Watery eyes
Why are your cat’s eyes watery?
Good question. One without an easy answer.
Nearly any opthamological problem causes eyes to water, so you need to ask yourself some other questions.
- Are both eyes watery, or just one?
- Did the problem just start, or is this a chronic condition?
- Does the eye appear cloudy?
- What color is the discharge?
- Is there any sign of injury (is the eye swollen or scratched)?
- Are there any symptoms elsewhere in the body (sneezing, coughing, lethargy)?
If only one eye is affected, there’s an increased likelihood of injury. Remember: Just because you can’t see a scratch doesn’t mean it’s not there.
If the problem appeared suddenly, there’s an increased likelihood of injury or illness, such as an upper respiratory infection. Some infections, such as conjunctivitis, also can appear in just one eye.
If the problem is chronic, especially if it’s in both eyes or if it comes and goes, there’s more reason to suspect a condition such as herpes, distichia, or glaucoma.
If the eye is cloudy, the problem could be an ulcer (especially if it’s in only one eye), glaucoma or a cataract.
Clear, watery discharge could be anything from a serious injury to a minor irritation, but dark or thick discharge always needs quick attention from a vet.
If your cat is lethargic, if it’s not eating, or if it’s coughing or sneezing, the problem might not really be in the eyes. Cats get viruses similar to what we call colds or flu in humans that cause the eyes to water.
In short, figuring out the cause of watery eyes isn’t always easy. If and how soon the problem goes away can determine whether you need to see a vet.
But left unattended, even a minor scratch can turn into a nasty infection or ulcer.
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