Don’t Worry About Your Cat’s Tear Stains – The Key Is Finding the Cause and Treating It Properly

Based on medical research and clinical experience, we’ve put together a super practical guide to help cat parents get rid of tear stains effectively. Just follow these steps!

01. Daily Cleaning and Care Are Essential

Gentle Cleaning of the Tear Stain Area

• Saline solution is the safest choice: Get 0.9% saline from the pharmacy, soak a cotton pad, and gently wipe around the eyes twice a day. Saline helps dissolve the reddish-brown substances in tear stains, kills bacteria, and won’t irritate the eyes.

• For stubborn stains, try boric acid (use with caution): Mix 2% boric acid with saline at a 1:1 ratio and gently wipe with a cotton pad. Do not let it enter the eyes. This can help lighten deep red-brown discoloration.

• Vaseline barrier method: After cleaning, a

Choosing the right tools matters

• Use baby wipes that meet hygiene standards (GB 15979 in China) — no fragrance, no alcohol — often gentler than pet wipes.

• Never use human shampoo or alcohol-based products; a cat’s skin pH is different and may get more irritated.

✅ Key step: Always dry the area with a clean cotton pad afterward. Moisture around the eyes encourages bacteria growth and can worsen tear stains.

02. Pathological Tear Stains Require

If illness is the ca

1. Eye-related diseases

• Infectio: Use chl

• Blocked nasolacrimal ducts (common in flat-faced cats): If tears can’t drain properly, surgery may be needed to clear the ducts under anesthesia, followed by post-op care.

• Entropion (inward-rolling eyelids): Eyelashes rub against the eye, causing irritation. Requires corrective surgery, sometimes combined with follicle cauterization. Always see an experienced vet.

2. Systemic issues may also cause tear stains

• Ear infections: Inflammation in the ears can reflexively increase tear production. Clean the ear with chlorhexidine solution, then apply antibiotic ear drops.

• Food allergies: Certain diets may cause tearing. Switch to a hypoallergenic prescription diet (e.g., duck-based or hydrolyzed protein formula) for at least 8 weeks.

03. Adjust Diet to Reduce Tear Stains at the Source

Add beneficial nutrients

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish oil rich in EPA and DHA (>30% combined) helps reduce inflammation. Dose: 500 mg per 5 kg body weight daily.

• B vitamins: Brewer’s yeast added to food supports metabolism and may reduce tear stains.

Avoid problematic ingredients

• High copper content: Excess copper can stimulate tear production. Choose cat food with <15 mg/kg copper.

• Cheap grain-based foods: These often trigger allergies. Switch to grain-free, hypoallergenic formulas with chicken or fish as the main protein.

04. Environmental and Genetic Factors

Flat-faced breeds need extra care
Breeds like Persians and Exotic Shorthairs naturally have shorter tear ducts. Clean their eyes at least 3 times daily, trim surrounding fur, and consider pet-safe tear stain powders (often cornstarch-based) to absorb tears.

Control environmental allergens

• Avoid air fresheners, perfumes, or incense.

• Use low-dust cat litter (e.g., paper or corn-based).

• In dry winters, use a humidifier to keep humidity >40%. Dry air increases tear production.

05. Products to Avoid & When to See a Vet

Not recommended

• Antibiotic-based tear stain ointments (like tylosin): Long-term use causes bacterial resistance.

• Oral tear stain removers: Usually ineffective, often contain additives that burden the liver and kidneys.

Seek veterinary care immediately if

• Tear stains contain pus, eyes look cloudy, or the eyeball bulges.

• One eye suddenly worsens — may indicate tumors or dental root infections.

06. Comprehensive Action Plan

When you notice tear stains, check for redness or discharge:

• If no swelling or discharge → Adjust diet, add fish oil, clean with saline, apply Vaseline barrier.

• If red eyes or sneezing → Check for allergens in the home, keep the environment clean.

• If pus or cloudy eyes → Go to the vet to rule out infection.

Try these steps consistently for 2 weeks. If there’s no improvement, medical procedures such as duct flushing or surgery may be required.

📌 Important Note: For breeds like British Shorthairs (short-nosed but otherwise healthy), if tear stains persist after 1 month of consistent care, it could be primary epiphora (chronic tear overflow). This may require lifelong management. Encourage your cat to drink more water (e.g., rehydrated freeze-dried food) to dilute tears, which can help lighten staining.