A little clear discharge or a small amount of dried “sleep” in the corners of the eyes can be normal for cats, especially flat-faced breeds. But constant watering, sticky or colored discharge, squinting or redness can be signs of an eye problem that needs a vet. Eye conditions can get worse quickly and threaten your cat’s sight, so it’s always better to have them checked early.
Common Causes of Watery Eyes
- Cat flu (upper respiratory infections), often with sneezing and a runny nose. Feline herpesvirus is a very common cause of eye problems in cats. Read more about cat flu.
- Conjunctivitis: inflammation of the tissue around the eye, which causes redness, swelling and discharge.
- Something in the eye, such as dust, a grass seed or a hair.
- An injury or scratch to the eye (corneal ulcer), for example after a fight with another cat. These are painful and need urgent treatment.
- Allergies or irritants, such as dust, smoke, perfumes, cleaning products or dusty litter.
- Blocked tear ducts, or the shape of the face. Flat-faced breeds, such as Persians and Exotics, often have tear staining, because tears can’t drain properly.
- Eyelid problems, such as eyelids that roll inward and rub the eye.
- Other eye diseases, such as glaucoma or uveitis, which are more serious.
When to See the Vet
See your vet the same day if your cat:
- is squinting, keeping an eye closed or pawing at its eye;
- has a red, swollen or cloudy eye, or an eye that looks different from the other;
- has thick, yellow, green or bloody discharge;
- has an eye injury, or something stuck in the eye;
- seems to have trouble seeing;
- has a visible third eyelid covering part of the eye (read more about the third eyelid in cats).
Make an appointment if the watering lasts more than a day or two, keeps coming back or comes with sneezing, a runny nose or other symptoms. Kittens with eye discharge should always see a vet, because untreated infections can cause permanent damage.
What You Can Do
- You can gently wipe away discharge with a cotton pad moistened with lukewarm water or sterile saline, wiping from the inner corner outward and using a fresh pad for each eye.
- For flat-faced breeds with tear staining, wipe the area under the eyes daily with a damp cloth and keep it dry.
- Keep your cat away from smoke, sprays and dusty litter.
Don’t put any drops, ointments or home remedies in your cat’s eyes unless your vet prescribes them. That includes human eye drops, tea, chamomile, saltwater solutions and leftover medication. Some eye drops can make certain eye injuries much worse.
Prevention
- keep your cat’s vaccinations up to date, especially against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus;
- check your cat’s eyes regularly;
- keep your home free of smoke and strong chemical smells;
- see your vet promptly at the first sign of an eye problem.
