Whats up with Lily's eye?

[stacydc83]

So I just noticed,Lily has alot of tearing/discharge coming from her eye. It's clear, like tears. I think its done it before, but its quite watery. Of course I googled it and all kinds of viruses came up, and I highly doubt its that. It's not bothering her. Shes actually PLAYING right now, with a ball track thing ( I emphasize the playing because anyone who follows my thread knows she does not play). And she ate fantastic tonight so dont think its bothering her.
Here, just took this pic to show the wateriness. Should I worry?

 

[sivyaleah]

We really can't diagnose what it is. If you're concerned, you should bring her in especially if this has happened before.
Yes, there are many viruses that can cause cats eyes to weep and many are easily treatable. In fact, our kitten has had this for months and we finally went to a specialist because we were worried she may wind up with more severe eye issues down the road if we didn't address it. Our vet tested her for many viruses; all came up negative however, she still felt she may have the herpes virus but wasn't shedding it when tested and the specialist concurred with this assessment. Thankfully it wasn't too serious, we just have to administer eye drops for a few weeks and that should take care of it.

EDIT: FYI our kitten never was bothered by it either so please do not assume that just because she's acting normally that it isn't a problem.

 

[Kieka]

Your first stop should be to consult with your vet. Eye issues tend to be nothing or something serious so it is better to be safe.

That said, my Moms cat has a watery eye too. It is just a clear discharge and almost looks like he is crying. It will be active for a few weeks, then dormant for a few weeks. The vet examined him and said his is just how he is. Oddly enough, not allergies or anything either. We do have an eye ointment that does help when it's especially weepy but we have used it only once because he seems more annoyed with the ointment then without. But it is always best to have your vet make sure it is nothing to worry about.

 

[DreamerRose]

It could be something as simple as dry eye, which makes the eye water more heavily, but only your vet can say for sure.

 

[sivyaleah]

It could be something as simple as dry eye, which makes the eye water more heavily, but only your vet can say for sure.

Actually, dry eye isn't that simple as I just found out. The herpes virus is a major cause of it. Without proper eye lubrication the cornea becomes irritated and can start wearing poorly, bacteria collects and pus will start to accumulate resulting in infections. Eyes that are always dry can lead to a host of other problems aside from that, hence why it needs to be looked at.

 

[DreamerRose]

I know that as I have extremely dry eyes myself. But it's treatable, and that's what I meant. Of course they should have it checked out.

 

[MissClouseau]

Even just some dust can cause that. Your kitty goes out, my Hima does too. It's more common for them as it gets windy outside sometimes. Things go back to normal as their own with Hima.

 

[FeebysOwner]

Feeby (15+ yo) just had her first bout with a watery eye - also looked like tears. I just kept watch over it (she did have one eye booger right before that, but that disappeared right away), and within a few days it stopped. If it turns out to be recurring, then I will worry about it more, and will mention it to the vet in April when she is due for her geriatric semi-annual check up. But, Feeby's is pretty healthy overall for her age, and has no known viruses. I am guessing it is age-related?!?! Maybe, a bit of eye strain? Maybe that is Lily's case too.