Cats' Tearful Eyes: Causes and Solutions Explained

Increased tear stains and excessive eye discharge in cats can often be attributed to several common scenarios:

1. Diet Issues: One of the primary reasons for excessive tear stains in cats is a diet that is too salty and oily, coupled with insufficient water intake. New cat owners often overindulge their pets with treats like canned food and wet food, which can be high in salt and fat. If cats consume dry kibble and don't drink enough water, it can lead to上火 (internal heat) and excessive tearing.

New owners might be eager to spoil their new feline friend, but it's important to be mindful of the cat's diet. Reducing the amount of cat food served, ideally by half, and encouraging more frequent, smaller meals can help. Ensuring the cat drinks plenty of water and engages in physical activity is also crucial. Opt for highquality, lowsodium and lowfat cat food to avoid exacerbating the issue.

For those concerned about their cat's hunger, consider supplementing the diet with other foods like boiled chicken breast, goat's milk, or egg yolks to reduce the cat's reliance on commercial cat food.

2. Adjustment to New Environment and Diet: Many new cat owners make the mistake of not bringing their cat's usual food when adopting a new pet. The sudden change in environment and diet can be quite unsettling for the cat, leading to stress and, consequently, tear production.

It's advisable for potential cat owners to bring along a supply of their cat's existing food when adopting a new pet. This allows for a gradual transition to a new environment and diet. If the current food is of good quality, it's best to avoid a complete switch to prevent stress. The health and wellbeing of the cat should always be the top priority.

3. Health Concerns: If the above reasons are ruled out, the excessive tear stains might indicate a more serious health issue. Cats may exhibit difficulty opening their eyes,脓性眼泪 (puslike tears), and yellow nasal discharge, along with a lack of appetite and energy. This situation should not be taken lightly, and immediate consultation with a seller or a veterinarian is essential. The cat might be suffering from feline herpesvirus or a cold.

Feline herpesvirus can be easily confused with a cold, but it is a contagious disease that requires serious attention. If in doubt, it's best to take the cat to a veterinary clinic for examination and testing. Selfmedication should be avoided, and the cat should not be neglected. In severe cases, feline herpesvirus can be lifethreatening. If there are other pets in the household, the infected cat should be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease.

4. Nasal Duct Obstruction and Entropion: These conditions can also lead to excessive tearing in cats.

As a responsible pet owner, it's important to keep the cat's eyes clean and monitor its condition closely. Spend extra time with your cat and seek veterinary care promptly if the situation worsens. Follow the vet's advice and administer any prescribed medication to help your cat recover quickly and regain its charming appearance.

Understanding the causes of a cat's tears is the first step. Now, let's delve into how to remove the tear stains effectively.