If your cat’s eyes are only occasionally watery, it is probably nothing to worry about, but if they are persistently watery or accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge, squinting, or rubbing at the eyes, you should take them to see a vet.
If cat’s eyes are watery, it could be due to a number of reasons. Allergies, infections or even just a cold can cause watery eyes in cats.
What Do Watery Eyes in Cats Mean?
There are a number of reasons why your cat’s eyes may appear watery. It could be due to allergies, an infection, or a blockage in the tear ducts.
Cold
One reason may be that your cat has a cold or upper respiratory infection and is producing excess tears to flush out the irritants.
Allergies
Allergies are the most common cause of watery eyes in cats and can be caused by pollen, dust, molds, and other airborne irritants.
If your cat’s eyes are watery and itchy, you may want to consult with your veterinarian to see if they recommend any over-the-counter allergy medications.
Infections
Infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye) can also cause watery eyes in cats. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as redness and discharge from the eye.
If you suspect that your cat has an infection, it’s important to take them to the vet so that they can prescribe appropriate treatment.
Blockage
A blockage in the tear ducts can also lead to watery eyes. This is because tears are not able to drain properly from the eye and instead build up causing watering.
In some cases, this blockage may need to be surgically removed. However, many times massaging the tear ducts daily will help clear the blockage and resolve the issue.
How Do You Treat Watery Eyes in Cats?
Watery eyes in cats can have many different causes, ranging from simple allergies to more serious issues like infections or eye problems. However, there are some things that you can do at home to help your cat if their eyes are watery.
Identify the cause
Try to identify the cause of the watering. If your cat is prone to allergies, they may be reacting to something in their environment. Dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants can all cause watery eyes.
If this is the case, you may want to try keeping your cat indoors more often or using an air purifier in their room.
You can also talk to your vet about giving your cat antihistamines on a regular basis.
Cleaning Eyes
If your cat’s eyes are watering due to an infection, they will likely need antibiotics from your vet. However, you can also help by gently cleaning their eyes with a warm washcloth several times a day.
Gently clean the area around the eye with a warm, wet cloth. Be careful not to rub or scratch the eye itself.
This will help remove any discharge and prevent further irritation. It’s important not to use anything other than plain water on your cat’s eyes, as anything else could further irritate them.
Cold Compress
Apply a cold compress to the area for a few minutes to help reduce swelling.
OTC Antihistamine Medication
Give your cat some OTC antihistamine medication (such as Benadryl) to help relieve any allergic reaction that may be causing the watery eye.
If these home remedies don’t improve your cat’s condition after 24 hours, make an appointment with your veterinarian for further treatment.
Underlying Eye Condition
If you think that your cat’s watery eyes might be caused by an underlying eye condition, it’s important to take them to the vet right away for evaluation and treatment.
Some common eye conditions in cats include conjunctivitis (pink eye), glaucoma, and dry eye syndrome. All of these conditions require professional care and treatment in order to resolve properly.
Should I Be Concerned If My Cats Eyes are Watery?
If you notice that your cat’s eyes are watery, it is important to treat them. Watery eyes can be a sign of an infection, allergies, or another medical issue.
Dr. John Morris, DVM is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who has seven years of experience in feline medicine, dermatology, and behavior. He also enjoys volunteering at a local NGO that supports literacy programs for children and adults. In his free time, he enjoys fostering kittens, traveling, vegan cooking, hiking, and biking. Learn more about Justin here.
