What Does It Mean If My Cat Has a Weepy Eye?

You wouldn't ignore excessive discomfort and weeping in your eyes, so don't ignore the signs when they appear in your cat. Sometimes a cat's weepy eye is a simple problem that time will fix, but other times it's a warning sign of a significant problem. Visit your vet to determine whether the weepy tears will disappear on their own or if you need to take special steps to treat your cat.

  1. Minor Scratches

    • Cats tend to get into fights and they end up with a wide array of scrapes and bruises. A cat's sharp claws can cause a lot of damage to the soft tissue of the eye. If your cat likes to scrap with other neighborhood animals, the weepy eye may be a result of a small scratch on the surface of the eye. Examine it for other signs of damage on the face that can indicate a recent fight. The weepy liquids of the eye will stop as the scratch on the eye heals.

    Malformed Tear Ducts

    • Some cats can't produce normal tears due to abnormalities in their tear ducts. The tears will flow easily and stick around the eyes, creating a thick layer of gunk. The fur around the eyes will change colors due to the constant exposure to tears and eye residue. Vets often refer to this abnormality as "watery eyes." If your vet determines this is the cause of the weeping, gently wipe your cat's eyes with saline soaked paper towels to clear the excess moisture anytime you notice it accumulating around the eyes. Cleaning them one or two times a day should help them remain clear.

    Allergies

    • Your cat can suffer from allergies just like you. If irritants in the air affect your cat, that can lead to weepy eyes along with excessive nasal mucus. Wash your cat's linens and remove houseplants in an effort to alleviate the problem. Confine the cat to the indoors if you think the allergen may be a result of outdoor plants. An air purifier can also help your cat's allergy problem. If the problems persist, speak with your vet about medication to help with the allergy symptoms.

    Conjunctivitis

    • Conjunctivitis is the pinkeye of the cat community, where inflammation occurs on the mucus membrane of the eye. Even the slightest breeze can cause your cat's eyes to start weeping a clear liquid. Conjunctivitis can sometimes go away on its own, but other times conjunctivitis is a symptom of a severe health problem. It can signify a chlamydia infection or another dangerous infection (unlike the sexually transmitted disease in humans, a different strain of chlamydia affects cats and results in an upper respiratory infection and conjunctivitis). Visit your vet to diagnose the problem behind the symptom and receive medication if necessary. The doctor may prescribe a wide range of medications to combat the numerous causes of conjunctivitis.