Colored discharge (clear is usually minor; suggests infection).
Unlike humans, who might only "drain" tears during a good cry, cats have a constant flow of fluid that protects the eye.
Tears produced by the lacrimal gland and the third eyelid’s gland normally lubricate the cornea, then drain through this pathway. In cats, this system is less curved than in dogs, making feline tear duct obstructions slightly less common but still clinically significant. cat tear ducts
This is why your cat might sneeze or have a slightly damp nose when their eyes are watering—it is just the plumbing at work! Why Do Cat Tear Ducts Get Blocked?
owner knows that "sleepy seeds" or a bit of eye crust is part of the morning routine, but when those watery eyes turn into constant dampness or dark stains, it is time to look closer at your cat's tear ducts. Technically known as the , these narrow channels are responsible for keeping your cat’s eyes healthy and comfortable. The Anatomy: How Cat Tear Ducts Work In cats, this system is less curved than
Unlike the human eye, which relies heavily on gravity to drain tears down the face, the cat’s system is a closed, pressurized loop.
This is an infection of the nasolacrimal sac. owner knows that "sleepy seeds" or a bit
: This is a symptom where tears spill onto the face instead of draining properly. It often leaves reddish-brown staining on the fur, which is common in flat-faced breeds like Persians due to their facial structure.
Tears are a sophisticated mix of water (from lacrimal glands), oil (from Meibomian glands), and mucus (from goblet cells). This cocktail keeps the eye surface moist and washes away dust.
If a cat’s face is wet below the eye, the nasolacrimal duct is likely obstructed.