Tear Stains In Cats (Including 5 Actionable Treatment Tips)

Cat Care 14 Comments

Tear stains on a cat’s face can be a common but unwelcome sight. The dark brown stain marks Kitty’s fur, crusts over, smells bad, and is sticky, too. It’s unsightly, but is it unhealthy?

The lighter the fur, the more noticeable it can be - what causes stains, are some breeds more susceptible, and how can you get rid of the discoloration? Don’t worry, it’s not because Kitty was crying!

If you're worried about your cat having tear stains, then this article is for you. We're going to talk about the common causes of tear stains in cats and offer actionable solutions too.

Tear Stains In Cats (including 5 Actionable Treatment Tips)

What causes tear stains in cats?

The proper name for excessive tearing is epiphora. When a cat’s tear drainage system isn’t working, excess tears overflow onto his fur.

Some cats are born with a defect; some acquire one during a fight with another cat. Allergies or chronic eye infections can also do damage. Even the shape of a cat’s face comes into play - Persians, Himalayans, and other breeds with flat faces have more stain issues than cats with elongated facial features.

So, what to do if you notice tear stains in a cat?

1. Sudden onset? Talk to your vet first

Any changes in a cat's behavior or any change in feline appearance could indicate a problem. If your cat has recently developed tear stains then the first person you need to talk to is your veterinarian.

If Kitty’s eyes are red or if there is a yellow-green discharge, that’s an infection. An ingrown eyelash or hair can also be a problem.

Upper respiratory infections, especially the ones associated with the feline Herpes virus, can also cause eye discharge.

Before treating the cat for the cosmetic effects of eye discharge, head to the vet’s office for a checkup.

If the issue is a blockage, the vet may be able to flush the duct and remove it. This, of course, won’t work if the problem is scar tissue from an injury or after a fight with another cat.

In young animals, tear stains are sometimes associated with teething.

Don't let that stop you from calling the vet. You should never take a chance with a potential eye infection.

2. Consider changing the food

Next, check the ingredient list on the food Kitty is eating. If food dyes are listed, try a dye-free food. Beet pulp is often listed. It’s not harmful but may contribute to staining issues.

Don’t forget the treats - they can have the same kind of problem ingredients.

Changing your cat's food should never be taken lightly. Make sure the diet is fully balanced and age-appropriate. If your cat is on a prescription diet - don't make any changes without consulting your vet first.

And remember to make the change gradual. Add some of the new dye-free food into the mix - slowly increasing the amount of new vs. old food on a daily basis.

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3. Remove the crust - gently!

Once acute medical issues have been ruled out, you may still be left with a cat that has tear stains due to nasal abnormalities. If that's the case, you must include eye care in your grooming routine.

If Kitty has residue and crust around the eyes and on her face, you can use a specially-adapted fine comb to remove that. For many dog and cat breeds, this is a routine part of show grooming.

Click Here To See This Comb On Amazon

4. Use a special eye-cleaning solution for cats

Once a week - or as often as needed - wipe Kitty's eye area to prevent residue build-up.

Avoid baby wipes or anything that might hurt the delicate feline eyes. Used one of the following instead:


Click Here To See This Tear Stain Remover On Amazon


See These Tear Stain Remover Wipes On Amazon


Click Here To See These Sterile Saline Wipes On Amazon

5. Preparing for a show? Try this

When dealing with stubborn tear stains on white fur, some breeders need to pull out the big guns. Always Bright Eyes offers a set including liquid, powder, and even an applicator to make tear stains disappear.

You may not need this if you're not showing your cat but we thought we'd mention that too, just in case.

Click Here To See This Always Bright Eyes Kit On Amazon

Tear stains be gone!

Just keep in mind that cosmetic solutions should never replace proper veterinary care. Cats should not have tear stains and if yours does, talk to your veterinarian and get a diagnosis before you do anything else.

Feline eyes are special -- let's help our kitties keep them clean and healthy!

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14 comments on “Tear Stains In Cats (Including 5 Actionable Treatment Tips)”

CatLover49 May 30, 2019
jadeleaf said:
My cat Sabbath gets infected eyes every now and then (I think it's from scratching with his back foot and he's clawing his eye on occasion) and gets goopy yellow tears.  I didn't really know what to do the first time it happened but I know when I have eye infections, usually I boil water and dissolve a bit of salt in and let it cool then wash my eye out with cotton - I did this for Sabbath and it went away quite quickly.   After going to the Vet, I was basically told that I'd been doing the right thing (that I should only come for a prescription for him if it lasts more than three or four days and looks worse despite salt water wash).  It's a bit hard getting him to sit still to wash his eyes but salt water seems to do the trick.
Are u talking table salt or Epson salt????
    Tanya September 8, 2020
    Table
Nicoletrenton May 4, 2019
jadeleaf said:
My cat Sabbath gets infected eyes every now and then (I think it's from scratching with his back foot and he's clawing his eye on occasion) and gets goopy yellow tears.  I didn't really know what to do the first time it happened but I know when I have eye infections, usually I boil water and dissolve a bit of salt in and let it cool then wash my eye out with cotton - I did this for Sabbath and it went away quite quickly.   After going to the Vet, I was basically told that I'd been doing the right thing (that I should only come for a prescription for him if it lasts more than three or four days and looks worse despite salt water wash).  It's a bit hard getting him to sit still to wash his eyes but salt water seems to do the trick.
I have spent countless hours and nights on this!
Nicoletrenton May 4, 2019
jadeleaf said:
My cat Sabbath gets infected eyes every now and then (I think it's from scratching with his back foot and he's clawing his eye on occasion) and gets goopy yellow tears.  I didn't really know what to do the first time it happened but I know when I have eye infections, usually I boil water and dissolve a bit of salt in and let it cool then wash my eye out with cotton - I did this for Sabbath and it went away quite quickly.   After going to the Vet, I was basically told that I'd been doing the right thing (that I should only come for a prescription for him if it lasts more than three or four days and looks worse despite salt water wash).  It's a bit hard getting him to sit still to wash his eyes but salt water seems to do the trick.
Thayers witch Hazel aloe alcohol free.
CatLover49 February 3, 2019
nunnc84 said:
Rescued a white Persian with an extremely flat face. She had a URI, conjunctivitis, and tear stains. After the infection was gone I went of Facebook and was suggested Eye Envy. The cat acts like a feral in most ways. She dislikes the powder application most of all. She cleans her face and the powder ends up irritating her eyes. A hour after applying the Eye Envy treatment I end up wiping away the powder. By that time her stains turn light brown from black. Do I toss the Eye Envy and try Bright Eyes? She prefers normal eye lubricant. Recently, I bought Alvolo to sooth her eyes after applying the Eye Envy. Am I helping or hurting her?
I would get to a vet.Thats what I had to do with my baby
nunnc84 November 14, 2018
I bought the stuff in the article. It’s in the mail. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Walaa Badran November 14, 2018
nunnc84 said:
Rescued a white Persian with an extremely flat face. She had a URI, conjunctivitis, and tear stains. After the infection was gone I went of Facebook and was suggested Eye Envy. The cat acts like a feral in most ways. She dislikes the powder application most of all. She cleans her face and the powder ends up irritating her eyes. A hour after applying the Eye Envy treatment I end up wiping away the powder. By that time her stains turn light brown from black. Do I toss the Eye Envy and try Bright Eyes? She prefers normal eye lubricant. Recently, I bought Alvolo to sooth her eyes after applying the Eye Envy. Am I helping or hurting her?
I am using envy eye that was recommended by the breeder however it doesn't help at all. I am cleaning my kitten's eyes 3 times a day and still the stain won't go away. My breeder's cats have no stains at all. I am sure there must be another way to bleach the stain without harming the eye. Please. Let me know if you find out any helpful way. But yes! Envy eye aren't helping.
nunnc84 November 11, 2018
nunnc84 said:
Rescued a white Persian with an extremely flat face. She had a URI, conjunctivitis, and tear stains. After the infection was gone I went of Facebook and was suggested Eye Envy. The cat acts like a feral in most ways. She dislikes the powder application most of all. She cleans her face and the powder ends up irritating her eyes. A hour after applying the Eye Envy treatment I end up wiping away the powder. By that time her stains turn light brown from black. Do I toss the Eye Envy and try Bright Eyes? She prefers normal eye lubricant. Recently, I bought Alvolo to sooth her eyes after applying the Eye Envy. Am I helping or hurting her?
Has anyone had any luck with Eye Envy? She doesn't like it at all! It encourages bacteria growth.I don't recommend it!
nunnc84 November 3, 2018
Rescued a white Persian with an extremely flat face. She had a URI, conjunctivitis, and tear stains. After the infection was gone I went of Facebook and was suggested Eye Envy. The cat acts like a feral in most ways. She dislikes the powder application most of all. She cleans her face and the powder ends up irritating her eyes. A hour after applying the Eye Envy treatment I end up wiping away the powder. By that time her stains turn light brown from black. Do I toss the Eye Envy and try Bright Eyes? She prefers normal eye lubricant. Recently, I bought Alvolo to sooth her eyes after applying the Eye Envy. Am I helping or hurting her?
snickers143 September 25, 2015
well at about 5 this morning, my kitten, Twix, passed away. She was the kitten that I was talking about in my last post. I laid her right next to her brother, Snickers, who passed away from the same symptoms yesterday morning at around 7am. I am going to miss both of them.
snickers143 September 25, 2015
i have a 4 week old kitten and she wont eat, drink, use the bathroom and she's limp and has no energy at all. she wont even blink. I have been feeding her water and milk replacer from a syringe. I thought she was going to pass away but she has not yet. Y would she being doing these?
    Catrina January 15, 2024
    Look into Fading Cat Syndrome. I had adopted a kitten which was from a feral mom. He passed away after having the same symptoms you describe and our vet told us he had Fading Cat Syndrome which always results in death. We had the option of taking him home to await his final moments or have him euthanized, we chose the latter. It’s sad this happened to 2 of yours who were siblings too. RIP Bo. Hope this helps.
jadeleaf May 24, 2015
My cat Sabbath gets infected eyes every now and then (I think it's from scratching with his back foot and he's clawing his eye on occasion) and gets goopy yellow tears.  I didn't really know what to do the first time it happened but I know when I have eye infections, usually I boil water and dissolve a bit of salt in and let it cool then wash my eye out with cotton - I did this for Sabbath and it went away quite quickly.   After going to the Vet, I was basically told that I'd been doing the right thing (that I should only come for a prescription for him if it lasts more than three or four days and looks worse despite salt water wash).  It's a bit hard getting him to sit still to wash his eyes but salt water seems to do the trick.
betsygee September 4, 2014
Good suggestions! One more--a cat groomer suggested that I try human saline nasal spray on my white cat's staining. She said the saline helps break down the protein in the tear stains. I don't know if that's correct about the proteins, but it worked. I would saturate a cotton ball with saline solution and apply it gently under and around her eyes. It helped a lot to keep the staining to a minimum.

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