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My cat's eye is watery after sleeping. Is it normal or vet time?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 years old | 10 lbs

My cat’s left eye sometimes gets slightly weepy, usually after sleeping for a while. There’s no discoloration in the “discharge”, just tears-the eye seems normal otherwise, and she exhibits no overt signs of sickness (energy, appetite, and litter box habits unchanged). I have no problem taking her to the vet, but wouldn’t want to subject her to the cold weather unless it’s really necessary. What should I watch for in order to escalate?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Shaneez Wallani, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 23rd, 2018

fbIf you notice squinting, rubbing at the eye, increased discharge, redness, decreased vision, or if the eye appears to be protruding, please get Rose to a vet right away. Do not apply anything to the eye without checking with your vet first. You can clean underneath the eye with a cloth dipped in clean warm water twice a day to help prevent buildup.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Great question! Given that you are only seeing this occasionally after sleeping for a while, it could simply be normal discharge. Humans can get this discharge as well during sleeping, as you might occasionally wake up with "sleep" crusted in the corners of your eyes. I would watch for this discharge to continue throughout the day, not just after sleeping, an increase in the discharge, red eye, swollen eye or protrusion of the third eyelid, and the discharge turning a greenish color. Those are signs of an infection, and then I would have Rose seen by a vet. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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