A cat is crying: can they cry and why does it happen all the time?

• Cats
• General issues

More often we see our pets in good health and good mood, but sometimes the animal has tears in its eyes. Why do cats cry? Tear discharge in cats has nothing to do with bad mood. According to scientists, animals are not capable of expressing human emotions. A cat may be sad or feel joy, but this will not be expressed by wild laughter or bitter crying, such feelings will spill out in another form. When a pet experiences negative emotions, it will meow pitifully, howl in pain, scream at night, but not cry like a human being. Animals don't tend to cry just like that. If your pet has tears in his eyes, it means there is a specific reason.

Can cats cry?

Domestic cats show emotions. They can experience a wide range of feelings similar to humans - irritation, anger, sadness, melancholy and joy. Sometimes the owner may notice tears flowing from the pet's eyes.

Crying cats are often noticed in stressful situations - when changing housing, if the kittens were taken away from the mother cat or they died, after the death of a second pet with whom the cat was friends, or when losing a favorite toy.

But tears are also a symptom of many diseases in cats, which require timely assistance from a veterinarian.

There is currently no scientific evidence that cats' tears are associated with sadness or grief. In animals, physiological interactions between the nervous system and the lacrimal glands of the eye, which have been studied in humans, have not been established. We tend to associate certain human facial expressions with corresponding internal states: sadness with tears, laughter with joy. But science has little way of knowing whether the same analogies exist in the animal kingdom. Therefore, this question remains open for now.

Even veterinarians who have been working for many years cannot give a definite answer, since during the same medical procedures that cause pain to a cat, one animal does not show any reaction, while another’s eyes begin to water.

What to do if your cat is constantly crying?

You can try to help a crying cat yourself.

If you do not attach importance to the problem, the animal’s physical and emotional condition may worsen.

Only real “cat lovers” bring a cat into the house and it becomes a real member of the family. Owners become attached to their pets and claim that cats can express their feelings (sadness, joy, sadness) like a person. This is actually not the case, although the behavior of cats has not been thoroughly and completely studied.

In the process of studying cats, it was established that cats do not cry, but despite the fact that they have a gland that secretes tears. It is designed to preserve the cornea from drying out. Tears are emotions, in order to cry you need to be able to express your feelings, even a human baby cannot cry at birth, it only screams.

Cats can be sad, show an apathetic and depressed mood, but they show this completely differently from people. During nervous disorders, cats lose hair, which means a lack of attention from the owner.

In any case, cats do not know how to cry, and if you notice “tears” in the eyes of your beloved pet, he is sick. The very first symptoms of disruption of the tear ducts are constantly wet eyes, brown fur under the eyes, irritation and hair loss. Most often these are signs of epiphyora eye disease. When any symptom appears, it is necessary to urgently contact a veterinarian, make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

Sometimes a cat “cries” due to a foreign body entering the ducts of the lacrimal glands, which must be carefully removed.

In some cat breeds, “tears” flow constantly due to the anatomical characteristics of the breed - these are Persians. But, despite the fact that Persian cats constantly “cry,” their owners need to constantly monitor this. Improper hygiene procedures can lead to inflammatory processes, and the appearance will not be very beautiful. The veterinary pharmacy has special eye care products.

In small kittens, tears appear only when the eye is injured while playing with other kittens or toys. Little kittens need constant care and supervision; if you notice that your baby is “crying,” go to the doctor immediately. In any case, if your cat “cries” this is not a manifestation of feelings, but a signal of a problem with the eyes. Caring and careful care of your cat will ensure a comfortable existence for him!

Many have seen discharge in the eyes of both domestic cats and homeless cats. What is this? Sign of pain? A disease from which a cat suffers in silence? Why is the cat crying? What are the probable reasons for this? And what should the owner do when he discovers his pet with tears on its face?

Reasons for crying in cats

I would like to say right away that there is no need to be afraid. A cat’s tears are not always the cause of some terrible illness, which is why it’s time to take the fluffy one to the doctor. Without knowing for sure the reasons why a cat is crying, it is impossible to begin to “treat” it.

Remember little kittens. You can almost always see discharge on their eyes. And their color, and their structure, and quantity are also not always the same. Transparent liquid streams from someone's eyes. And the other has reddish, stretchy “snot.” And the third kittens cry today, but not tomorrow. And what is it? Disease? Or is it just physiology? Or maybe the characteristics of some age-related hormonal changes in the body. But most often the reason why baby cats cry is that they simply haven’t learned to wash themselves yet. And they can’t take the tears away from their eyes.

What other reasons are there why you shouldn’t sound the alarm?:

• After sleep, almost all cats collect some fluid, which makes the cat appear to be crying;
• Just like in humans, cat tears perform the function of cleansing the eye;
• Cats are incredibly emotional creatures. And sometimes this affects their facial expressions and physiological functions. A cat may cry when it is happy or upset for some reason;
• Any active activity of a cat, from pulling up to playful jumping, can lead to the animal “crying.” In fact, this is the result of more active work of the mucous membranes during the cat’s movements;
• And even onions in food, or if you cut them in front of a cat, can cause a similar reaction.

These reasons why cats cry are not serious. Nothing bothers the fluffy one. He is actually healthy. But there is also cause for concern when the owner sees that his cat is crying. What are these reasons :

• Conjunctivitis;
• Other infectious or viral diseases of the orbit, canals and tissue around the eye;
• Injuries (this also includes the fact that a foreign body has entered the cat’s eye, causing a reaction - the eye cries, and the cat itself can behave restlessly and meow);
• Turn of the century;
• Allergy;
• Worms.

Tearing in cats during or after eating

This phenomenon may have several reasons, among which we note:

• breed, genetic predisposition;
• allergies;
• congenital defects of the skull structure;
• blockage of tear ducts;
• unbalanced, low-quality diet;
• eversion, entropion, cataract;
• distichiasis (improper eyelash growth);
• foreign bodies in the eye;
• endocrine diseases, disruptions (diabetes mellitus);
• eye injuries;
• helminthic infestation;
• dacryocystitis (non-infectious inflammation of the lacrimal sac);
• digestive problems;
• close location of the upper teeth to the nerves of the eyes;
• individual, physiological characteristics of the body.

If the cat does not have chronic, acute pathologies, the production of tears while eating is a clear sign of a food allergy. Components, additives of prepared feeds, and food products (liver, beef, legumes, rice, soy, milk) can act as allergens. Especially often, nutritional allergies develop against the background of an unbalanced diet, if the cat is fed low-quality “economy” food.

When to contact a veterinarian

Only a veterinarian can diagnose and accurately state the cause of this condition of cat's eyes, when a small amount of discharge accumulates in the corners of your cat's eyes. If this happens in the morning or after sleep - the phenomenon is quite physiological, the cat will wash itself, or you will help it with this - wipe the corners of its eyes with a napkin. But, if tearing occurs throughout the day, this is no longer a question of hygiene, but a question of disease, and your veterinarian can and should help you in this case.

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Also, if you notice that your cat begins to constantly squint, or tries to rub its eye with its paw, this may also indicate that an infection has entered the animal’s eye, which means you immediately need to seek advice from specialists and do not wait until the eyes the animal will be filled with pus and it will stop seeing altogether...

Hunger

Why does a little kitten constantly meow? The most common reason for this behavior is... hunger! This is how your new family member will show what he wants to eat.

This phenomenon is quite normal. After all, when a person is hungry, he talks about it. So the animals do the same. Only instead of the speech we are used to, the cute fluffies meow.

Please note: a small kitten will constantly ask its owner to feed it while it is hungry. But adult cats try to meow clearly and just a few times, as if to call their owner to the bowl

Thus, because of hunger, all animals give voice

It doesn't matter what age

How to deal with lacrimation in a cat

When faced with increased lacrimation in a cat, the main thing is not to waste time and prevent infection of the irritated mucous membranes. If you are unable to see a doctor as soon as possible, before receiving professional help, try to alleviate your pet’s condition yourself.

Preventive agents for disinfecting mucous membranes can be purchased at a pet store. Usually the products are drops or solutions for wiping. If, for some reason, this option is not suitable for you, you can use the following as an antiseptic solution:

• Decoctions of herbs (calendula, chamomile, oak bark) for wiping the eyelids.
• A strong brew of tea for cleaning eyelids and soaking crusts.
• A weak solution of furatsilin.

Spring came

So we figured out why he constantly meows. Adult cats also sometimes “voice” for similar reasons. But there are several more options for answering the question posed.

True, the next point will explain the behavior of only adult individuals. But it’s worth taking it into account. The thing is that in the spring, cats' sexual desire increases. During this period, they begin to meow very loudly. This behavior applies to both females and males.

The explanation is very simple: cat hormones are acting up. To calm down an animal that has developed a sexual desire, you will have to either use special hormonal drugs (they help, but temporarily), or castrate/sterilize the cat. This is the only way to defeat the annoying yelling from your pet.

Features of some breeds

The flow of tears from the eyes, which is often found in purebred cats, is not at all the norm for them. Due to their physiological characteristics, Persians, Scots, Britons and cats of some other breeds suffer from teary eyes more often. However, with proper care for your four-legged friend, his eyes will be clean and clear, like all healthy cats.

Why do Scottish cats have watery eyes?

Scottish Fold cats have a specific skull structure. They have a short, snub-nosed muzzle. The tear ducts are very short. Therefore, whenever there is any irritation, tears flow easily from the eyes. If the discharge is clear and not very abundant, you should treat it as a breed characteristic and regularly care for your pet’s eyes.

Video

Do cats cry? What you need to know about a crying pet (part 1)

Do cats cry? And if they cry, is this the same meaning that we humans put into tears or something else? Let's talk about cat crying and how to help a crying cat.

Sometimes the behavior of your furry friend is very puzzling. However, if you take the time to think a little about what a cat is really feeling, you will come up with some unexpected results. There are many ways in which cats express their emotions and needs to people and their own kind. For example, the sounds made by purrs have already been documented and classified by experts and scientists, so by listening, we can understand pets better. It is common knowledge that babies, children, nervous people and even, according to one pop star, pigeons can cry, but do cats cry? Let's learn more about cat crying and what you can do if your cat is crying.

Cat Crying: It's Not What It Seems

Cats' eyes may water, but this is not an emotional reaction. Because cats don't cry in the sense that we humans mean by this word. In an article published in Parade magazine, Oregon veterinarian Sheri Morris points out that cats cry, but this is a trivial reaction to illness or injury, usually associated with the eyes. Disinfectants or allergens can also cause tearing. If your cat's eyes are constantly “wet,” be sure to visit a veterinarian.

Our expert today, who is also a certified cat behaviorist, says that pain or emotional distress does not cause tears in cats. As a rule, if something is bothering your pet, he will prefer to express it with sounds.

There are several options for sounds made by “crying” cats

There is a popular YouTube video “7 sounds cats make and what they mean”, two examples there sound like they are made by a crying animal. A kind of howl, as if a purr was crying in pain. According to this video, this “crying” could mean a warning to other approaching cats and a claim to their territory. Howling can also serve as an invitation to the female (oh, and don't forget about mixed signals!). The last episode of the video shows kittens whining - such crying is familiar to every mother. It seems that the kids are shouting: “We are tuuuut.”

Kittens also cry when they are scared, cold or hungry. Some illnesses, such as kidney failure, loneliness or stress, can also cause crying. However, even minor changes in a cat's environment can cause stress. A new sofa has appeared in the house, maybe this is the beginning of an evil invasion? Some cats might think exactly that!

Even age can cause beeping sounds; cats are not the only ones who become very sensitive as they get older. Older animals, like humans, can fall victim to cognitive dysfunction and become disoriented from time to time. Confusion leads to screaming, the cat simply calls for help.

Conversations

Why else would a kitten meow constantly? Surprisingly, in this way he simply talks to you. Animals, like people, can be sociable and not so sociable. Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised that someone is silent all day, while someone “talks”, you shouldn’t be surprised. No one can say for sure what kind of character your pet will have!

It is impossible to silence the cat in this case. After all, he will still crave communication. The only way that will help here is to talk to the cat. No matter how strange it may sound, you need to communicate with your pet. Then he will answer you when you need it.

Interestingly, cats only communicate with people by meowing. This sound was invented exclusively for us. It is almost impossible to see cats “communicating” with each other in this way.

We hope you now understand why the kitten constantly meows. Yes, there are many reasons. And you must get to know your pet better to understand this issue.

The first thing to do after the heart-rending cries of an animal is to check if its stomach hurts. Normal bloating may cause your cat to experience severe discomfort.

The reasons for the first appearance of a loud cry in adult cats can be:

• urolithiasis (pain when urinating);
• infection with worms;
• Alzheimer's disease (the appearance of symptoms similar to senile human disease);
• injury or painful wound on the body (paw, head, ears);
• severe nervous disorder.

With urolithiasis, which castrated cats are prone to, the animal cannot go to the toilet for a long time. While in the tray, the pet screams loudly and crouches.

Cats aged 8 years or older often develop dementia resembling human Alzheimer's disease. Animals get lost in space, do not recognize their owner, and constantly meow and scream.

Pain in any organ or part of the body can also provoke night and daytime hysterics in a cat. Do not ignore this, be sure to examine your pet.

If you suspect illness, consult your veterinarian. Do not ignore the animal’s alarming “statements” about its problem.

However, a cat screams not only because of physical discomfort or pain. His “rulads” may be associated with the search for a female to create offspring. Urging can be prevented through castration in cats and sterilization in cats.

What to do when an animal runs and screams at night? Try to organize his day and early evening, saturate him with active games. The fact is that cats are wild predatory animals by nature; they need to be constantly on the move.

They are nocturnal, so when living with a person, domestic cats cannot adapt to their daily routine. To get rid of night “vigils”, you need to play active games with your pet in the evening (if possible, during the day), and run with it. And after a simulated hunt, feed them with a meat delicacy. Gradually, the animal will get used to a certain daily routine and stop screaming at night.

A purring pet is especially sensitive to attention from its owner. Don't leave him alone, treat him like a member of the family, and then you won't have problems with your cat's behavior.

Your kitten is hungry

Just like human babies, kittens may cry if too much time has passed between meals. If your kitten demands food every day, think about your feeding schedule and determine if you are feeding him enough.

Young kittens develop quickly and should be fed sufficient wet food to promote their growth. While a strict feeding schedule may be appropriate for an adult cat, kittens need to be fed when they are hungry, so increase the amount or frequency of feedings if you suspect your kitten is clamoring for food. Once your kitten reaches 3-4 months of age, it is reasonable to expect that he will be able to maintain a feeding schedule.

How to deal with a cat screaming at night

ZCats – Mysterious cats, cats and kittens

If a previously calm cat begins to scream at night, then there is only one competent way out - a trip to the veterinary clinic. A professional approach from a veterinarian will help you get out of the situation competently and understand the reason why the cat is yelling and survive the period of cat yelling.

• If a non-neutered cat screams day and night and wants a girlfriend, then it would be better to let him go for a walk. Of course, for animals that have not been sterilized, there are hormonal drugs that help relieve the desire to procreate. But their use is justified only in the rarest cases, since they cause irreparable damage to the health of the pet. After the cat has calmed down and satisfied its needs, you can think about castration.
• There are times when a neutered cat continues to scream at night. When an animal has been castrated recently, this means that the hormones have not yet completed their effect. You will have to be patient a little, in the future everything will pass and the pet will calm down.
• When a sterilized cat screams, you need to understand that the hunter’s instinct is still strong and it is better to try to satisfy it with play. Active games and imitation of hunting will help keep the kitten busy during the day, so at night he will need rest.
• If the kitten played well during the day and subsequently ate meat, then another instinct will work for him - a sound sleep. It’s good if the kitten eats heavy food at night, the digestion of which will require more energy. But a castrated cat should not eat meat at night, as he is prone to obesity.
• As soon as the kitten appears in the house, you need to teach it to sleep in its place from the very first day, so that later there will be no problems with the night cry of the animal demanding to be let into the owner’s bedroom.
• In especially severe cases, when an animal that has survived the sterilization procedure continues to torment its owner with its screaming, you can give it the drug Kot Bayun or Feliway. These are products made from plant materials and will not harm your pet. But before giving them, you need to be sure that the cat is not suffering from any disease, so a visit to the veterinarian is mandatory.

By giving your animal anthelmintic drugs, you can forget about the problem of nighttime crying. It is possible that the kitten, due to the presence of parasites, constantly felt hungry.

What to do if your cat is constantly crying?

If you notice that your pet is constantly crying, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only an experienced specialist will help determine the causes of tears. If various types of diseases are not detected, the food is appropriate and does not cause an allergic reaction - it is necessary to create favorable conditions for living.

You can try to help a crying cat yourself.

If you do not attach importance to the problem, the animal’s physical and emotional condition may worsen.

Animals, like people, can cry, but the reasons for crying are different. This could be a disease or emotional state of the pet. Study the characteristics of the breed; the structure of the skull can cause tears on the pet’s face. It is best to consult a doctor, he will help determine the cause.

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Attention

Why does he constantly meow? And not only Scottish, or Siberian, or Persian, but also an ordinary mongrel? In this way, the animal can simply attract attention to itself. A common method, very effective

If someone wants attention, they talk about it. And small children usually cry. Kittens do the same thing - these are the same babies. They also beckon to you. Now do you understand why the kitten meows constantly?

What to do in this case? There is only one way out - to pay attention to your pet, even if it seems to you that you have already been fussing with him a lot. Only in this case will the animal stop reminding itself of itself

Otherwise, you will have to listen to the “cat concert” for days on end. We’re exaggerating, of course, but... As long as an animal craves communication, it will not shut up.