Cats' Tearful Eyes: Common Causes and Solutions

If your cat is constantly shedding tears, pet owners, please don't overlook this issue. A cat's tears are not a sign of emotion; they may indicate underlying health problems!

Commonly, the most frequent reason for a cat's tears is an irritation to their eyes. In everyday life, numerous factors can irritate a cat's eyes.

For instance, when you bathe your cat, if the shampoo gets into its eyes, or if you let it play outside and its eyes get poked by grass, or if it's exposed to strong irritant smells, these can all cause eye irritation.

Beyond these, there may be other reasons. Let's explore them today!

1. Eyelashes Growing Inward

Some cats are born with inwardgrowing eyelashes, which are not a big concern when they're young. However, as they grow, these lashes can turn inward and irritate the eyes, leading to excessive tearing.

When a cat has inwardgrowing eyelashes, they can cause irritation to the eye, resulting in tears. This condition is congenital in cats, and some cases may not cause significant irritation. If the problem is severe, it can lead to excessive tearing. If you notice this, check your cat's eyes for inwardgrowing lashes. If present, it's essential to have them removed surgically by a veterinarian. After the surgery, proper care is necessary for your cat's recovery. Once healed, the issue of tearing due to inwardgrowing lashes should be resolved.

2. HighSalt Diet Leading to Tears

Neglecting your cat's diet can also lead to tear stains, especially if it consumes too much salt. Cats are not suited for highsalt diets.

Excessive salt intake can increase the tear production in a cat's tear glands, leading to excessive tearing. We all know that cats and dogs should avoid overly salty foods, as it can affect their health and coat color. Some pet owners may feed their cats leftover food, which can be too salty. This can lead to "upset" and excessive tearing. It's best to feed cats a light diet and avoid foods with many artificial additives, such as snacks, canned food, and ham.

It's recommended that pet owners check the salt content in cat food when purchasing. Opt for lowsodium cat food and ensure a suitable balance of fruits and vegetables to reduce irritation and help eliminate tear stains.

3. Obstructed Nasolacrimal Ducts

A cat's eyes can also be affected by its environment. Dust, debris, and foreign objects can cause eye irritation. When a cat's nasolacrimal ducts become infected, it can also lead to excessive tearing.

If tears cannot be properly drained from the ducts, they will naturally overflow, leading to unsightly tear stains over time. When choosing cat litter, be cautious. If you use a dusty litter, your cat may have sand particles enter its eyes while burying waste. It's advisable to choose clay or woodbased litter, which is not only gentle on the eyes but also easy to clean.

4. Eye Inflammation

If you notice your cat's eyes are red and it's constantly shedding tears, be alert. It might indicate an eye infection.

Eye inflammation can cause persistent tearing, redness, and even swelling of the surrounding skin. If your cat frequently rubs its eyes with its paw, it might be introducing dirt into its eyes, leading to infection.

5. Genetic Issues

Cats can also shed tears due to genetic factors. Another possibility is a narrow or blocked tear duct, which some cats are born with. This is particularly common in shortnosed cat breeds like Persians, which are prone to tear stains.

If you have one of these cats, dealing with tear stains might be a lifelong endeavor. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the stains, proper care can keep your cat's face looking clean and attractive.