- \n
- Cats don\u2019t cry from emotions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- One-sided tearing often points to physical issues with that eye only<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Brown or thick discharge from the eyes is a red flag for infection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A vet should always check persistent tearing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maven Pet\u2019s pet health monitor helps catch problems before they escalate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Why Is My Cat Crying Tears?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/why_is_my_cat_crying_tears_why.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDo cats cry tears? Yes, they do. However, it\u2019s not because they miss you or anything. The usual reasons for cats crying are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Irritation\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allergies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blocked tear ducts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Infections<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ilness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A single tear isn\u2019t cause for panic, but constant watering, redness, or discharge means it\u2019s time to get a vet\u2019s opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Is My Cat Crying Tears Out of One Eye?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When tearing happens in just one eye, it\u2019s usually a sign of a localized issue that affects only that single duct. Some of the more common reasons are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Conjunctivitis\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blocked tear ducts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Foreign objects<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Corneal scratches or ulcers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The start of an infection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If the tearing lasts more than a day or is accompanied by redness, squinting, or discharge, your cat needs a vet check. One-sided tearing can be minor, but it\u2019s also a classic early warning sign of conjunctivitis or injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Is My Cat Always Crying Tears?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The \u201cconstant\u201d tearing of the cat\u2019s eye is called epiphora<\/a>, and it\u2019s usually a sign that there\u2019s ongoing irritation or poor tear drainage. It doesn\u2019t have anything to do with emotions. The usual culprits are chronic conjunctivitis (often from feline herpesvirus-1), blocked or narrow tear ducts, or eyelid\/eyelash problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The vet will usually perform a complete eye examination to check for inflamed tissue around the eye or any other issues. Additional tests, such as the Schirmer tear test, can be made to measure the tear production and look for corneal ulcers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>\n\u201cEvery time Umi is hospitalized, it\u2019s for like four days and it costs over $5,000\u2026 Maven has helped me not only save money<\/strong> but also save his life<\/strong><\/em>\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Jessica-Ortiz-Umi.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jessica Ortiz
Umi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nTrack your cat’s health!<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhy Is My Cat Crying Brown Tears?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When your cat\u2019s tears look brown, it\u2019s a sign of discharge, so what you\u2019ll see is pus, pigments, or debris. This happens when the eye is fighting an infection or dealing with chronic irritation. When the mucus is clear, it\u2019s usually an indicator of a viral infection, whereas brown mucus suggests a bacterial one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter the contents of the tears, it\u2019s always good to call a vet immediately so that they can run tests and give your cat some antibiotic eyedrops and other remedies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Is My Cat Crying Tears While Eating?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If your cat starts tearing up while eating, the most common reason is pressure on the tear ducts or irritation in the nose and nasal passages. Other reasons include, but are not limited to, dental problems, sinus inflammation, or upper respiratory infections. Of course, occasional watering during eating is not a reason to get alarmed, but if the condition persists, then you need to react. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Causes: Allergies, Infections, Blocked Ducts, Eye Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/why_is_my_cat_crying_tears_causes.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMost of the time, we can trace watery eyes to a handful of usual suspects: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Allergies<\/strong>: Dust, pollen, cleaning products, or perfumes can irritate the eyes and trigger watery tears.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Infections<\/strong>: Viral or bacterial infections, like feline herpesvirus, can inflame the eyes and lead to continuous tearing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Blocked tear ducts:<\/strong> If the ducts can\u2019t drain properly, the tears simply spill out down the face.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Eye disease or injury:<\/strong> Conditions like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers<\/a>, or glaucoma <\/a>can cause excess tear production or discharge.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A single tear now and then is no big deal, but persistent tearing, especially if it\u2019s thick, colored, or paired with other symptoms, is a clear sign your cat\u2019s eyes need a vet\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When to See a Vet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A few stray tears are not a sign of trouble, but sometimes, those lines get crossed easily. The eyes are sensitive, so consider getting your vet involved when you start noticing the following accompanying symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Persistent or heavy tearing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Thick and colored discharge from the eye<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Redness or swelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Squinting or pawing at the eye<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lethargy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Appetite loss<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A quick vet visit can catch something small before it turns into something painful and, potentially, vision-threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cCats don\u2019t shed emotional tears like humans do. If you notice watery or discolored discharge, it\u2019s a sign something is irritating your cat\u2019s eyes \u2014 and a vet visit is often the best next step.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0– Carolina Domingues, DVM, Veterinarian at Maven Pet<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How the Maven Pet Health Monitor Helps Track Health and Comfort<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to spotting subtle health changes like an increase in tearing, a pet health tracker<\/a> is an ally, especially when it\u2019s packed with features like Maven Pet\u2019s cat health tracker<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/prod-cat.jpg\")
<\/span>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/maven.pet\/all-about-pets\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/cat-scr.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\nMonitor heart rate, respiratory rate, activity & rest, itch behavior.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
- Blocked tear ducts:<\/strong> If the ducts can\u2019t drain properly, the tears simply spill out down the face.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Infections<\/strong>: Viral or bacterial infections, like feline herpesvirus, can inflame the eyes and lead to continuous tearing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allergies<\/strong>: Dust, pollen, cleaning products, or perfumes can irritate the eyes and trigger watery tears.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n