Best Medications for Cat Eye Tears: Share & Help!

Not all feline eye streaks require medication, but they may not always be resolved with medication alone.

There are numerous reasons why cats might develop eye streaks. If the issue stems from an anatomical problem with the eye, it is typically not a problem that can be solved with medication. A professional veterinarian's diagnosis is necessary, followed by a combination of appropriate surgical procedures, medications, and care to address and improve the condition. In cases where eye infections are causing the streaks, some antibiotic eye drops can indeed be effective. More details can be found below ↓↓↓

What are the common causes of feline eye streaks?

Generally, the following are common reasons for feline eye streaks:

● Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: This is a frequent cause of eye streaks in cats. It may be due to congenital narrowness of the nasolacrimal duct, excessive curvature, or inflammation and blockage of the tear duct, leading to tears not being able to drain through the duct, resulting in overflow and subsequent streaks.

● Eye Diseases: Conditions such as conjunctivitis, dacryoadenitis, and keratitis can lead to excessive secretions in the eyes, contributing to the formation of streaks.

● Feline Rhinotracheitis: This upper respiratory infection caused by the herpesvirus can lead to conjunctivitis in cats, which in turn can cause an increase in eye secretions and severe streaks.

● Eye Worm Infection: Eye worms, which reside in a cat's lacrimal glands, conjunctiva, and sebaceous ducts, can also lead to excessive tear production.

● Diet Issues: A diet that is too salty, greasy, or lacks sufficient water intake can lead to excessive internal heat in cats, resulting in more tears and eye boogers.

● Ear Diseases: Conditions like ear mites or inflammation in the ear canal can also irritate the eyes, leading to severe streaks.

● Entropion or Ectropion: Although rare, some cats may have these issues, which can cause the conjunctiva to be continuously stimulated, leading to excessive tear production, severe streaks, and eye inflammation.

● Foreign Body Irritation: Dust, hair, or irritant smoke in the environment, or using a dusty cat litter, can all trigger tears and streaks in cats.

How to Resolve Feline Eye Streaks?

Understanding the above situations, to resolve feline eye streaks, a threepronged approach of "eye care + dietary adjustment + addressing the underlying disease" can be effective.

1. Eye Care

Use a mixture of physiological saline and boracic acid solution (2:8) to wipe away the streaks, while also removing eye boogers and dirt around the eyes to prevent secondary bacterial infections. To keep the fur dry, use a tissue to blot away any excess water after cleaning, and then apply a little cornstarch.

In addition, if the fur around the cat's eyes is particularly long, it is recommended to trim it regularly to avoid irritation to the eyes.

2. Dietary Adjustment

▷ Choose lowsodium, lowoil cat food and avoid feeding snacks that are high in salt or contain various flavorings and additives.

▷ Encourage your cat to drink more water to promote metabolism, and you can also give your cat more wet food.

▷ If your cat has severe internal heat, you can give it some Kawaning (Qingwen Baidu Tablets) to help reduce streaks, excessive eye boogers, halitosis, and constipation.

3. Addressing the Underlying Disease

☞ Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: At the vet's office, the nasolacrimal duct can be flushed, and if this is ineffective, a nasolacrimal duct intubation procedure can be performed.

☞ Eye Inflammation: Use Bailangming (Sulfamethoxyazole Eye Drops) for local inflammation, applying 3 to 5 times a day, 1 to 2 drops each time.

☞ Feline Rhinotracheitis: Acyclovir/Ganciclovir Eye Drops + Ribavirin + LLysine + Funodu (Doxycycline Hydrochloride Tablets).

☞ Eye Worm Infection: Undergo surgical treatment at the vet's office, and pay attention to regular deworming for your cat.

☞ Ear Mites: Erufenfen (Pet Ear Care Solution) + Xin'er Ning (Miconazole Nitrate Ointment), deworm your cat promptly.

☞ Entropion or Ectropion: Usually, surgical treatment is required.

In summary, feline eye streaks can be caused by various factors. To determine the appropriate medication, it is essential to understand the cause. If home care and medication are not effective, it is advisable to take your cat to a veterinary hospital for a thorough examination and treatment.