I don’t know what’s going on with my cat, and I’m starting to get really worried. For the past few months, my cat Max has had this constant watery eye, and it’s just not getting any better. At first, I thought maybe it was allergies, since it started in spring, but now it's well into autumn and nothing's changed. Every morning, there’s this crusty buildup, and he blinks like it bothers him, but he’s still his usual playful self otherwise. I’m not sure if it's something serious or if I’m just overthinking it. Has anyone else experienced something similar with their cat? I'm really hoping it's nothing, but I don’t want to leave it unchecked if it could be more serious.
Thanks for reaching out. I completely understand why you're worried about your cat's watery eye. Long-term watery eyes in cats can sometimes signal an underlying issue. Common causes include allergies, foreign bodies (like dust or an eyelash), eye infections, or even blocked tear ducts. In some cases, it might be a symptom of a more chronic condition like conjunctivitis or feline herpesvirus, which are not uncommon in cats.
At home, you might gently wipe your cat’s eye with a soft, damp cloth to remove any discharge, using a separate area of the cloth for each eye to prevent any cross-contamination. Ensure to use plain water and avoid any home remedies until a vet confirms the cause.
Keep a close watch for any signs of redness, swelling, changes in your cat's vision, or if the discharge changes color to yellow or green — these could indicate more serious infections that would require immediate attention. Additionally, if your cat is pawing at their eye or showing signs of discomfort, those are also signs to contact a vet urgently.
Book a video consult with Dial A Vet to have a professional look at your cat's eye. They'll help narrow down the cause and recommend the best treatment plan for your feline friend.
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