Your cat's eyes have a moist outer layer that protects them by washing away debris like dirt. If you notice that your cat's eyes have begun to water more than usual recently, or if you notice them squinting, it may be time to take them to the vet to ensure they don't develop a health issue. Here, the specialists at our Cordova hospital explain a couple of reasons why your cat's eyes are watering.
Reasons Why Cat Eyes Water
If you notice that one of your cat's eyes is watering, this generally indicates that their eye is attempting to fight off some kind of threat to their health. This can range from a virus to a foreign object.
In many cases, if one or both of your cat's eyes are watering, the cause will be minor and should clear up on its own without veterinary intervention. That being said, there are a number of more serious causes and symptoms associated with your cat's eyes watering that could require more intensive care.
Symptoms of Eye Issues in Cats
Water and Glassy Looking Eyes
Allergies are a common issue affecting cats in the Cordova area. This can often lead to cats' eyes watering a clear fluid to try and flush themselves out as they become irritated.
Some common allergens that may be causing your cat's allergies can include mold, cleaning products, perfumes and pollen. The best way to prevent allergies from causing your cat's eyes from becoming watery is to keep them away from the allergen itself.
If you can't concretely identify the exact cause of your cat's watery eyes, you should take your feline friend into your vet. They will be able to rule out some causes for your cat's ocular irritation and help your kitty start down the road to comfort.
Blinking, Squinting & Pawing at Eyes
If your cat has watery eyes and is blinking excessively, squinting or pawing at their eyes a visit to your vet is required. Your cat could have a foreign body trapped and irritating the eye, or a blocked nasolacrimal duct (tear duct). Although nasolacrimal obstructions aren't as common in cats as they are in dogs they can result in tears overflowing and running out of the eye.
Nasal Discharge and Sneezing
If your cat's eyes are watering, they are sneezing or if they are showing symptoms that are similar to a human cold, your companion may be suffering from an upper respiratory infection or feline cold.
Many cat colds will clear up on their own within the course of a week. But if their symptoms grow worse or don't improve within that time, you should make an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible.
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.
Sticky, Yellow or Green Discharge
Just like in people, if you notice that your cat's eyes are discharging goopy or sticky substances, they are likely infected. Cat eyes watering clear discharge can indicate a virus while green or yellow coloration likely means a bacterial infection.
When dealing with eye infections, bringing your cat into your Cordova vet or specialist is important to prevent more serious conditions and complications from developing. If your cat is diagnosed with an eye infection, their treatment may include anything from antibiotic drops to ointments.
Red and Inflamed Eyes
If your cat's eyes appear red and inflamed there is a good chance that your feline friend has conjunctivitis (otherwise known as pinkeye). Other signs that your cat might have conjunctivitis include swollen eyes and increased sensitivity to light. This common eye condition in cats can be caused by anything from an infection or allergy to feline herpes virus, and while conjunctivitis can be easy to clear up, without treatment it could lead to more serious complications. For that reason, it is always best to see your vet if your cat's eyes have become red and watery. Depending on the severity of your cat's eye irritation treatment may include eye drops or ointment prescribed by your vet.
When To Take Your Cat to the Vet for an Eye Examination
If you notice that your cat's eyes are watering for longer than a day or two without any change or if their symptoms are growing worse, it's time to take them in for a veterinary appointment. A veterinarian or specialist will be able to provide an in-depth diagnosis of your cat's eyes and create a treatment plan. With proper veterinary care, Your feline companion's discomfort or pain can be relieved and more serious conditions may be prevented.
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.