Cat crying is the most emotional thing for humans. We think they crying for anyone. We think cat meowing loudly is a sign of crying and Another is Dropping tears. So. We are explaining the whole reason behind the crying and tears of cats.
Why is my cat meowing loud and crying?
It’s normal for kittens to cry in the first weeks of life. This could be due to feeling the absence of their mother or because they are hungry, cold, or afraid. When we have recently adopted a kitten, it’s likely they will cry while they acclimatize to their new environment. To understand why cats cry, we must take the context into account. For example, if the cat is crying and their dish is empty, we may think they might be hungry.
In Heat: A common reason female cats cry, especially at night, is due to their heat cycle. If we live with an unsterilized cat, it’s common to hear them crying and meowing insistently, even desperately. Since their heat cycle is influenced by sunlight, it can occur during most of the year. These cats may try to escape, and fights with other cats are common. This can lead to serious injuries and even the transmission of diseases. For this and other reasons, spaying is recommended.
Wanting to Enter or Exit: If the context of a cat’s crying is that they do so beside a door or window, then maybe they want to get out or in. This can be exacerbated by their heat cycle, but it is also common in cats with regular access to the outside. Crying may be a petition to us to either let them enter or exit. Cat doors can solve this problem as they allow the cat to come and go as they please. If we arrive home and the cat cries at the door, they may be greeting us on our return or complaining about being left alone. Cats also like to find places to hide, so crying beside a cupboard or closet door might be a sign they want to get in to relax. The same can happen when they want to get out again if the door is to your room inside the home; there may be something inside they want, such as food, toys, or a place to rest.
Mouth Pain: If a cat cries when they eat, they may have an oral health problem, or it could be due to an infection called rhinotracheitis, which results in a lot of pain when swallowing. The cat may stop eating altogether due to such issues, so veterinary intervention is required.
Urinary Infection: If the cat cries when they relieve themselves, we could be facing a urinary infection. The cat will go to the litter box often but only excrete droplets. It’s a painful process that will need veterinary treatment. They may also cry if they are having trouble passing stool, perhaps due to constipation or anal prolapse. In these cases, we should also consult our veterinarian.
Do Cats Cry?
First and foremost, observation is key. Take the time to closely monitor your cat’s behavior and the condition of their eyes. Look for any signs of redness or irritation. Are they frequently pawing at their eyes? Any changes in their usual appetite or activity levels? These seemingly small details can provide vital clues about what might be causing the tears. However, if the tears persist or if you notice any concerning symptoms, it’s strongly advisable to consult with your veterinarian. While awaiting your vet appointment, there are several steps you can take at home to provide some comfort and relief for your cat.
So, we’ve covered the practical reasons why your cat might have watery eyes. But what about the big question:
can cats cry because they’re feeling emotional, like when we watch a sad movie?
Straight up, Science says no. Cats don’t cry emotional tears. Cats definitely feel a lot of emotions, but they just don’t show it by shedding tears. Cats are pretty different from us when it comes to expressing themselves. If a cat is stressed, scared, or even super happy, they’re not going to show it by crying. Instead, they have their own cat-like ways of letting us know how they’re feeling.
They might hide under the bed if they’re scared, purr loudly when they’re happy, or refuse to eat if they’re upset. And of course, there’s the whole range of meows, purrs, and body language they use to talk to us.
Cats, they’re more the strong silent type. They come from a line of solitary hunters where showing any kind of weakness wasn’t exactly a good survival strategy. There’s also a big difference between the tears we cry when we’re cutting onions and the tears we cry when we’re upset. For us, emotional tears are all tied up with our feelings and even our hormones.
For cats, tears are more about keeping their eyes clean and comfy.
Understanding Cat Tears
First, let’s talk about what tears are and their role in a cat’s eye. A cat’s eyes have tear ducts just like ours. These ducts are tiny but crucial. They produce the liquid that cleans and moisturizes the eye surface. In a healthy cat, you generally won’t see tears spilling out of their eyes because the fluid is continuously produced and then drained away through the nasal passages. Yes, the tears actually drain into their nose.
But sometimes you might notice your cat’s eyes looking a bit watery, or you might even see a tear or two trickle down their face. So typically, this happens when there’s an overproduction of tears or if something is blocking the normal drainage of tears into the nasal passages.
Reasons for Excessive Tears
While it’s normal for your cat’s eyes to produce tears for regular cleaning and lubrication, excessive tears can be a sign that something is irritating them or maybe something more.
Allergies and Irritants
Just like us, cats can have allergies. These could be due to a variety of things like pollen, dust, certain types of bedding, or even perfumes. When a cat is exposed to an allergen, one of the reactions can be increased tear production. Their eyes might start watering as the body tries to flush out whatever is bothering them. It’s their natural defense mechanism kicking in.
Eye Infections or Injuries
If your cat’s eyes are producing more tears than usual, it could be due to an infection like conjunctivitis, which is quite common in cats. It causes inflammation and can make the eyes look red and feel itchy. Injuries, like scratches from a skirmish with another pet, can also lead to excessive tears as the eye tries to heal.
Blocked Ducts
Sometimes the issue isn’t with tear production but with drainage. If their ducts get blocked, the tears have nowhere to go but over the eyelid, which can look like crying. Blockages can be due to infections, inflammation, or sometimes they’re just born with narrower ducts.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions can cause increased tears. For example, some respiratory infections can lead to watery eyes. Also, certain breeds, particularly those with flatter faces like Persians, often have more problems with the drainage leading to what looks like excessive tears. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms like redness, eye discharge, pawing at the eyes, or any changes in behavior. As we all know, cats are pretty good at hiding discomfort, so it’s important for us as cat owners to be observant and proactive in their care.
