Excessive tearing in cats is generally a symptom of a pathological condition rather than being a disease in its own right. In other words, if this phenomenon occurs suddenly, it is likely that the cause is an infection, an allergy or a scratch. If you notice that your cat has vision problems, consult your veterinarian immediately to determine the treatment to follow.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Consult your veterinarian
Step 1. Rule out an allergy
It is often allergies that cause excessive tearing. Like people, cats can also be allergic to certain substances that trigger a histamine reaction in the body and which, in turn, lead to symptoms such as excessive tearing.
- The vet can subject the cat to allergy tests to determine if this is the etiological factor.
- Cats can be allergic to pollen, trees and grass, just like people. They can also be intolerant to milk, gum, dust, flea bites, certain foods, and some fabrics (such as wool and nylon).
Step 2. Find out if he's cold
Before relieving symptoms of the virus causing a cold, including watery eyes, you should seek advice from your veterinarian. The two main causative agents of colds are herpes and calicivirus. Even three bacteria can cause cold-like symptoms: mycoplasma, bordetella and chlamydia.
Although your vet may have a hard time determining which virus or bacterium is causing the problem, they will be able to rule out some diagnostic hypotheses and determine the best treatment
Step 3. Consider conjunctivitis
If the cat is "cold," he may have developed more severe inflammation called conjunctivitis. Generally, treatment is the same as for infections, but if you suspect conjunctivitis, you need to take your cat to the vet for an accurate diagnosis.
Step 4. Be aware that your vet may apply fluorescein
It is a substance that allows the veterinarian to better observe the cat's eyes. In other words, applied in the form of eye drops, it highlights the problems of the cornea. Then a blue light is used to examine the eye more closely.
The fluorescein test can reveal an ulcer or erosion of the cornea
Step 5. Prepare for further exams
Your vet will likely carry out other tests to determine the cause of the excessive tearing. For example, it could supply the tear ducts to rule out any obstructions, but also check the eye pressure to rule out the hypothesis of glaucoma (i.e. ocular hypertension that risks damaging the optic nerve).
Also, be aware that computed tomography (CT), MRI, or x-ray may be needed
Method 2 of 4: Treating Colds and Conjunctivitis
Step 1. Look out for "cold" symptoms
Colds in cats are very similar to what affects people. Hence, you may notice runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. Your furry friend may also seem a little more lethargic than usual. Presumably all of these symptoms indicate that he has a cold. However, his condition can depend on various viruses or bacteria, so it is important to take him to the vet. Don't delay.
- Be aware that cats cannot transmit colds to people and vice versa. However, they can infect each other with cold bacteria or viruses.
- As with people, there is no "cure" for a cold of viral origin for cats. Some medications help alleviate the effects of the virus, while others can prevent a recurrence.
- A cold can also lead to conjunctivitis, especially if it is caused by herpes, chlamydia, or mycoplasma. If your cat suffers from conjunctivitis, they tend to squint and experience profuse tearing accompanied by dark gray, yellow, green or rust secretions instead of light. The cornea and the iris can also change color: the first tends to redden, while the second becomes opaque. These symptoms are not certain to occur in both eyes.
Step 2. Try the anti-viral drug famciclovir
It can be prescribed by the vet and is normally used to treat health problems caused by a feline herpesvirus infection. It could be a great choice in severe cases.
Step 3. Treat other types of colds with antibiotics
Bacterial colds are slightly easier to cure than viral infections. In other words, you can give your cat drugs that eradicate bacteria rather than affect the symptoms.
- Consult your veterinarian to find out which antibiotic is suitable for eradicating the infection.
- Feline calicivirus is also treated with antibiotics because no specific drug can kill this virus. You just have to administer medications that help alleviate the corollary problems. Antibiotics prevent further infections from developing. Also, chances are you'll need to add some pain relievers.
Step 4. Use the eye drops
It is needed when eye problems are caused by a virus. Povidone-iodine eye drops are a mild antiviral that can be given by your vet. For more severe infections, the use of cidofovir eye drops may be recommended.
Step 5. Relieve Stress
In addition to treating the infection pharmacologically, consider eliminating it by reducing the strain in your cat's life, especially if it is caused by the herpes virus. The latter may enter a phase of remission, but it will remain in the animal's system and reappear when it feels stressed.
- To reduce stress, try isolating the cat in his room, turning on a pheromone diffuser in the area where he spends most of his time, and / or filling his room with toys.
- Major stresses in a cat's life include the arrival of a new pet in the home, your absence for long periods (on vacation), transport in the crate, and changes in routine or environment (such as moving or renovating the home). home). While you can't eliminate all the factors that stress your furry friend, you can try to reduce them.
Method 3 of 4: Manage Allergies
Step 1. Notice the symptoms of an allergy
Although excessive tearing is sometimes an allergic reaction, the symptoms of allergies in these animals occur mainly on the skin. Therefore, you may notice scabs, lesions or hair loss, but also a relentless tendency to scratch.
Step 2. Use an antihistamine
Feline allergies are treated like human allergies. Hence, antihistamines are most often prescribed to manage the body's reaction to contact or exposure to an allergen. The main antihistamines used for cats are chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), hydroxizine (Atarax) and clemastine.
Steroid medications can also be effective for particularly severe allergic attacks, but should only be used for a short time. Ask your vet if you can give them to your cat
Step 3. Decrease the allergens
If you know a veterinarian who specializes in dermatology who can subject his patients to allergy tests, he will be able to tell you what your cat is allergic to so that you can limit exposure to allergens to which he is sensitive. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, grass or trees, avoid letting it out and keep windows closed as much as possible. If the etiological factor is dust, you may want to reduce it in the home environment, while if it is a food, consider changing your diet until you find foods that suit your needs.
Step 4. Try an omega-3 fatty acid supplement
It has been found by some owners that these substances improve their cats' allergic conditions. If you are looking for a supplement, make sure it contains a fish oil extract. Also, ask your vet about the right dosage for your furry friend's needs.
Step 5. Give him a bath
This suggestion will probably seem unsuitable to you. However, most of the time cats are not as reluctant to get wet as you think. Buy the shampoo recommended by your vet and use it as often as recommended. To relieve itching, you can also choose a hypoallergenic product, containing colloidal hydrocortisone-based oats (specially formulated for cats).
Give him a bath when you notice that he is itchy or if you notice a worsening of allergic reactions
Method 4 of 4: Treating Scratches, Introduction of Foreign Bodies, and Chronic Excessive Tearing
Step 1. Check if a foreign body has entered
Sometimes something can get into the eye that causes irritation, such as a splinter, a grain of sand, glass or metal residue, or any small object that adheres to the surface of the cornea.
- In these cases, you will notice excessive tearing, as well as redness and swelling. The cat may try to scratch its eye with its paw and wink slightly.
- It's best to see an eye specialist vet if you notice something wrong with your furry friend's eye.
Step 2. Look for scratch marks
Sometimes, cats injure their eyes or suffer from corneal ulcers. They can accidentally scratch themselves with their claws or be injured by other cats (while playing or fighting), but also bump their eyes against other objects. If the natural tearing is insufficient, they can even develop an ulcer because the eyelid, opening and closing, creates friction against a slightly moistened eye.
Step 3. Take action in case of scratches and foreign bodies
Of course, the vet will proceed to remove any foreign bodies that have entered the eye. A simple wash may be enough, but sometimes you need to use tweezers. In some cases, it is necessary to suture and administer antibiotics in the form of eye drops or tablets.
In certain circumstances, it is necessary to close the eyelid with a suture so that the eye has time to heal
Step 4. Consider surgery
Sometimes, the eyelids or eyelashes promote excessive tearing. In these cases, it is advisable to have the cat undergo surgery at a veterinarian who specializes in ophthalmology to resolve the problem, provided it can be corrected.
Step 5. Treat chronic excessive tearing
Sometimes it is not possible to find a definitive remedy for the problem of watery eyes. Therefore, all you have to do is clean your furry friend's eye area every day with a warm and damp cloth. Don't forget to dry it.
