Weepy eye in cats

Weepy eyes are very common in cats and are associated with infections, things that irritate the eye or a problem with tear drainage. A small amount of gunk in the corner of the eye is normal, but continuous weeping or a sticky discharge is not.

There are a variety of possible causes for excessive tearing and eye drainage problems in cats. It’s best to seek veterinary attention if your cat has weepy eyes, otherwise, the problem can worsen.

What to do

What to do if your cat has weepy eyes

If your cat has weepy eyes but is not holding them closed, or pawing at their face, and their eyes look normal:

Clean your cat’s eye using a cotton pad and cooled, boiled water, two to three times during the day.
Monitor for 24 hours, if no improvement is seen or new signs are identified, contact a vet.

Causes

Why does your cat have weepy eyes?

Normally, a thin clear film of tears is produced to lubricate the eyes and the excess fluid drains into the tear ducts located in the corner of the eye next to the nose (nasolacrimal ducts).

Overproduction of tears can be caused by either insufficient drainage from the tear ducts or by an excessive production of tears.

Weepy eyes in cats are most commonly caused by:

Cat flu
Conjunctivitis
Eye ulcers
Eyelashes or eyelid problems
Something stuck in the eye or bothering the eye (grass seed, lump)
Allergies
Tear duct problems

When to worry

When do you need to call a vet if your cat has weepy eyes?

If your cat shows any of the following signs, call your vet:

Squinting or inability to hold the eye(s) open
Signs of pain, including pawing at the face
Eye discharge that is persistently yellow, green or sticky
Red eye
Cloudy eye
Consistently watery eye(s)

Call us at Joii if:

Your cat has just developed watery eye(s)
If you need help removing tear stains
If you’re not sure if your cat has an eye problem and would like advice

Prevention

How to prevent weepy eyes in your cat

Keep their eyes clean. Use cotton wool and cooled boiled water to clean them when needed.
For long-coated cats, keep their facial hair trimmed. This will prevent matted hair around the eyes and allow them to see better.
Have regular vet checks and discuss any concerns with your vet. Some eye problems are less obvious than others.
Keep your cat up to date with their vaccinations.

Diagnosis

What to look out for in a cat with weepy eyes

Excessive moisture around the eyes can cause further issues, such as:

Matted hair close to the eyes
Crusts and gunk
Small wounds on the skin, usually below the eyes

If your cat has weepy eyes, monitor them closely. Follow the home treatment tips provided below.

If you are struggling with dry, crusty discharge, consider applying warm water using a cotton pad. Repeat this several times until it softens the crusts.

If your cat doesn’t like having their eyes cleaned, try distracting them by smearing licky treats while you clean their eyes. If that does not work, you may need to use a towel to wrap them as you clean their eyes.

Home treatment

How to treat weepy eyes in cats at home

Home treatment is only recommended if your vet has ruled out other medical causes. Tips for home care of weepy eyes:

Start by keeping the area as clean and dry as possible.
For cats with long hair, carefully trim the fur short around the eyes.
Take extra care with the skin around the eyes, as it tends to be very sensitive. Avoid excessive cleaning and only use products recommended by vets.
Remove any built-up gunk or crusts.
Excessive tearing can cause stains, particularly in white-haired cats. There are tear-staining products available, speak to a vet at Joii for further information.

Vet treatment

Vet treatment for weepy eyes in cats

Vets prescribe different treatments depending on what’s causing the weepy eyes. Treatments include:

Eye cleaners: washes, wipes, gels
Antibiotics: gels, ointments, drops for the eye, oral medication
Lubricating, soothing treatment: gels, ointments
Steroid anti-inflammatory: drops, ointment, oral tablets
Surgery may be necessary to treat tear duct problems or eyelid and eyelash problems.

Risk