noses and instead pouring across their faces, causing staining that can also cause skin irritation and inflammation, cats with flat faces are particularly prone to epiphora. Furthermore, because of the protrusion of their eyes, individuals frequently have difficulty closing their eyelids, leaving their corneas more exposed and susceptible to keratitis.
When is the right time to visit the vet for my cat's wet eyes?
It's always advisable to call your veterinarian right away if you notice signs of eye pain in the cat, particularly any discharge that comes from the eye, as eye conditions can worsen very quickly. In order to help your cat heal quickly and return to their joyful, healthy self, immediate evaluation and therapy are essential. Even though certain brachycephalic breeds of cats are more likely to experience eye issues, it's advisable to get a new pet examined and to keep an eye on the discharge. Should you have any worries, don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Cats' crying eyes: a treatment
The therapy choices for cats with watery eyes might vary as much as the causes. When you bring the cat to the veterinarian, they will inspect it and maybe do certain diagnostic tests that will enable them to recommend the best course of action. Cats with watery eyes may benefit from antibiotic eye drops or ointments for bacterial infections, as well as painkillers that also have anti-inflammatory properties. These can be taken orally, as an ointment, or in droplets.
It's crucial to realize that while there may not be a solution for some conditions, like problems brought on by brachycephaly, your veterinarian can help you and your cat manage the symptoms. In choosing the best kind of cat for you, it's also critical to consider the possible issues that some brachycephalic breeds may present. Breeders that are conscientious about their work will refrain from breeding cats with inherited brachycephalic conformational abnormalities because these issues are likely to affect their progeny as well.
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