Excessive tearing can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to irritation, infection, and even blindness if left untreated. There are several of excessive tearing in cats, including allergies, infections, foreign bodies, glaucoma, and corneal diseases, among others. Therefore, finding the root of the problem is the first step towards treating it.
Below are some of the ways that you can treat excessive tearing in cats:
Visit a Vet
If you notice that your cat is experiencing excessive tearing, take him to a vet to diagnose the problem and determine the best course of treatment. The vet will examine the cat’s eyes, eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, and tear ducts, among other things, to determine the cause of the excessive tearing. Once the vet has diagnosed the problem, they can suggest treatment options.
Cleaning Your Cat’s Eyes
Regular cleaning of your cat’s eyes is necessary to prevent eye infections and irritation. Use a sterile solution of saline water to clean your cat’s eyes. You can find this at any drugstore or vet’s office. Use a cotton ball soaked in saline water to wipe away any discharge from the eyes. While doing so, be gentle and careful not to poke or put pressure on the cat’s eyes.
Use Eye Drops or Ointments
Your vet may prescribe eye drops or ointments to treat your cat’s excessive tearing. They may contain antibiotics or steroids that will help to clear the infection or reduce inflammation. It’s important to follow instructions carefully when giving your cat eye drops or ointments, and be sure to do so at the recommended intervals.
Protecting Your Cat’s Eyes
If you suspect that your cat’s excessive tearing is due to environmental irritants such as dust, pollen, or chemicals, try to limit their exposure to these irritants. One way to do this is to keep your house clean and free of dust and other allergens as much as possible. Additionally, use protective eyewear such as goggles to protect them from any harmful substances when visiting the vet or groomer.
Surgery
If the cause of your cat’s excessive tearing is due to a blockage in the tear ducts, the vet may recommend surgery to remove the blockage. This surgery is called dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and can be performed on cats with long-standing or severe .
In conclusion, excessive tearing in cats can be frustrating and a sign of an underlying medical issue. Follow the above steps to find the root of the problem and determine the best course of treatment with your vet. Always keep your cat’s eyes clean and protected from harmful substances, and don’t ignore excessive tearing, as it could lead to a more severe issue if left untreated.