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Cats/watery eye

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Expert: - 11/9/2009


Question
I live in Egypt and just purchased a traditional (non-show quality) male Siamese kitten. He is 3 months old. I am an American optician and so familiar with human eye conditions and have no reason to think he has an infection. The situation is one eye ONLY seems so weak and always has big tears running out of it and he often holds it half way closed. He has not damaged his eye as I know of or can see and unless there is microscopic damage or a particle there doesn't seem to be anything in it.
It has been this way since I have had him and I have had him about 1 month now. The water is clear. Thank you so much for your help because there aren't many domestic vets here and in fact, sadly not many people care about animals here and I need help.

Kind thanks, Jude

Answer
Jude,

Honestly, there are a large number of possibilities for what might be causing this baby's ocular discharge. I really think that it would be in the kitten's best interests to see a veterinarian who has modern facilities and is current on all of the diagnostic and treatment protocols in cats. Since this baby is purebred I was wondering - did he come from a local breeder? If so you would think that the breeder would have a reliable vet since many medical issues can come up when you're breeding cats from obstetrical issues to more mundane health issues to more serious chronic issues. If the kitten was shipped in from elsewhere or your breeder doesn't have a veterinarian that you feel comfortable with I'd be willing to try and help you find someone. Do you know if there are any veterinary hospitals set up by worldwide animal welfare organizations like WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) or other similar groups in or near your area? This kitten really should see a qualified vet who has decent training and experience as well as being aware of current treatments for disorders of the eye in cats just in case there are more serious issues happening. I'd be more than happy to try and help you find a veterinarian to treat this baby if you gave me a general area where you're writing from, I might be able to contact Canadian or American offices of various animal welfare organizations that might be willing to direct me to the nearest veterinary hospital that's able to provide current, appropriate exams and treatment options.

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Ali

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I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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