You see your cat with wet, teary eyes and wonder, "Are they sad?" It's a natural question, but the biology of cats is different from ours.
No Emotional Tears
Cats do not produce tears to express emotion. Humans are the only species known to weep from sadness. If your cat is sad, they show it by vocalizing (yowling), hiding, or refusing to eat.
Why Are Their Eyes Wet?
If your cat has "tears" running down their face, it is a sign of a physical problem, not an emotional one. Common causes include:
- Eye infections (conjunctivitis)
- Allergies
- Blocked tear ducts
- Foreign object in the eye
When to See a Vet
If your cat's eyes are watering excessively, or if the discharge is yellow or green, you need to see a vet. "Crying" in cats refers to the noise they make, not the fluid from their eyes.
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Conclusion
Don't hand your cat a tissue for sadness, but do hand them a treat to cheer them up. If their eyes are weeping, call the doctor.