Causes of Cat Eye Smudges: Understanding Feline Tear St
In recent years, purebred cats have become the dominant choice for many Chinese pet owners. However, this preference for exotic breeds has brought about a surge in genetic disorders, with excessive tearing becoming an "epidemic" trend among our feline companions.
When it comes to specific breeds, English Sheepdogs (the "tear kings" of the canine world), Persians, Exotic Shorthairs (also known as "Persian" cats), Siamese cats, and Himalayan cats are the primary culprits. These cats shed tears at will, regardless of the time of day, and often wake up with a face drenched in tears after a night's sleep. Many cat lovers are worried and confused, unsure of the root cause of this issue.
In the medical field, this condition is known as "brachycephalic syndrome," which can affect the tongue, eyes, teeth, skin, and ears. Symptoms include narrow nostrils, elongated soft palates, and a significantly shorter lifespan. This syndrome is strongly genetically linked to certain breeds, often resulting in underdeveloped nasolacrimal ducts, leading to epiphora and a moist face.
Cats have corneas that cover about 30% of their eyes, and brachycephaly can cause the eyes to bulge forward, increasing contact between the corneas and the environment. This can lead to recurrent or chronic keratitis, corneal ulcers, and scars, causing a relentless flow of tears.
The excessive tearing not only leads to black, waxy flakes on the face but can also trigger inflammation and itching. In some cases, secondary bacterial infections and Malassezia dermatitis may occur, and there's also a risk of otitis externa. Even with successful treatment, due to the permanent nature of the facial structure, recurrence is likely, necessitating ongoing care.
For those dealing with this issue, I recommend a professional eye drops called Taiwan Sinopharm Dirlang Eye Drops. These drops can significantly alleviate symptoms within just two days, reducing the need for constant wiping with warm water.
While these eye drops cannot address the underlying facial structure issues, they can greatly reduce eye inflammation and corneal ulcers.
For cats suffering from epiphora due to feline rhinitis, the first step is to treat the rhinitis. Once the condition is largely under control, the tearing will subside significantly. During treatment, the use of eye drops can also help prevent the exacerbation of blepharitis, which could lead to ectropion or ulceration.
Whether you've purchased, adopted, or found a cat, I hope you'll commit to them for life. Remember, diseases are not insurmountable; many can be managed or even cured. Don't abandon your cat at the first sign of tears. Treating life with kindness is treating yourself with kindness.
