Cats Cry Tears Not Sadness: Possible Reasons!

Ever wonder why your feline friend seems to be perpetually shedding tears? Many pet owners might assume that it's due to their cat's "sentimental" nature, leading to a tendency to cry often. However, it's time to put those assumptions aside. Cats' tears can be a sign of a variety of issues, and if left unchecked, they can lead to stubborn tear stains and even eye infections.

But why do cats cry? What health concerns might be lurking behind those watery eyes?

What's Causing My Cat's Constant Tears?

The reasons behind a cat's excessive tears can be categorized into three main groups:

1. Physiological Reasons

Overactive Tear Ducts: Cats have a delicate tear system around their eyes that keeps the eyes moist. When the tear glands produce too much fluid and the drainage system doesn't function properly, the excess tears spill out from the corners of the eyes, leading to what we call "teary eyes."

Abnormal Eye Structure: Certain cat breeds, like Persians, may have facial structures that obstruct the tear drainage, making them prone to tear overflow.

2. Environmental Factors

Foreign Body Irritation: Dust, hair, plant fibers, and other particles can enter the eyes and cause irritation, prompting the cat to produce tears to flush out the irritants.

Smoke or Chemicals: Strong odors from cigarette smoke, cleaning agents, and other chemicals can also irritate a cat's eyes, leading to excessive tearing.

3. Health Issues

Conjunctivitis: A common eye condition in cats, often caused by bacterial or viral infections (such as herpesvirus or calicivirus), can result in red, swollen eyes, excessive discharge, and tears.

Corneal Injury: Physical damage to the eyes, such as scratches, can trigger a tear response, along with pain and sensitivity.

Glaucoma: A serious condition characterized by increased pressure inside the eye, which can lead to vision loss. In the early stages, symptoms may include conjunctival congestion, eyelid spasm, and eventually, as the pressure increases, dilated pupils and a gradual decline in vision.

How to Address the Issue

1. If your cat is occasionally shedding tears, start by checking for any obvious external irritants and try to remove them.

2. Keep your cat's living environment clean, and regularly use saline solution to moisten a cloth to wipe away any discharge around the eyes, preventing bacterial infections.

3. If your cat frequently cries and shows signs of redness and excessive eye boogers, it might be suffering from an eye infection. After cleaning the eyes, you can try using Baiming (Neomycin Sulfate Eye Drops) for antibacterial and antifungal effects. Observe the situation for 3 to 5 days; if the symptoms persist or worsen, it's crucial to take your cat to a veterinarian for a checkup.

4. In cases of viral infections, such as herpesvirus, symptoms may include red, painful eyes, excessive discharge, photophobia, recurrent fever, and runny nose. It's essential to seek veterinary care promptly. If medical attention isn't immediately available, you can use antiviral eye drops containing ganciclovir or acyclovir, combined with Knorax (Amoxicillin Clavulanate Potassium) or doxycycline for inflammation, along with antiviral medications like virazole and interferon.

In summary, a cat's tears can stem from numerous causes. Understanding these basics can help us better care for our pets. When dealing with a cat that's shedding tears, staying calm and taking appropriate action is key to ensuring their wellbeing.