What a runny eye means
A runny eye in a cat, often called epiphora, means tears are spilling onto the face instead of draining away normally. A little moisture at the corner of the eye can be ordinary. Persistent wetness, staining, crusting, or any change in how the eye looks or how your cat behaves is worth paying attention to.
Many things can cause it, from a bit of dust to an infection or an injury to the surface of the eye. Because the causes range from minor to serious, and because the eye is delicate, this guide focuses on helping you decide how quickly to get a veterinarian involved. It is general information and cannot replace an exam.
Common causes
Irritants and allergies
Dust, smoke, sprays, strong cleaning products, and similar irritants may make the eyes water, usually in both eyes. If the watering started after a change in the home, it may be related, but a vet should still confirm that nothing else is going on.
Infections
Viral infections, particularly feline herpesvirus, are a common cause of eye problems in cats and often flare up at stressful times. Bacterial infections can also be involved. Infections frequently come with sneezing or nasal discharge, as in a cat cold. For more on the red, inflamed form, see our guide to pink around cat eyes.
Scratches, ulcers, and foreign material
A scratch from another cat, a stray hair, or a small piece of debris can injure or irritate the eye surface. These cases often involve squinting, pawing at the eye, and redness. Eye injuries can worsen quickly, so they should not be left to see how they go.
Blocked tear ducts and face shape
If the ducts that drain tears are narrowed or blocked, tears may overflow even when the eye itself is healthy. Flat-faced breeds such as Persians can be prone to chronic tearing because of their facial structure. Staining under the eyes in these cats is common, but a vet can check that nothing else is contributing.
One eye or both eyes?
Both eyes watering at the same time can point toward something general such as an irritant, allergy, or viral infection. A single watery eye more often suggests a local problem such as a scratch, foreign material, or a blocked duct. Neither pattern is a rule, so one eye that is also squinting or red deserves prompt attention.
Signs that suggest more than a simple watery eye
Cats hide discomfort well, so look for the combination of signs rather than a single one:
- Squinting, keeping an eye partly or fully closed, or blinking a lot
- Pawing or rubbing at the face
- Redness or swelling of the eyelids or the tissue around the eye
- Thick, yellow, or green discharge (see our eye discharge color guide)
- Hiding, reduced appetite, or acting withdrawn
Cloudy eyes
A cloudy or hazy look to the eye can have several causes, including problems with the surface of the eye or deeper structures. A change in clarity is a reason to have the eye examined rather than waiting.
A swollen eyelid
Swelling can follow irritation, infection, allergy, or injury. If the swelling is marked, comes on suddenly, or the eye is held shut, contact a vet promptly.
Symptoms of a cat eye infection
Signs often include redness, discharge that may turn thick or colored, squinting, frequent blinking, and sometimes sneezing or nasal discharge. Not every watery eye is infected, and a vet is the one who can tell the difference.
When to see a vet
Contact a veterinarian promptly if you notice any of the following:
- The eye is tightly shut, or your cat seems to be in pain
- Cloudiness, a change in the size of the pupil, or an eye that looks different from the other
- Marked swelling, or blood in or around the eye
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- Watering that lasts beyond a day or two
- Sneezing or nasal discharge together with eye symptoms
- Kittens, senior cats, or cats with other health conditions showing any eye problems
Sudden or severe signs should be treated as urgent. If you are unsure, calling your vet’s office for advice is reasonable.
What you can do at home meanwhile
- Keep your cat indoors and away from dust, smoke, and sprays.
- If there is crusting on the outer skin or fur, you can gently wipe around the eye using a clean, damp cloth or cotton pad, using a fresh one for each eye. Do not wipe the eye surface itself.
- Do not use human eye drops, leftover medication, or home remedies. Some products can make an eye problem worse.
- Wash your hands between handling cats, since some eye infections spread between them.
How vets treat a runny eye
Treatment depends on the cause. A vet may examine the eye closely, check for scratches or ulcers, and look at the tear drainage. Depending on the findings, treatment can include eye drops or ointment, medication for infection, or other steps. Drops may need to be given several times a day, so ask for a demonstration if you find it difficult. Following the full course, even if the eye looks better, is usually important.
Reducing the risk of repeat problems
- Keep vaccinations up to date as advised by your vet, since this helps protect against some infections that affect the eyes and nose.
- Reduce irritants in the home where you can.
- Reduce stress where possible, as stress may trigger flare-ups of some viral infections.
- Check your cat’s eyes regularly so you notice changes early.