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If Your Cat’s Eyes Are Always Wet — Causes of Excessive Tearing and Tear Staining, and When to Visit the Vet

Eye HealthDiseasesMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Excessive tearing and tear staining in cats occur when tears aren’t draining properly. Because the underlying causes can vary—ranging from anatomical eye structure to allergies or infections—an accurate diagnosis is essential.

What Are Excessive Tearing and Tear Staining in Cats?

Excessive tearing (epiphora) and tear staining in cats occur when tears fail to drain properly, pooling around the eyes and leaving brown or reddish-brown stains on the skin. This is more than just a cosmetic concern; it can signal underlying issues such as structural abnormalities of the eyelids or tear ducts, or conditions like conjunctivitis. When tears become sticky and mixed with discharge, they can irritate the surrounding skin, leading to dermatological problems. - Excessive tearing: A condition where tears continuously flow or pool, often caused by blocked tear ducts (nasolacrimal ducts), structural abnormalities of the eyelids or eyes, or irritation. - Tear staining: Pigmentation that develops when pooled tears remain on the skin and fur for extended periods. Stains are more noticeable in cats with light-colored fur. If left untreated, the skin around the eyes can deteriorate, making early management essential.

What Are the Main Causes?

There are many possible causes of excessive tearing in cats. - Blocked nasolacrimal duct: Tears cannot drain properly and accumulate, which can be influenced by age or anatomical factors. - Abnormal eye or eyelid structure: Brachycephalic breeds (those with short muzzles and flat faces) such as Persians and Himalayans are prone to chronic tearing due to entropion (eyelids rolling inward) and a curved nasolacrimal duct. - Irritants: Abnormal eyelashes growing from the eyelid margin (distichiasis or trichiasis) or eyelids curving inward can irritate the cornea, leading to increased tear production. - Infection: Conjunctivitis caused by agents such as feline herpesvirus increases tear secretion and ocular discharge. - Adhesions around the puncta: Conjunctival adhesions (symblepharon) can block the tear puncta, preventing proper drainage and causing tears to overflow. These factors can interact in complex ways, making an accurate diagnosis essential.

Anatomical diagram of the cat's tear drainage system

Main Signs and Symptoms

The main signs of excessive tearing in cats are persistent moisture around the eyes and the development of brown or brownish discoloration. If the tears become sticky, the fur around the eyes can mat, and the skin may become red and itchy. This increases the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. - Sticky tears: Increased tear viscosity promotes bacterial growth. - Matted fur around the eyes: Accumulated tears cause fur to mat, leading to further irritation. - Skin rash or flaking: If left untreated over time, dermatitis can develop, and in severe cases, cause pain. If these symptoms persist, consult your veterinarian.

Tear stains and matted fur around your cat’s eyes

When to Visit the Vet Immediately

If you notice a sudden increase in tearing, redness of the eyes, or behaviors such as squinting or rubbing the eyes, consult your veterinarian immediately. These symptoms may indicate corneal damage or a severe infection. Delayed treatment can lead to vision loss.

Accurate Diagnostic Methods

To pinpoint the cause of excessive tearing in cats, veterinarians typically perform a combination of diagnostic tests. - Nasolacrimal duct flushing and patency testing: This basic procedure checks whether tears are draining properly into the nasal cavity and whether the tear ducts are blocked. - Schirmer tear test: This method quantitatively measures tear production. However, since clinically healthy cats can sometimes yield low readings, results must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms. - Slit-lamp and fluorescein staining examination: These tests assess the condition of the ocular surface, checking for corneal damage or ulcers. - Skin and conjunctival examination: Samples are collected from the area around the eyes to check for infections, such as bacterial presence. - Physical and systemic examination: If a systemic disease is suspected, additional testing may be required. Most feline eye issues are diagnosed by combining clinical observations with several of these tests.

Treatment Options and Step-by-Step Management

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. - Blocked tear ducts: If flushing doesn’t improve the condition, surgical options such as widening the nasolacrimal duct or medial canthoplasty may be considered. - Infections: Bacterial infections are managed with antibiotics, while feline herpesvirus infections—common in cats—are treated with antiviral therapy. - Irritating factors: Abnormal hairs around the eyes can be permanently removed using methods like cryoepilation, and entropion (inward-turning eyelids) is corrected with surgery. - Adhesions of the lacrimal punctum: If conjunctival adhesions block tear drainage, surgical intervention may be necessary. - Ongoing care: Even after symptoms subside, regular check-ups and maintenance are essential. Effective treatment goes beyond short-term fixes; long-term management is key.

Home Care Tips

Gently wipe the area around your pet’s eyes daily with a soft cloth or gauze. If the tears become sticky, use sterile saline solution, and avoid harsh cleansers or alcohol. Keeping the hair around the eyes trimmed short can help reduce irritation and prevent hair from getting into the eyes. - Protecting the eye surface: If there is irritation, you may use veterinary-prescribed ophthalmic lubricants (artificial tears) as directed. - Environmental management: Minimize exposure to eye irritants such as dust, cigarette smoke, and chemicals. - Regular check-ups: Consult your veterinarian regularly to monitor eye condition and corneal health. These care measures help prevent symptom worsening and reduce the risk of recurrence.

A scene showing a pet owner caring for their cat's tear stains.

Special Attention Needed for Certain Breeds

Brachycephalic breeds—those with flat faces and short muzzles, such as Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs—are prone to chronic tearing due to entropion (inward-turning eyelids) and abnormally curved nasolacrimal ducts. For cats of these breeds, regular eye care and routine veterinary check-ups are especially important. Preventive care can make a significant difference.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are tear stains dangerous for cats?

Tear stains themselves are not dangerous, but they may indicate an underlying health issue. Since stagnant tears can irritate the skin, careful attention is needed.

Can excessive tearing be prevented?

Regular grooming of the fur around the eyes, routine cleaning, and minimizing irritants like dust can help prevent this condition to some extent. Extra care is especially important for brachycephalic breeds, such as Persians, which are more susceptible.

What should you keep in mind when managing your pet’s tear stains at home?

Avoid using strong detergents or alcohol. Use only a soft cloth and sterile saline solution, and be careful not to rub the eyes.

In what cases does excessive tearing commonly occur?

Common causes include blocked tear ducts, structural abnormalities such as entropion or abnormal eyelashes, and infections like herpesvirus conjunctivitis. These issues are particularly prevalent in brachycephalic breeds, such as Persians.

When is surgery necessary?

If the tear ducts become blocked, causing tears to continuously pool, or if recurrent infections occur, surgical treatment may be considered. A veterinarian’s assessment is crucial in such cases.

Comparison of Characteristics and Management by Cause of Excessive Tearing

Item	Cause	Main Features	Treatment	Prevention Points
Tear duct blockage	Tears are not drained	Continuous tearing	Surgical opening	Regular checkups
Punctal adhesion (symblepharon)	Punctum blocked by conjunctival adhesion	Tears overflow	Surgical procedure	Management of underlying disease
Eye infection	Red eye, discharge	Cloudy tears	Antibiotic/antiviral treatment	Strengthened hygiene management
Eyelid abnormality	Hair irritates the eye	Repeated excessive tearing	Surgical correction	Regular hair grooming

The treatment direction differs depending on the cause, so an accurate diagnosis is essential.

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References

[1] Esson DW, Calvarese S (2022). Clinical Atlas of Canine and Feline Ophthalmic Disease, 2nd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell.

[2] Gelatt KN et al. (2013). Veterinary Ophthalmology, 2nd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell.

[3] Ny Y et al. (2006). Medial canthoplasty for epiphora in dogs: a retrospective study of 23 cases. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc, 42:435–439.