Excessive Cat Tears & Discharge: Possible Causes & Solu

Part 1: Causes of Increased Eye Discharge in Cats

1. Diet Issues

Increased eye discharge in cats often stems from a condition known as "fire," which is primarily a sign of dehydration. What might lead to this dehydration in cats? It's quite simple. As humans seek convenience in feeding, cats have increasingly been fed dry kibble, which lacks moisture and is not nutritionally comprehensive. If cats are consistently fed on dry kibble, they are prone to dehydration, leading to "fire." The main symptoms include increased eye discharge, dry nose, and hard stools.

2. External Impact

External impacts can be categorized into two types: foreign bodies entering the eyes, causing irritation and potentially leading to infection; or external force striking the cat's eyes, causing trauma and prompting the cat to continuously tear up due to pain.

3. Bacterial or Viral Infection

Eye discharge in cats can also be a result of viral or bacterial infections, which may lead to redness, inflammation, and severe conjunctivitis or keratitis. As part of the respiratory system, the eyes are often susceptible to bacterial and viral invasions. Common viruses include herpesvirus and calicivirus, while common bacteria are chlamydia and mycoplasma. These infections often occur together, leading to mixed infections.

4. Newborn Cat Eye Inflammation

In young kittens, excessive tear discharge from the corners of the eyes might be a sign of neonatal conjunctivitis. Essentially, the kitten's eyes may not have opened properly during the appropriate growth period, causing tear discharge to accumulate and leading to severe eye swelling. In such cases, it is crucial for owners to take the young kitten to a veterinary hospital for treatment to prevent the possibility of blindness.

The above are several causes of increased eye discharge in cats. However, there are many other factors to consider. If the situation is uncertain, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for a diagnosis.

Part 2: How to Care for a Cat's Eyes

For simple cases of increased eye discharge, it is sufficient to provide the cat with more water, a varied diet, and regular cleaning with saline or water. If inflammation occurs, in addition to daily cleaning, eye drops with antiinflammatory properties can be used. It is recommended not to use eye drops frequently and to focus more on care.

1. Regularly clean the cat's tear stains and the discharge around the eyes to reduce bacterial infections and alleviate eye discomfort.

2. When the cat's eyes are inflamed, keep the cat in a dimly lit area to avoid strong light that may stimulate the eyes and cause discomfort.

3. Pay attention to the environment and reduce dust and bacteria in the cat's living space.

4. Regularly trim the cat's nails to prevent them from scratching their own eyes, which could lead to bacterial infections and eye inflammation.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: For more information about cat eye care, click on "How to Treat Red, Watery Eyes in Kittens" to learn more.