Blocked tear duct

Try giving her a portion of wet food every day—at least 50g a day, perhaps split into two meals if she has a small appetite.

Wet food will provide her with a good amount of water and help prevent the health issues associated with a purely dry diet of just kibble.

It’s worth reviewing her diet and avoiding brands like Royal Canin or other supermarket and vet brands, which are often poor quality; you might want to look into grain-free options instead.

When it comes to wet food, I’d recommend grain-free, high-protein brands like Animonda Carny, Feringa, Mac's, or Catz Finefood (available from websites like Zooplus).

Kind regards

Royal Canin Kitten dry food and some Smilla kitten food

@Solimar, hello

What is your 5-month-old kitten eating?

Kind regards

@Chaton131,

Don't get too hung up on the idea of a blocked tear duct; your vet likely just sold you whatever they happened to have in stock at the time...

There are all sorts of reasons for watery eyes. If it isn't a blocked duct, it could be an overproduction of tears caused by an external "irritant", and it isn’t necessarily just dust.

The most obvious examples are things like onions or tear gas, which have a well-known effect. To a lesser extent, a cold or dry draught can do it, but even eating something acidic like vinegar or mustard will make your eyes water without your tear ducts being blocked. It’s the same for our cats, and it all depends on the individual's sensitivity.

Have a look into things like perfumes, deodorants, air fresheners, and cleaning products. Some of these contain substances that we barely notice, but they can really bother a cat’s powerful sense of smell. Watch out for draughts near windows or under doors, too. These triggers aren't always easy to find, and you won't necessarily find the answer at the vet's.

If needed, make sure to wipe away that little bit of "gunk" from the corner of their eyes every day. That warm, damp spot is a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause an infection in the tear duct or even lead to a full-blown blockage.

Kind regards

@Chaton: Besides dust, there could be other environmental factors in your home causing these weepy eyes. Try making a list of the differences between the place where she stayed while you were away and your own home (carpets or not, the immediate surroundings, any plants, cleaning products, home fragrances, etc., and also the food she was given)