Cats develop persistent tear stains when excess tears overflow and accumulate on their fur—often visible as reddish‑brown or dark streaks below the eyes. This condition is typically called epiphora, and while sometimes cosmetic, it can indicate underlying health or anatomical issues.
1. Excessive Tear Production (Epiphora)
Cats may produce too many tears in response to:
- Eye irritation (e.g. infections like conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, glaucoma, foreign debris)
- Allergies (environmental or food‑related)
- Dental issues or kitten teething, which can cause nearby swelling and blockage of tear ducts
2. Poor Tear Drainage
Even with normal tear production, cats may have insufficient drainage if:
- The nasolacrimal ducts are blocked or malformed (congenitally or due to inflammation/debris/tumors)
- Their eyelids are malformed—such as rolling in (entropion) or rolling out (ectropion)
- Ingrown eyelashes (distichiasis or ectopic cilia) rub the eye and provoke tearing
3. Facial Anatomy and Breed Predisposition
Some breeds—like Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs—have flat or shortened skulls (brachycephalic faces). This structure often prevents tears from entering the duct and instead causes tears to overflow onto the fur. Tear film “simply rolls off the face” rather than draining normally.
4. Porphyrin-Staining and Secondary Infections
Tears contain porphyrins—iron‑containing pigments that darken when they dry on light‑colored fur, resulting in striking reddish‑brown or black stains.
Moreover, constant moisture may foster bacteria or yeast colonization, worsening staining, causing odor or even skin irritation or infection.
5. Other Contributing Factors
- Poor grooming or long hair around the eyes can disrupt normal tear flow.
- Diet or water quality: high‑iron or low‑quality diets might aggravate tear staining in sensitive cats.
- Environmental irritants (dust, smoke, pollen), or stress, may also increase tear production.
Summary of Common Causes
| Underlying Mechanism | Examples |
|---|---|
| Increased tear production | Eye infections, allergies, irritation, dental or teething issues |
| Poor tear drainage | Blocked ducts, eyelid deformities, misdirected eyelashes |
| Facial conformation | Flat-faced breeds with anatomical drainage challenges |
| Porphyrin staining | Iron‑based tear pigments darken fur; moisture promotes bacterial/yeast growth |
| External contributors | Long eye hair, diet sensitivity, environmental allergens |
What should you do if your cat has heavy tear staining?
-
Visit your veterinarian for a thorough eye exam — this may include tests like Schirmer tear testing, fluorescein dye drainage, intraocular pressure, and eyelid evaluation to rule out serious conditions like glaucoma or tumors.
-
Treat any diagnosed underlying condition:
- Eye infections may require topical or oral antibiotics/antivirals.
- Blocked tear ducts can sometimes be flushed or surgically corrected.
- Eyelid or eyelash deformities may require surgical intervention.
- Manage ongoing staining at home:
- Gently wipe the area under the eyes twice daily with a soft warm cloth or vet‑approved pet safe wipes.
- Keep hair trimmed around the eyes to minimize obstruction and moisture retention.
- Use stainless steel or glass bowls (not plastic), filtered water, and consider dietary adjustments if food sensitivities are suspected.
- Avoid dangerous or untested products:
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or human eye products around your cat’s eyes—they can cause severe damage.
- Many tear‑stain remedies that contain low‑dose antibiotics have been discouraged by the FDA and veterinary organizations due to antibiotic‑resistance concerns.
When tear stains might be harmless—but still worth attention
For some cats—especially brachycephalic breeds—tear staining may be a long‑term cosmetic issue caused by anatomy alone, not disease. As long as the eye structures appear healthy, there’s no discomfort, and tears are clean, many veterinarians consider management (not cure) appropriate. That said, regular cleaning and monitoring are essential to prevent secondary skin infections.
In summary
Heavy tear stains in cats are most often caused by epiphora—excess tearing or poor drainage—linked to underlying eye problems, allergies, or breed-specific facial structure. The reddish‑brown stains are caused by porphyrins and potentially worsened by moisture‑loving microbes. While some cases are purely cosmetic, a veterinary checkup is essential to diagnose or rule out treatable eye conditions. Routine cleaning, trimming, proper hydration and diet may help manage or minimize staining after medical causes are addressed.