Cats' Eyes Watery and Hard to Open: Possible Causes

When your feline friend's eyes start to water and struggle to open, it's a sign that something might be amiss. This condition can stem from a variety of issues, such as bacterial infections, injuries, foreign body irritation, allergies, viral infections, parasitic infestations, or even dietary imbalances. As a pet owner, it's crucial not to overlook these symptoms. If left untreated, an eye infection with pus can potentially lead to blindness in your cat.

Understanding the Causes of a Cat's Watery Eyes and Difficulty Opening Them

There are numerous reasons why a cat might have watery eyes and find it hard to open them. However, the most common causes are typically one of the following three scenarios:

1. Feline Rhinotracheitis

This is a common ailment affecting kittens aged between 3 to 6 months, especially those who haven't been vaccinated. If your kitten exhibits symptoms like watery eyes, difficulty opening its eyes, along with respiratory issues such as sneezing, runny nose, fever, and loss of appetite, it's a strong indication to consider this condition.

2. Conjunctivitis

This refers to conjunctivitis caused by bacterial infections, which typically presents with swollen conjunctiva, excessive tearing, and difficulty opening the eyes. Later stages may involve purulent discharge, cloudy corneas, and other symptoms.

3. Mechanical Irritation

This includes injuries from fights, scratches, or collisions, as well as the entry of foreign bodies like hair, dust, or bathwater into the eyes. Cats can also be affected by irritants like secondhand smoke or cleaning agents, or by issues like ingrown eyelashes, long eyelid hair, or entropion. All these factors can lead to red, watery eyes and difficulty opening them.

How to Address a Cat's Watery Eyes and Difficulty Opening Them

Step 1: Eye Cleaning

Firstly, gently pull back your cat's eyelids to check for any foreign objects like hairs or sand.

Next, use sterile saline solution to gently rinse your cat's eyes, removing any debris or secretions and providing relief from discomfort.

Finally, if your cat has inverted eyelashes or long hair around the eyes, consider trimming them and keeping a close watch.

Step 2: Topical Medication

After cleaning, you can administer a few drops of antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection. To minimize irritation, opt for petspecific eye drops, such as Baytril (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim Ophthalmic Solution), which is a gentler, broadspectrum antibiotic eye drop.

Step 3: Ongoing Care

● Fit your cat with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from scratching its eyes and causing further injury or infection.

● If you notice that your cat's eye symptoms worsen or are accompanied by other symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or loss of appetite, seek veterinary care promptly.

● Maintain a clean environment and avoid using dusty cat litter.

● Adjust your cat's diet to avoid highsodium or overly processed foods.

In summary, when you notice your cat's eyes are watery and it has trouble opening them, start with a gentle eye cleaning and then use antibacterial eye drops to prevent infection. If the condition persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's essential to consult a veterinarian for proper treatment.

Important Note: Never use human eye drops on your cat, especially those containing corticosteroids, as they can lead to increased intraocular pressure, corneal perforation, and other severe side effects.