If you inspect the eyes of a cat closely, you will discover that it has watery eyes and this gives the impression that it is crying. The fluid that covers cats eyes acts as a protection against scratches and dirt. However, causes of watery eyes in cats may indicate a problem and could mean a symptom of general ill health which needs attention straight away. Some more common cat diseases are explained below.
Causes of watery eyes in cats is the main symptom but when the eyes become red or swollen or there is a discharge from the eye, white or yellowish in colour, then a thorough examination is needed. If the symptoms persist for more than a few days, professional advice is needed. Sometimes problems like these can clear up in a few days but if they do not, this could have an adverse affect on the cat’s health.
There a number of causes of watery eyes in cats. It might have suffered a minor problem which could lead to an internal eye injury or have one of the following causes.
There are many types of eye infections that can affect cats that could result in runny eyes. Some of these infections are fungal, some are viral. Another infection that causes watery eyes is the kitten eye infection which can affect cats with a weak immune system. But just as in humans, cats can suffer from cataracts, glaucoma and neonatal conjunctivitis and all these conditions will cause watery eyes
A viral infection in the respiratory tract can cause a cat to become a victim of a feline upper respiratory infection. This is highly contagious and can easily be spread from one cat to another. The symptoms of this infection are coughing, nasal discharge, ulcers and fever, as well as watery eyes.
Another form of upper respiratory infection is Chlamydia which is mostly found in kittens and is also known as feline pneumonitis. This is a bacterial infection and can also be brought about by several other viruses. The symptoms for this are flu, cold, cough and also watery eyes. To determine whether the condition of watery eyes is Chlamydia, a culture test can be carried out.
It is only upon appropriate diagnosis of causes of watery eyes in cats when the treatment can be administered. For this reason, it is imperative that early evaluation can be made, medication given and relief obtained by your cat. If you notice signs of watery eyes in your cat for more than one or two days, accompanied with abnormal cat behaviour, then it is advised that you seek a vet’s opinion.
The vet will prescribe one of the many products available – antibiotics, ointments or gels – as appropriate; to treat the severity of the condition your cat is suffering with. In addition, advice may be given on changing eating patterns, type of food and extra nutrition, if felt necessary, to enable the watery eye condition to be treated effectively.
