Effective Treatments for Cat Eye Tear Stains: Solutions
Why Do Cats Have Tear Stains?
1. Diet Issues: Cats with a diet high in salt or excessive oil can develop tear stains. This is because cats primarily rely on their sweat glands to excrete salt, but since their sweat glands are not welldeveloped, consuming highsalt foods can easily lead to internal heat, which in turn causes tear stains.
2. Eye Irritation: Cats have very sensitive eyes. If the fur around their eyes is long, or if they accidentally get bugs, pollen, dust, or hair in their eyes, these foreign bodies can cause irritation, leading to inflammation and excessive tearing, which results in persistent tear stains.
3. Nasolacrimal Duct Blockage: Some cat breeds, such as Persians and Exotics, have shorter nasal passages, which prevent tears from draining properly, leading to a genetic blockage of the nasolacrimal ducts and making them prone to tear stains. It can also be caused by eye inflammation, especially in cats that have had the feline herpes virus. Pet owners should be vigilant.
How to Treat Cats with Tear Stains?
If the issue is related to diet, it's recommended to first improve the cat's diet. Keep the food light and choose lowsodium cat food as the main diet, avoid feeding human food, and ensure the cat drinks plenty of water.
In cases of eye irritation, check if the fur around the eyes needs trimming or if there are any foreign objects that need to be removed with eye wash. Also, be aware of any eyelash issues, as severe cases may require surgery to correct and prevent further irritation.
If the cat has a blocked nasolacrimal duct, it's best to consult a veterinarian. Treatment may include surgery and eye massage to keep the ducts clear and prevent tear stains. If the tear stains are due to eye inflammation, clean the cat's eyes and surrounding area with a towel to keep them clean and dry, preventing bacterial growth and infection. Medication may also be appropriate.
For more information on treating cat tear stains, you can click on "What Causes Severe Cat Tear Stains?" to continue learning about this topic.
