If you’ve noticed that your cat has watery eyes or is meowing in a heartbreaking way, your first thought might be: “What’s going on?” Cats don’t cry out of emotion the way we do, but tearing or meowing can be signs of discomfort. This behavior could be related to a physical problem, such as an infection or an allergy, or it might stem from an emotional or behavioral need. In short, your kitty isn’t doing these things randomly, so it’s important to observe and try to understand.
Watery eyes: when should you be concerned?
Sometimes it’s normal for a cat’s eyes to look a bit wet, but excessive tearing could indicate something more serious. The main causes include eye infections, allergies, or foreign objects. For example, if your cat has been in the garden, it’s possible that dust or a small speck of dirt has irritated its eye.
Another common cause is conjunctivitis, a bacterial or viral infection that can cause redness, swelling, and yellowish discharge. This condition requires a visit to the vet, who may prescribe eye drops or specific treatment. Allergies can also make your cat’s eyes water. They can be triggered by pollen, dust, household cleaners, or even perfumes.
Lastly, some cat breeds, like Persians, have a facial structure that makes them more prone to chronic tearing. In these cases, it’s important to regularly clean their eyes with sterile gauze to prevent infections.
A cat that “cries” with continuous meowing
A cat that meows insistently isn’t doing it for no reason. Often it’s a sign of discomfort or a specific request. Your cat might be hungry or thirsty, feeling lonely, or perhaps trying to get your attention to let you know something is wrong.
For example, if your cat meows while staring right at you, it might be telling you the food bowl is empty (yes, even if there’s still a little bit of food left). But if the meowing is constant, high-pitched, and different from usual, it could be a sign of pain or physical discomfort. Cats are masters at hiding their problems, but an unusual meow often clearly indicates it’s time to see the vet.
We shouldn’t forget that stress can affect a cat’s vocal behavior. If you’ve moved to a new home, brought in a new pet, or simply rearranged the furniture, your cat might meow to express discomfort or confusion.
I still remember many years ago when I was a child: my parents brought home a kitten taken from a countryside cat’s litter. The kitten cried all night, meowed continuously, and seemed truly desperate. It was simply too young to be taken away; it meowed because it felt lost at night without its mother cat and siblings. We ended up taking it back to the litter.
Sometimes stray or countryside kittens struggle to adapt to a domestic life; they need more attention and can feel lost. It takes a lot of patience.
How to tell if it’s something serious
If your cat is “crying” — whether with its eyes or its voice — there are some signs to watch out for to see if you should be concerned:
- Persistent tearing accompanied by redness or swelling.
- Thick, yellowish, or greenish discharge from the eyes.
- Continuous, high-pitched meowing that’s different from normal.
- Behavioral changes, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or isolation.
These symptoms could point to a more serious physical or emotional problem. In these situations, it’s best not to act as an amateur vet, and instead take your cat to a professional.
How to help your cat
If you’ve ruled out serious problems, there are several things you can do to help your cat. First, make sure it always has access to fresh food, clean water, and a peaceful environment. Cats are creatures of habit, so maintaining a stable routine helps them feel safe.
For watery eyes, you can gently clean them with sterile gauze moistened with warm water, avoiding harsh products or anything not specifically made for cats. This applies only to mild irritation, though. If the tearing persists or gets worse, don’t hesitate to consult the vet.
If your cat is meowing to get your attention, try to figure out what it wants. Sometimes all it takes is spending some time together, playing, or simply petting it. If you think your cat is stressed, consider creating a quiet spot in the house — a little hideaway where it can retreat and relax.
Conclusion
A cat that “cries” is trying to tell you something. Whether it’s a physical discomfort or a simple request for attention, it’s up to you to interpret the signals and act accordingly. It isn’t always a serious issue, but watching your cat’s behavior is key to understanding how to help. And remember: if you’re in doubt, the vet is always your best choice. Your cat will thank you in its own way — maybe with a gentle head bump or by purring on your favorite couch.
And what about you? Have you ever had an experience with a cat that seemed to be “crying”? Leave a comment below: I’d love to hear your story and maybe share ideas on how to handle similar situations. Every story can be helpful to other cat lovers!
