Easy Steps to Remove Cat's Severe Tear Stains

Leakage of tears in cats, often referred to as "tear stains," occurs when there is an excess of tears or when they cannot be expelled normally. As the tears, which contain iron and other substances, come into contact with the air, they oxidize, leading to discoloration of the fur. Not only does this affect the cat's appearance, but it can also be a sign of underlying eye health issues. Moreover, if left untreated, persistent tear stains can lead to skin infections.

So, if your feline friend is suffering from tear stains, don't miss out on this article today, as it's packed with essential information to help you manage this common concern.

Understanding the Causes of Tear Stains

• Genetic Factors: Flatfaced cats like Persians and Siamese are more prone to tear stains due to their Lshaped tear ducts, which make it difficult for tears to drain.

• Eye Infections: Conditions such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, caused by bacteria or viruses, can lead to increased eye secretions and subsequent tear stains.

• Foreign Body Irritation: Dust, hair, and other particles can enter the eyes, causing them to tear up.

• Structural Issues: Problems like entropion, blocked tear ducts, or underdeveloped tear ducts can contribute to the issue.

• Ear Disorders: Conditions like ear mites, otitis media, Malassezia infections, or foreign bodies in the ear canal can also lead to tear stains.

• Diet Issues: A diet high in oil, salt, or insufficient water intake can lead to上火 (internal heat) in cats, exacerbating tear stains.

How to Remove Severe Tear Stains in Cats

1. Daily Cleaning

Regular cleaning can effectively alleviate nonpathological tear stains.

Firstly, dampen a cotton ball with sterile saline solution or a petspecific eye care solution and gently wipe away the cat's eye secretions and tear stains. Be gentle to avoid causing any harm to your pet.

Secondly, use a clean tissue to blot away any excess moisture to prevent the fur from becoming damp and fostering bacterial growth.

Lastly, regularly use Shan Jing (Jinyinhua Eye Rinse) to drop into your cat's eyes. This product helps remove foreign bodies and secretions, and it includes ingredients like lutein and Jinyinhua that can aid in reducing eye issues and alleviating discomfort.

2. Regular Hair Trimming

For longhaired cats, it's advisable to trim the fur around the eyes regularly to minimize irritation.

3. Massage and Heat Compress

• Gently massage the acupoints around your cat's eyes daily to promote the normal flow of tears and reduce tear stains.

• Apply a warm, damp cloth to your cat's eyes to relieve eye fatigue and diminish tear stains.

4. Adjusting Diet

• Opt for lowsodium cat food to avoid excessive salt intake and internal heat.

• Encourage your cat to drink more water to boost metabolism.

• Supplement with vitamins, taurine, and unsaturated fatty acids to maintain eye health.

5. Monitor Eye Health

Should you notice symptoms like redness, photophobia, anisocoria, or frequent blinking, it may indicate an eye inflammation. Try using Bailangming (Neomycin Sulfate Eye Drops) to treat it. Observe for 5 to 7 days; if symptoms persist or worsen, seek veterinary care promptly.

In addition, if your cat's eyes are inflamed and accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, or fever, it could be a sign of a viral infection and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.