Cats with Cold: Dealing with Watery Eyes
One: Why Does a Cat Cry Tears When It Has a Cold?
While what we commonly refer to as a cat's common cold may not present with many symptoms, and the symptoms are often not pronounced, if the cold is caused by a virus, the cat's symptoms can be more pronounced and severe. These may include excessive tearing, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, and fever. When a cat carries a virus or is exposed to other pathogens, the virus typically targets the cat's upper respiratory tract and digestive system first. The upper respiratory tract includes the throat, nose, and eyes. Therefore, when the virus reaches its peak, the cat's eyes can become infected, leading to the manifestation of symptoms. Eye infection symptoms often include excessive tearing, an increase in eye discharge, inflammation, and redness. Cats may also suffer from conjunctivitis and ulcerations of the conjunctiva.
Two: What to Do When a Cat Has a Cold and Is Crying Tears
It is crucial for cat owners to protect their feline's eyes and prevent further infection and inflammation. For instance, stray cats in groups without proper care often suffer from neglected eyes, which can lead to severe infections and even blindness. If your cat's eyes are severely affected, the first step is to ensure regular eye care to prevent the condition from worsening and causing further infections. For less severe cases, you can use a nonantibacterial eye cleaning solution and gently wipe the cat's eyes with medicalgrade cotton. In cases of severe redness and swelling, it is advisable to use eye drops that contain antibacterial ingredients.
Tip:
For more information on the reasons behind a cat's tearing eyes, please click on "Why Do Cats Cry Tears?" to explore further.