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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 is also connected to two 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 condition that requires veterinary attention.
Watery Eyes Average Cost
From 350 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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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:
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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 outset eyes are not protected from dirt, pollen and other elements that can scratch and inflame the eye, causing the eyes to water. The condition in which portions of the eye become scratched, referring to the conjunctiva of the eye, is known as conjunctivitis. Other causes of watery eyes in cats include the following:
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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:
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Treating watery eyes in your cat will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment of watery eyes in cats may be include of the following:
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 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.
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Watery Eyes Average Cost
From 350 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,000
Average Cost
$500
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Ask a Vet
Ragdoll
Two Years
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
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
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 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
Unknown severity
13 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
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
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
13 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
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
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
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 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
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
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
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 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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House cat
Six Years
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My cat has been having watery eyes and today there was a little bit of discharge and I've noticed him squinting a little lately
Aug. 2, 2020
Owner
Dr. Gina U. DVM
1 Recommendations
Hello From what you are describing, it sounds like your pet could have an upper respiratory infection (URI) or conjunctivitis. I recommend that you take him to a veterinarian for an exam. Good luck.
Aug. 2, 2020
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shakespeare
short hair
8 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
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.
Echo
Domestic long hair
5 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
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!
Tiger
Domestic House Cat (Black Tabby)
14 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
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.
Sox
tabby
5 Weeks
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
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..?
Hope
Black and gray tabby
1 Year
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
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
Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.
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