Feline Allergies That Cause Eye Tearing

Cats can be allergic to substances inside or outside the home.

Your eyes are watering and you can't stop sneezing. To many people, this usually means allergy season has arrived. Just as people can have allergic reactions to certain elements in their environment, our pets can suffer from allergies as well. If your pet displays symptoms of tearing eyes or excessive sneezing, chances are your furry friend is allergic to something inside or outside your home.

Dust and Pollen

Dust and pollen can cause your pet to have watery eyes.

Outdoor pollens given off by grasses, trees and mold spores, as well as indoor dust, can cause allergic reactions in your cat, typically displayed by sneezing or watery eyes. If you believe dust is the culprit, vacuuming at least twice a week (including sofas and drapes) and cleaning your pet's sleeping area and bedding at least once a week, should help alleviate the severity of your cat's symptoms. For outside pollens, giving your cat a bath once or twice a week with a non-skin drying shampoo can remove pollen from your pet's coat. If your cat continues to have watery eyes after following these methods, seek your veterinarian's advice.

Household Chemicals

Some cats can be allergic to household sprays and aerosols.

Some cats can have allergic reactions to common household chemicals, especially those in aerosol or spray form. Typical symptoms can be watery eyes, sneezing or coughing. These symptoms also can indicate the beginning of an eye infection or a potential breathing problem if the source of the allergy is not removed from the cat's environment. To determine if your pet may be allergic to any of these household substances, start by eliminating them one by one until you find which one is causing your pet's discomfort. If your cat continues to display allergy symptoms once you have stopped using these home products, consult your veterinarian about other possible causes.

Perfume and Cologne

Your perfume or cologne could be giving your cat allergies.

While some people can have allergic reactions to certain perfumes and colognes, our pet's can also have adverse reactions after exposure to these substances. Sneezing and watery eyes can be common symptoms that your pet may have an allergy to your perfume. As perfumes and cologne are made from a base of ethyl alcohol and highly concentrated plant or flower essential oils, people or animals that may not have much reaction to these elements in nature can have severe reactions around perfumes. If you determine your pet is allergic to your cologne or perfume, you may want to re-think your scent or check with your veterinarian to see if there any allergy medications you can administer to your cat.

References

• ASPCA: Allergies
• Cats and Kittens: Allergies
• Vet Info: What Are Cats Allergic To?