Swollen and teary eyes in cats are a common issue that many cat owners face. This phenomenon can be caused by various factors, including eye irritation, infection, trauma, and more. As a responsible cat owner, it's crucial to understand the causes of feline eye diseases and take appropriate measures to protect your cat's health.

1. Common Causes of Swollen and Teary Eyes in Cats

Swollen and teary eyes in cats can be caused by the following:

Eye irritation:
Long hair around the cat's eyes can irritate the eyes, leading to redness, swelling, and tearing.
Dust, sand, and other foreign objects entering the cat's eyes can also cause irritation.
Mosquito bites, especially around the eyes, can cause swelling and tearing.
Using low-quality cleaning products to wipe the cat's eyes can also cause irritation.
Eye infection:
Keratitis: Keratitis is inflammation of the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eyeball. It can cause redness, tearing, light sensitivity, squinting, and other symptoms.
Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It can cause redness, tearing, increased discharge, and other symptoms.
Trauma: Injuries to the cat's eyes, such as scratches from sharp objects or other animals, can cause swelling, tearing, pain, and other symptoms.
Other diseases: Some systemic diseases, such as feline panleukopenia and feline leukemia, can also cause swollen and teary eyes in cats.

2. Symptoms of Swollen and Teary Eyes in Cats

Besides swollen and teary eyes, cats with eye problems may also exhibit the following symptoms:

Light sensitivity: Cats may be sensitive to light and squint or avoid bright lights.
Increased discharge: The eyes may secrete a large amount of mucus or pus.
Eyelid swelling: The eyelids may be noticeably swollen, even closed.
Eye pain: Cats may constantly rub their eyes with their paws or blink frequently.

3. How to Determine the Cause of Swollen and Teary Eyes in Cats

To determine the cause of swollen and teary eyes in cats, consider their symptoms, behavior, and lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider:

Observe eye discharge:
Clear discharge may indicate irritation or mild infection.
Yellow discharge may suggest a bacterial infection.
Green discharge may suggest a bacterial or viral infection.
Observe the cat's behavior:
If the cat frequently rubs its eyes with its paws, it may indicate pain or a foreign object.
If the cat is sensitive to light, it may have keratitis or conjunctivitis.
If the cat squints frequently, it may indicate eye swelling or pain.
Inquire about the cat's daily routine:
Has the cat been exposed to other animals recently?
Has the cat been in contact with toxic substances?
Has the cat used low-quality cleaning products?
Does the cat spend a lot of time in direct sunlight?

4. How to Care for Swollen and Teary Eyes in Cats

Treatment for swollen and teary eyes in cats varies depending on the underlying cause:

Eye irritation:
Clean the eyes: Use a clean cotton swab dipped in saline solution to gently wipe away debris around the cat's eyes. Avoid touching the eyeball directly.
Trim eye fur: If the fur around the cat's eyes is too long, trim it to avoid irritation.
Avoid contact with irritants: Prevent the cat from coming into contact with dust, sand, smoke, and other irritants.
Eye infection:
Use eye drops: Use appropriate pet eye drops prescribed by a veterinarian.
Prevent scratching: Put an Elizabethan collar on the cat to prevent it from scratching its eyes and worsening the condition.
Trauma:
Seek veterinary attention immediately: If the cat has sustained eye trauma, take it to a veterinarian immediately for examination and treatment.
Other diseases:
Treat the underlying disease: If the swollen and teary eyes are caused by another disease, treat the underlying condition.

5. Preventing Swollen and Teary Eyes in Cats

You can take steps to prevent swollen and teary eyes in cats:

Clean eyes regularly: Clean the area around the cat's eyes regularly with a clean cotton swab dipped in saline solution.
Trim eye fur: Trim the fur around the cat's eyes regularly to prevent irritation.
Avoid contact with irritants: Keep the cat away from dust, sand, smoke, and other irritants.
Schedule regular checkups: Take the cat to the veterinarian for regular eye examinations to detect problems early.
Provide a balanced diet: Feed the cat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost its immune system.

6. Conclusion

Swollen and teary eyes in cats can be caused by eye irritation, infection, trauma, and other factors. Observe your cat's symptoms carefully, consider their lifestyle, and take appropriate care measures. If the eyes are severely swollen or the cat exhibits increased discharge, pain, or other worrisome symptoms, take it to a veterinarian immediately.

This article is original, please keep the link when forwarding:https://www.5zo.net/showinfo-3-76687-0.html