Are you noticing frequent tearing, discharge, or crusting in your cat’s eyes? These symptoms are quite common and can be caused by simple environmental allergies as well as more serious eye infections. Eye health is an essential part of a cat’s overall well-being, and neglecting it can lead to issues such as vision loss. So, what do these signs mean, and how should you respond?

1. What Is Eye Discharge and Tearing?
   Tearing occurs when the tear glands produce an excessive amount of tears. The discharge can be clear, whitish, yellow, or green. The color and consistency of the discharge are important for determining the underlying cause.

2. Possible Causes

• Allergic Reactions: Reactions to environmental factors such as pollen, dust, perfumes, cleaning products, or cigarette smoke. Typically causes clear tearing and itching.

• Viral or Bacterial Infections: Respiratory infections like Feline Herpesvirus (FHV) and Calicivirus can cause eye discharge. Yellow-green discharge usually indicates infection.

• Eye Injuries: Scratches, foreign objects, or trauma may lead to tearing in one eye.

• Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the outer surface of the eye, usually accompanied by redness, swelling, and discharge.

• Blocked Tear Ducts: Common in certain breeds (Persian, Exotic Shorthair), leading to continuous tearing.

1. Symptoms and Warning Signs

• Clear or colorless tearing: Often allergy or duct blockage

• Yellow or green discharge: Bacterial or viral infection

• Redness and rubbing of the eye: Conjunctivitis or allergic reaction

• Tearing in one eye: Physical problem (scratch, foreign object)

• Light sensitivity or keeping the eye closed: May indicate serious discomfort

1. Diagnosis
   Your veterinarian will examine the eye physically. If needed:

• Fluorescein dye test (to detect corneal injuries)

• Eye pressure measurement (if glaucoma is suspected)

• Tear duct patency test

• Microbiological testing from eye discharge samples

1. Treatment Options

• Allergy-related: Reduce environmental allergens, antihistamines, eye-cleaning solutions

• Infection-related: Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops, systemic medications

• Blocked ducts: Tear duct irrigation or surgical intervention

• Injuries: Eye protection, protective drops, sometimes lens application

1. Home Care Measures

• Gently clean around your cat’s eyes with a sterile gauze pad

• Avoid using perfumes, room sprays, or other chemicals

• Only use eye drops or medications as prescribed by a veterinarian

• Keep nails trimmed to prevent rubbing the eyes

1. When to See a Veterinarian

• Discharge persists for more than 48 hours

• Discharge has a foul odor or is yellow/green

• Significant swelling or redness is present

• Excessive squinting, keeping the eye closed, or rubbing with paws

Conclusion
Your cat’s eye discharge may be caused by a mild allergy or could indicate a more serious condition such as an infection. The color, consistency, and accompanying symptoms should be carefully assessed. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, you can protect your cat’s eye health and prevent serious complications. In any suspicious case, consulting your veterinarian is the safest approach.