Why are watery eyes in cats? This question is often asked by tailed owners. It turns out that lacrimation does not always indicate the presence of some kind of inflammation or infection. Each case must be taken apart separately. We will tell you why cats have watery eyes, what measures can be taken.
Anatomical features
Some breeds have a characteristic cranial structure. For example, a
Scottish cat has watery eyes due to a shortened muzzle, which, in turn, is explained by the large diameter of the head. With this structure of the skull, the work of the nasolacrimal canals, whose function is to control the flow of tears after moisturizing the cornea, is disrupted. As a result, excess fluid accumulating on the conjunctiva begins to splash out.
Persian cats have watery eyes for the same reason. In general, most owners of brachycephalic cat breeds are faced with the problem of increased lacrimation. Of course, the advice of a veterinarian should not be neglected, but some points may reassure in advance. For example, discharge that is clean and transparent is considered normal. The accumulation of dark matter (sometimes even solid) is explained by the presence of coloring pigments in tears, darkening under the influence of the sun. Such discharge is not infectious. These are physiological points. Therefore, do not torment the animal with hourly eye washes and ointments. Remove with cotton ball or a damp, clean cloth.
Separately, it is worth mentioning about possible complications - a tear flowing down the coat occasionally causes secondary inflammatory skin diseases. Therefore, it is better for owners of βexoticsβ to wipe their eyes with kittens specially designed for these purposes (for the care of cats eyes). Similar drugs are now in pet stores, and in a wide assortment.
Infections
Viruses and bacteria often cause profuse lacrimation. Some of them are difficult to treat (for example, panleukopenia). Part of the disease is transmitted to people (mycoplasmosis, chlamydia, herpes, etc.).
Diagnosis is required to determine the disease. According to statistics of veterinarians, chronic conjunctivitis (prolonged inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye) is most often detected. Such animals require a thorough ophthalmological examination with a Schirmer test (to confirm or exclude creatitis), determination of eye pressure (glaucoma is possible), etc. Eye appendages for eyelid anomalies are required to be examined.
With mucopurulent discharge, it will most likely require a test for the sensitivity of microflora with respect to antibiotics. The analysis is done before washing the eyes or using any medications (drops, ointments), which will necessarily distort the results, reducing the concentration of bacteria or slowing down their reproduction. Cytological examination is necessary to diagnose eosinophilic or allergic conjunctivitis. Infected neutrophils are indicative of infection (a consequence of the work of bacterial cells). Sometimes viral bodies (intracellular inclusions), chlamydia are found.
Exclude the infection can be washed away from the conjunctiva to rhinotracheitis, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia. If the tests turn out to be negative, you should think about an ophthalmological examination.
Mechanical damage
It can be injuries caused during the game or a normal walk. Lacrimation causes a burn (sparks of a fire, splashes of hot oil, etc.). A cat's eyes watery as a result of exposure to chemically active substances (for example, when bathing with soap, shampoo, flea treatment, etc.). A breed such as the Canadian Sphynx is often diagnosed with chronic conjunctivitis caused by inversion of the eyelids. Eyelashes scratch the eye, causing lacrimation. The problem is solved by conducting a simple cosmetic operation, as a result of which the eyelids are tightened and the eyelashes are replaced. The degree and depth of damage will be determined only by the doctor. It is important to know that with severe damage to the cornea, cats lose their sight.
Foreign body
Mote can get into any part of the eye: in the eyelid, mucous membrane, conjunctiva, eyeball. Why are watery eyes in cats? Particles of earth, stone, grains of sand, metal shavings, caterpillar hairs, midges, etc. can become a cause of irritation. Depending on the angle and strength (speed) of the flight, foreign bodies can penetrate deep into the tissue, so you can not always see them. Particles that irritate the eye cause pain, blepharospasm, photophobia, lacrimation. If the foreign body lies on the conjunctiva, it can be carefully removed. If not, contact your veterinarian.
Allergy
The reasons for its appearance are many: plant pollen, household chemicals (sprays, shampoos, flea drops, anthelmintic drugs, etc.), mold, cigarette smoke, etc. The main symptoms are coughing or sneezing, itching (the cat itches), lacrimation, runny nose. Possible vomiting, diarrhea. The cause of the allergy will be revealed by the veterinarian. He will prescribe treatment. If you already know what your cat is specifically responding to, solving the problem is easier. If, for example, the animal does not tolerate chicken, exclude everything that contains fat and protein (chicken).
Allergic reactions can occur on fleas or helminths, on treatment with individual drugs (most often these are antibiotics).
What to do?
To understand why cats' eyes are watery, you will need to establish observation of them. If the discharge is clean, insignificant and does not cause concern in the animal, you can not worry. Such problems are often observed in "extreme" (Persian, fold cat). The eyes are usually watery in babies (kittens up to a month). Treatment is not required here - daily rubbing with cotton swabs dipped in chamomile broth and well wrung out is enough.
If the cat is restless, scratches its eyes, squints, and the discharge does not stop, take it to the veterinarian. As already mentioned, there can be many causes that cause lacrimation - from a small speck to a serious infection. Do not use eye drops intended for humans. They not only will not help, but they can do harm. It is allowed to use only saline solution (for washing) or a decoction of chamomile on its own. The feasibility of using tetracycline ointment is questioned. Proper treatment will be prescribed only by a veterinarian.