Cats cannot cry tears due to emotions like sadness or stress; if you see watery eyes or tears in a cat, it is almost always a sign of a physical issue rather than an emotional one. Cats do have tear ducts and can physically produce tears to keep their eyes healthy, but these tears are for lubrication and cleaning and not a response to feelings.
Why Cats' Eyes Water
Watery eyes in cats can be caused by:
- Eye irritation
- Allergies
- Infection
- Injury
- Chronic medical conditions
If a cat's eyes are persistently watery or producing excess tears, it typically means there is an underlying health issue that should be checked by a veterinarian.
How Cats Express Emotion
While cats don’t shed emotional tears, they do express their feelings in other ways:
- Vocalizing with yowls, whimpers, or meows when in pain, stressed, or needing attention.
- Exhibiting behavioral changes such as hiding, reduced interaction, or changes in eating and sleeping habits.
Summary Table
Tear Production| Emotional Tears| Physical Cause Tears
---|---|---
Cats have tear ducts24| No| Yes
Main Purpose| Eye lubrication & health5| Response to irritation, infection, or
injury13
If you notice actual tears from your cat’s eyes, it’s not due to emotional crying, but rather a sign to look for possible health concerns and consult a vet if it persists.
