Tears may be seen as common way to
protect the eyes. However, when it starts to be excessively produced, and even
produces thicker discharge or mucus, then it is mostly known as runny eyes.
Runny eyes can be one of the signs that your cat is having eye infection. Conjunctivitis is one of the common diagnosis of eye infections in cats. Also, get to know how to treat cats’ eye infection.
The infection leads to the inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis is really uncomfortable and painful condition, so that it is very important that your cat can get veterinary care as soon as possible.
Causes of Runny Eyes on Cats
As stated before, the most common cause of runny eyes in cats is eye infection. Eye infection can be caused by several factors, such as the presence of foreign objects in the eye or injuries to the eye.
As for newborn kittens, they might get eye infection from the vaginal infections of the mother during the time of the birth. Viral or bacterial diseases can also lead to eye infections.
Runny eyes can also be triggered by an upper respiratory infection in cats, or you can call it as a cat flu. Cat flu is caused by infection with a virus called feline calicivirus or feline herpesvirus.
These two viruses stimulate discharge from the eyes and conjunctivitis. Sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite and fever are the other symptoms of cat flu. To prevent those two viruses, make sure you get these essential vaccines for cat. Vaccine is a must!
Eye ulcer can also be the cause of runny eyes in cats. Eye ulcer can
stimulate the excessive production of tear and even mucous discharge. The other
signs of eye ulcer are red eyes, sensitivity to light, blinking, rubbing the
eyes with its paw or even cloudiness of the eye.
Allergy is another suspect of runny eyes in cats. Some cats might be
allergic to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, mold, food and chemicals.
Sneezing and itchiness are the most common signs of allergy in cats.
Besides those causes mentioned above, there are some other factors causing
runny eyes in cats as follows:
Symptoms of Runny Eyes on Cats
Runny eyes in cats is very easy to be recognized. You can easily notice it,
especially if you have white-haired cats. The overproduction of the tears will
cause brown or reddish staining on the face. Besides, there are some other
symptoms of runny eyes in cats as follows:
- Red eyes.
- Inflammation of the eyes.
- Eye discharge.
- Squinting.
- Scratching of the eyes.
- Droopy skin around the orbit of the eyes.
- Ulceration of the cornea.
It is very important to be aware of these symptoms as by noticing them
earlier, it could prevent the worse condition.
Treatment of Runny Eyes on Cats
The cause of runny eyes in cat will determine the treatment. It is very important to bring your cat to the vet as soon as possible, so that your vet will be able to examine the root cause of it.
The earlier the treatment, the better chance the condition gets worse. Never underestimate runny eyes in cats. If it is left untreated, it might lead to permanent damage of the eyes and even blindness.
If you are looking
for the ways to treat your cats with runny eyes, you can do the following
things before bringing it to the vet.
- Try to wipe your cat’s eyes only if it allows you to do it. Wipe the eyes to clean any discharge with a cotton ball that is moistened before. Use a fresh cotton ball for each eye. Find the 6 simple steps to clean your cats eyes at home. They are simple and easy to follow.
- Never ever use the counter eye drops on your cat, unless it is prescribed or told by your veterinarian.
- Observe the other symptoms of any possible illness so that you could ease the diagnosis from your vet later.
If you have done your best to clean the eyes discharge, then bring your cat immediately to the vet. There are some types of treatment, including the use of eye drops (with the vet’s prescription only), antibiotics, antiviral and even surgery. That’s why it is very important to notice the symptoms as early as you can.