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Pet Eye Care Guide · Malaysia

Tear Stains in Cats: Common Causes and Daily Care

Reddish-brown streaks under the eyes are one of the most common things owners ask about. This guide explains what causes tear stains, how to tell if the tear duct is involved, and what a sensible daily routine looks like.

For cat owners
Daily eye hygiene
When to see a vet
PROUDPET Supreme L-Lysine supplement for cats, used for daily tear stain care
Tear stains are one of the most common concerns pet owners bring up, especially for light-coloured cats. Clinically, this is called epiphora — excess tear overflow. When tears sit on the fur, oxidation and yeast on the skin surface gradually turn the area a reddish-brown colour that plain wiping doesn’t fully remove. If the fur stays wet for long periods, it can also lead to skin irritation around the eyes.

Important: This article is for general pet-care education and does not replace a veterinary exam. If your pet’s eyes are painful, swollen, or the discharge changes colour suddenly, please see a vet.

Why do tear stains happen?

Tear overflow usually comes down to one of two things: the tear duct isn’t draining properly, or the eye is producing more tears than usual because of irritation. Common contributing factors include:

  • Blocked tear duct (nasolacrimal duct): This can be congenital (the duct never developed fully) or acquired, usually from previous eye inflammation narrowing the drainage path.
  • Breed and facial structure: Flat-faced breeds — Persian and Exotic Shorthair cats — are more prone to tear overflow simply due to skull shape.
  • Physical irritation: Entropion (inward-rolling eyelid), ingrown eyelashes, or corneal surface damage can all trigger excess tearing.
  • Allergies: Both food and environmental allergies can show up as watery, irritated eyes.
  • Chronic ear infections: Pets that frequently scratch at itchy ears can end up irritating the skin around the eyes as well, which may increase tear production.
  • Eye infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis is one cause; in cats, feline herpesvirus is another common trigger for recurring eye discharge.

How vets check whether the tear duct is blocked

Two simple in-clinic tests are commonly used. A Schirmer tear test strip measures how much tear fluid is produced in one minute — a very low reading may point to dry eye rather than overflow, while a very high reading suggests excess tearing. Vets may also use a fluorescein dye test to check whether the nasolacrimal duct is draining normally, which helps confirm whether the duct itself is the problem.

A simple daily care routine

1. Wipe, then dry.
Use a pet-safe wipe or damp gauze to clean the stained area, then dry it so moisture doesn’t sit in the fur.
2. Trim fur around the eyes.
Keeping the hair short reduces the surface area where tears and debris can collect.
3. Rinse with saline when needed.
A pet-safe saline solution can help clear debris from the eye surface.
4. Gently massage the tear duct area.
A short daily massage, around 3–5 minutes, near the inner corner of the eye may support drainage.

When should you see a vet?

Book a vet visit if the discharge suddenly changes colour or smell, the eye looks painful or swollen, or home care isn’t making a difference after a few weeks. A blocked duct may need flushing or, in cases like entropion, corrective surgery — these are not things home care can resolve on its own.

Where daily nutrition fits in

Alongside hygiene and any medical treatment a vet recommends, some owners also look at daily nutritional support. For cats whose tearing is linked to feline herpesvirus, long-term supplementation with L-Lysine, alongside reducing stress triggers at home, is a commonly discussed approach for supporting normal day-to-day comfort.

Ready to start a daily tear-care routine?

PROUDPET Amino Acid Facial Cleanser is formulated for both dogs and cats, with a gentle, skin-friendly formula for daily wipe-downs around the eyes.

View PROUDPET Facial Cleanser

FAQ

Are tear stains always a sign of a health problem?

Not always — some breeds simply produce more visible staining due to facial structure. But sudden changes in colour, smell, or amount of discharge are worth a vet check.

Can I use human eye products on my pet?

No. Always use products formulated for pets, and check with a vet before introducing anything new near the eyes.

Will L-Lysine cure my cat’s tear stains?

L-Lysine is a daily nutritional supplement, not a treatment. It’s most often discussed alongside herpesvirus-related eye discharge in cats, as part of a broader daily-care routine rather than a standalone fix.

How long before I see a difference from home care?

Existing staining won’t disappear overnight and may need to grow out with the fur. Consistent daily hygiene is what prevents new staining from building up.

 

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