Can Cats Cry? What Are The Possible Reasons For Teary Eyes In Cats?

All animals have emotions, and so do cats. But can cats cry? Well, they have their own ways of expressing feelings, like moaning or meowing, but they don’t cry the way we do. 

If you are a first-time pet parent and wake up in the middle of the night and notice tears streaming down their eyes, you might think they are being emotional. But that is not the case. There is some medical issue hidden behind those tears. 

There are various reasons why your cat might be crying. So, if you really want to know the reason behind your cat’s tears, you will have to look into it to learn the underlying cause. 

Like any other animal, cats have tear ducts, which protect their eyes and keep them lubricated. It keeps the dust and debris out of their eyes and protects them against infections.  

Can Cats Cry? Medical Reasons Why A Cat’s Eye Water

Yes, cats can cry, but that does not mean they express that through tears. Carly Foc, DVM, and senior veterinarian at Animal Medical Center in NYC, told Chewy, “While cats can cry due to stress, pain, loneliness, or for attention, they do not produce tears in the traditional sense and do not have complex emotions like people do.” 

So, what do those tears in their eyes mean? There are some medical reasons behind this, but none of those are emotional. Some of the common reasons are: 

1. Allergies

It is not just you who gets a bad allergic reaction, but your cat can get it as well. They can have an allergic reaction to mold, pollen, or dust. Moreover, they can be allergic to some household products, like a particular kind of cleaning supplies. This can cause watery eyes. 

2. Foreign Objects 

Sometimes, a small piece of hair, dust, or dirt can get trapped in their eyes. This can cause irritation, which can cause irritation and redness in their eyes. Also, it can cause watery eyes in cats. 

3. Upper Respiratory Infections 

This is one of the most common causes of watery eyes in your cat. You might notice a clear discharge from their eyes, but it is happening because of a bacterial infection, and the clear colour may turn greenish or yellowish. 

4. Irritants 

When your cat is exposed to smoke, dust, and perfumes, it can cause watery eyes. This is a protective response that you will notice.  

5. Blocked Tear Ducts 

This is also known as nasolacrimal duct obstruction, where the tear ducts get blocked. This prevents a proper flow and causes it to overflow. 

6. Conjunctivitis 

This is also known as pink eye. This happens when the conjunctiva, which lines the eyelids, is inflamed, causing redness and swelling in the eyes. This makes their eyes watery and sometimes causes a discharge. 

7. Uveitis

This is when the middle layer of the eye gets inflamed. This happens because of an injury or an infection. Moreover, this can happen from other injuries as well, which can cause pain in their eyes and make them tear up. 

8. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure in the eyes increases. This is also a popular reason that can make their eyes tear up. 

9. Corneal Damage

If your cat has somehow scratched its eyes or there is an ulcer on the surface of the eye, you should seek veterinary care. This is very painful, causing their eyes to tear up and other symptoms. 

Behavioral “Crying”: Why Cats Vocalize And What It Means

Cats often vocalize through their cry. They try to communicate their needs through this behavior. They cry when they convey their needs, like when they want food, when they are in pain, or when they want attention from you.  

Some of the other reasons behind crying include a change in their environment, stress, boredom, loneliness, and also during mating calls.  

However, to understand what they are trying to convey, you will have to observe their body language, look for symptoms of some health issues, and check their immediate surroundings as well.  

Watery Eyes Vs Emotional Distress 

Watery eyes in cats are generally a sign of a physical issue, and not emotional distress. Here is a guide to help you understand how to deal with their watery eyes. 

If you notice their eyes tear up along with a discharge or pus, then you need to take them to a vet immediately. 

If you notice their eyes tear up, but there is no discharge or very little discharge, then you need to keep them under observation. 

Moreover, if they are hiding, meowing without any sign of tears, this could mean they are in pain. Check for other signs and symptoms to understand what they are going through, or whether they are under stress. 

Home First-Aid And Care For Teary Eyes

Treatment for a cat’s teary eye depends on the root cause. However, here are a few things you can try at home. 

Clean the eyes: Use a sterile gauze along with saline solution to clean their eyes gently, and clean any discharge you see to prevent infection. 

Use a sterile gauze: Use a fresh gauze for both their eyes. This will prevent the spread of infection from one eye to another. 

Clean in one direction: Clean their eye in one swift motion, moving away from their eyes. 

Try compress: You can try either a warm compress or a cold compress to relieve their irritation. 

Prevent scratching: If your cat is constantly rubbing their eyes, use an Elizabethan collar that your vet recommends to prevent any further injury. 

How Vets Diagnose The Cause (What Tests To Expect) 

If you notice your cat’s eyes getting teary and this lasts more than 24 hours, or if it affects their daily behavior, such as using the litter box, eating, and drinking, along with a discharge, then you need to take them to a vet immediately. 

Also, look for any signs of injury near their eyes, like a laceration. If you identify one, you need to take it to a vet immediately.  

Jennifer Donaldson, DVM, and vet in Willow, Alaska, told Chewy, “Cats can be rather stealthy and creative in hiding symptoms of discomfort or illness, so owners should be advised that if the cat is rubbing or pawing at the eyes, holding one or both closed, or if there is cloudy discharge to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.” 

To check what is exactly going on with them, a vet starts with a physical and ophthalmologic exam. They might even recommend some tests like the Schirmer test. This is done to measure their tear production. 

Moreover, they can recommend fluorescein staining to determine if there is any damage to the cornea and perform a tonometry to check eye pressure. If they suspect any blockage, they might even do a CT scan or a nasolacrimal duct flushing. 

Behavioral Support If Your Cat Seems Sad 

Can cats cry? Yes, they do, but that does not include tears or discharge from their eyes. They do have emotions, but they never shed tears to express those emotions. They communicate through their body language and use their voice. 

Any change in their behavior could mean that something is wrong. If you are concerned about their emotions, then you need to look for other signs like a loss of appetite, lethargy, and withdrawal. These are often signs of illness or pain. Take them to a vet. 

But if they are not doing well, mentally enrich their surroundings with a safe space. Moreover, get them on a consistent routine and provide stimulating cat toys. Increase interaction through gentle grooming, playtime, and the use of calming aids like catnip. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can cats cry? Here are some of the common questions people ask while discussing the matter.