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Watery Eyes in Cats
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 09/16/2016Updated: 08/19/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What are Watery Eyes?
Watery eyes, known as epiphora in the veterinary world, is defined as an abnormal overflow of tears. Veterinarians commonly see epiphora in brachycephalic breeds, such as Himalayans and Persians, whose congenital abnormalities cause an over exposure of the eyeball to the outside world. Watery eyes are also connected to other congenital abnormalities including distichiasis and entropion, conditions in which the eyelids or eyelashes turn inward causing irritation to the eyeball.
If your cat has allergies, a foreign object trapped in the eye, or a viral infection similar to the common cold, her eyes could become excessively watery for a temporary period of time. However, if your cat’s eyes have been abnormally watery since birth or for an extended period of time, the problem could be the symptom of a genetic and congenital disease.
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Symptoms of Watery Eyes in Cats
Watery eyes in cats is fairly easy to recognize, especially in white-haired felines as the overproduction of tears causes a brown/reddish staining on the face, just below the eyes. Other symptoms of watery eyes in cats include:
- Red eyes
- Squinting
- Scratching of the eyes
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Eye discharge
- Droopy skin around the eyes orbit
- Ulceration of the cornea
- Eye rubbing
- Fur loss around the eyes
Causes of Watery Eyes in Cats
Watery Eyes in cats can be caused by a number of underlying health complications, but it is commonly seen in short faced cats. Short faced, or brachycephalic cat breeds, are genetically predisposed to have short noses and bulging eyes. The bulging eyes are not protected from dirt, pollen and other elements that can scratch and inflame the eye, causing the eyes to water. Other causes of watery eyes in cats include the following:
- Eyelid Tumors
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): extremely rare, but the most commonly seen eye-associated tumor in cats. White cats are the most commonly affected group.
- Glaucoma: increased pressure within the eye
- Trauma
- Scratches (self-inflicted or from another animal or foreign object)
- Facial bone fractures (hit-by-car accidents)
- Trapped foreign elements in the eye
- Distemper
- FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)
- FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis)
- FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)
- Tear duct blockage due to a structural deformity of the tear duct or inflammation caused by a secondary condition.
- Distichiasis: irregular growth of eyelashes
- Entropion: turning inward of the eyelashes
Diagnosis of Watery Eyes in Cats
Any information regarding your cat’s medical history and behavior that you can provide the veterinarian can aid him or her in the diagnosis. To better pinpoint the cause of your cat’s watery eyes, the veterinarian may also perform:
- A physical examination
- An allergy test to rule out allergies as the cause
- A fluorescein stain test to view trauma the eye that are not easily seen. This is a non-invasive test that will not cause pain to your cat. The veterinarian simply stains the eyeball and shines a blue light into the eye for viewing purposes.
- The Schirmer tear test, a test using small strips to evaluate tear levels of the eye.
- A tonometry test, performed to evaluate the intraocular pressure or fluid within the eye. This test is commonly performed to rule out or diagnose glaucoma.
- Radiographs, an MRI, or a CT to check for internal abnormalities within the skull.
- Laboratory analysis of cultured discharged from the eye.
- Cytology of the cells of the eye
Treatment of Watery Eyes in Cats
Treating watery eyes in your cat will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment of watery eyes in cats may be include of the following:
- Removal of the foreign body lodged in the eye
- Antihistamine treatment to manage allergies
- Topical antibiotics for treatment of infection or conjunctivitis
- Pain relief, anti inflammatories and the use of a buster collar to prevent rubbing
In the case of tear duct blockage, a catheter may be placed within the tear duct to open the duct and allow fluid to pass. Surgical repair of the eyelid may be necessary to treat abnormal eyelid formation such as an Entropion.
Distichiasis can be treated by removing the hairs using a process called cryosurgery.
Eyelid tumors will require aggressive treatment and if caught early, can be surgically removed.
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Recovery of Watery Eyes in Cats
Recovery and management of watery eyes in your cat is dependent of the severity of the condition. If your cat has been prescribed medication to alleviate pain due to a foreign object obstruction or antihistamines to relieve allergy symptoms, recovery should begin within a few days. Management will mainly take place at home with occasional trips to the veterinarian. However, if you cat has undergone a surgical procedure, recovery and management will take longer, requiring more veterinarian attention. Your veterinarian will want to reevaluate your cat and check on the progress of the treatment.
Watery Eyes Average Cost
From 350 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
Top
Watery Eyes Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Ragdoll
Two Years
62 found this helpful
62 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Watery Eyes
Cat has watery eyes. Always has a run of where you can see the tears have dried up on his face. He is otherwise in good health. He has just had a bath in this photo to and I cleaned his eyes with warm water to see if it was just old but it still has done the same thing again.
Sept. 28, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
62 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
He may have a blocked tear duct, or an abnormality with his tear production. His eyes appear healthy otherwise in the picture that you sent, and he may just need to have his face cleaned frequently. If you are concerned, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine him and see what might be causing this problem.
Oct. 8, 2020
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Domestic cat
Two Years
86 found this helpful
86 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Eye Watering And Squinting
Hi, my cat has a watery/gunky eye (only one). Can’t see any scratches or any foreign objects in it but he is squinting a lot or keeping it closed. He is eating, drinking and toileting as normal though. I’ve been wiping it clean with just water and tissue regularly but should I seek veterinary advice?
Many thanks for any help
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
86 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Viral disease is common in cats, and can sometimes be seen as a squinty, watery eye. If he is holding the eye open for the most part and not pawing at it or bothering with it, you should be okay to keep it clean and monitor him. If he starts pawing at the eye, or it is not getting better over a few days, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them and see what might be going on, and get treatment if needed.
Oct. 12, 2020
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Domestic Short-haired Tabby
Ten Years
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Eyes
My male cat constantly has runny eyes. Sometimes the discharge is reddish-brown, and other times it’s yellowish-green. I took him to the vet, and they did a fluorescein stain test and saw no trauma in either of his eyes. So, they gave me an antibacterial ointment which helped for a while. Then his eyes just started running again. Could it be allergies? Can I treat him with terramycin?
Sept. 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
15 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Terramycin is a safe antibiotic for cats, but it may help to also give Lysine supplement, as that can help with long term viral conjunctivitis. You can check with your veterinarian to make sure that that is an appropriate product for him. If you are not sure, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 14, 2020
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Tabby cat
3-4 months
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Runny Eyes, Sneezing And Cold
I think my kitten has dust/pollen allergy. But before jumping into conclusions, I prefer taking a vet's advice. Could you please help me out with the situation?
Aug. 2, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. In a young kitten it is much more common to have a viral upper respiratory infection than allergies, unless your kitchen is in a very dusty environment. If the problem is not improving, it may be best to have your kitten seen by a veterinarian. As she may need medications to help her get over these signs. I hope that all goes well for her.
Aug. 2, 2020
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Cat
12 weeks
11 found this helpful
11 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Watery Eyes
Both of her eyes are very runny most of the time. She doesn't seem to be bothered. (It made me pick symptom choices. I don't believe her eyes are itchy.) She also seems to be displaying no other symptoms. Should I be worried?
July 22, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
11 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Kittens are quite commonly affected by viral diseases that will make their eyes a little bit runny or red. If the only thing you see is that her eyes are a little bit more wheepy than normal, then you should be able to keep an eye on her and monitor. If things are getting worse, signs you might see would include sneezing, congestion when breathing, coughing, or red itchy eyes. If any of those happen, then you should have her seen by a veterinarian. The signs of these viral infections typically resolve in about 5 to 7 days if everything goes well. I hope that everything is fine with your kitten!
July 22, 2020
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short hair
shakespeare
8 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Watery Eyes
Watery Eyes, Squinting
My cat Shakespeare has watery eyes that came out of the blue but he has been sneezing for some time due to allergies. I don't have a lot of money right now to take my cat to the vets. He is squinting now and then and looks like the eye is smaller than the other but a tiny bit when he looks at me, however there is no discharge and he is eating and drinking fine so I am not sure if I should just continue to monitor it and I try to use a warm cotton ball and wipe around his eye, however, it has not done much to change his watery eyes. Is there something natural I can give him or just wait it out. Thank you.
Domestic long hair
Echo
5 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Watery Eye
One Eye
Wet Food
We adopted two kittens (a boy and a girl) from the same litter about two months ago. We continued them on the wet food that the foster family had been giving them and had no problems. Just a couple of days ago, the boy's right eye started watering after eating wet food. We've monitored him eating dry food and drinking water, and it definitely only happens with the wet food. He has no other symptoms, and the liquid coming out is clear. The thing we don't understand is why it would start now. They've been on the same food for four months and have been in our apartment for two months. We haven't changed anything in the feeding routine and also his sister doesn't have any symptoms. Thanks so much for your help!
Domestic House Cat (Black Tabby)
Tiger
14 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Watery Eyes
Sensitivity To Light
My cat’s eyes are watering, and she is keeping her eyes closed or barely open. She still wants petted and is seemingly comfortable on my bed. I just painted my nails, so she could possibly be allergic, but nothing like that has ever happened before. I’m worried about her eye sight.
tabby
Sox
5 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
Watering Eyes
I have 3 stray cats the i got from a nearby barn, 1 of which has watery eyes problems...His eyes water brown unlike his siblings I just wiped it away not knowing what caused. I asked My mother "Why is His eyes doing that" She responded with "Its because you mess with them too much" I so, did not believe her and moved on. To this day his eyes still water..?
Black and gray tabby
Hope
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Just Watery Eyes
1 year old cat had has watery eyes since I found her as a 5 week old kitten. No other symptoms. She is up to date on vaccines.thinking she has allergies.Any advice?
Watery Eyes Average Cost
From 350 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
