What to Do When Your Cat Has Watery Eyes and Discharge?

Is your feline friend suffering from watery eyes and eye discharge? This common problem can stem from various causes, ranging from simple irritants to more serious underlying conditions. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to discomfort for your cat and potential complications, so it’s crucial to understand the causes and take appropriate action. This comprehensive guide will walk you through diagnosing and treating your cat’s eye issues.

Understanding the Causes:

Several factors can contribute to teary eyes and eye discharge in cats. Let’s delve into some of the most common culprits:

Dietary Issues: A diet high in salt and fat can overload your cat’s system. This imbalance can manifest as excessive tearing and increased eye discharge. Switching to a high-quality, balanced cat food formulated for their age and breed can significantly alleviate this problem. Avoid giving your cat table scraps, especially those rich in salt or seasonings. Their delicate system isn’t equipped to handle the same level of sodium as humans.

Foreign Bodies: A tiny irritant, such as a speck of dust, a piece of grass, or even a stray whisker, can become lodged in your cat’s eye, causing irritation, tearing, and discharge. Careful examination of the eye may reveal the culprit. In most cases, gently flushing the eye with a sterile saline solution can dislodge the foreign body. However, if you suspect a foreign body or are unable to remove it yourself, a veterinary visit is crucial to prevent further complications. Never attempt to remove a foreign body yourself if it’s embedded in the eye or causes significant discomfort to your cat.

Long Eyelashes (Distichiasis): Some cats have abnormally long or misdirected eyelashes (a condition called distichiasis). These eyelashes can constantly rub against the cornea (the clear front part of the eye), leading to irritation, inflammation, tearing, and discharge. This condition often requires veterinary intervention, potentially involving surgical removal of the offending eyelashes or other corrective measures.

Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause significant eye problems in cats. These infections manifest as excessive tearing, thick discharge (which can be green, yellow, or brown), redness, swelling, and squinting. These infections require prompt veterinary attention. Your vet will perform a thorough examination and prescribe the appropriate medication, which may include antibiotic or antiviral eye drops or ointments. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, including corneal ulcers and vision loss.

Allergies: Cats, like humans, can suffer from allergies that affect their eyes. These allergies can be triggered by pollen, dust mites, certain foods, or environmental irritants. Allergic reactions often present as watery eyes, itching, and redness. Your vet can perform allergy testing to identify the trigger and recommend appropriate treatment, which may involve antihistamines or other medications.

Treatment and Care:

Addressing your cat’s watery eyes and discharge requires a multi-pronged approach:

1. Veterinary Examination: This is the most crucial step. A veterinarian can accurately diagnose the underlying cause of the problem, ruling out serious conditions and guiding appropriate treatment. Do not attempt home remedies without first consulting a vet, especially if the discharge is colored or accompanied by other symptoms like redness or swelling.

2. Cleaning the Eyes: Gentle cleaning of your cat’s eyes can help remove discharge and reduce irritation. Use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball (avoid harsh rubbing) and lukewarm water or sterile saline solution. Always wipe from the inner corner of the eye towards the outer corner to prevent spreading any infection. Ensure your hands are clean before handling your cat’s eyes.

3. Medication: Your veterinarian might prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye drops or ointments if an infection is present. Strictly follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment. Never use human eye medications on your cat; these can be toxic and ineffective for feline eyes.

4. Elizabethan Collar: If your cat is scratching or rubbing its eyes excessively, an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) can prevent further irritation and potential damage. This collar will keep your cat from injuring its eyes while they heal.

Preventing Future Problems:

Maintain a healthy diet: Feed your cat a balanced, high-quality diet formulated for their specific needs.

Regular eye checks: Regularly examine your cat’s eyes for any signs of discharge, redness, or swelling.

Maintain a clean environment: Keep your cat’s living space clean and free of dust and allergens.

Prevent exposure to irritants: Try to minimize your cat’s exposure to potential eye irritants like smoke, strong chemicals, and pollen.

Remember, early intervention is key. If you notice any changes in your cat’s eyes, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Their expertise will ensure your feline companion receives the best possible care and a swift return to good health.