Cry fur baby! Do cats cry?

Updated 20/12/24

Have you ever seen a cat cry? In fact, do cats cry? Actually, can cats cry physical tears? Well, we’re here to wipe away those fears and help you understand more about cat crying, if it’s a thing, and learn more about how cats convey emotions.

Key takeaways

• While cats are physically able to produce tears, it isn't to convey emotions - cats can cry but only as a reaction to something in their environment or an illness
• Cats show sadness and joy through body language and sounds - a crying cat can mean anything from overexcitement to loneliness
• Contact your vet immediately if you notice your cat is producing tears or fluid from its tear ducts, it could be a symptom of something serious

Do cats cry tears?

Well, cats can produce tears as each eye has a tear duct, so technically cats can cry. However, they aren’t shedding a tear for the rom-com you’re watching together or from trapping their paw in a door. No, there are actually a few other reasons why cats cry tears…

Reasons why cats cry tears

Eye infection

Sometimes the most obvious reason could be the right one - your cat could have some sort of eye problem or eye infection. If your cat appears to be weeping, this might be a sure sign their eyes need medical attention, particularly if the tears are accompanied by eye discharge. If you see their eyes watering you should call their vet straight away - don’t try to examine their eyes yourself as this could make the problem worse.

Eyes watering from a smell or sensation

If you haven’t searched on social media for ‘cats and cutting onions’, we recommend having a cheeky look. Just like us people, purr-babies also produce tears when we’re cutting onions. While onions are poisonous to cats and should never be given to them, some kitties are so curious they’ll put up with the cat crying just to see what you’re cooking.

Another medical condition

In all seriousness, if you notice your cat’s eye-watering or running, this could be a sign of something else going on. Not only does it mean something is in their eye or they have an eye infection, but it could be a symptom of a health problem or underlying illness like feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) or the cat herpesvirus. Both of these are very serious diseases and their vet will need to treat them ASAP. 

Allergies

Cats can be sensitive to pollen, dust, mold, or certain chemicals. Exposure can irritate their eyes, causing excessive tearing.

Irritants

Smoke, perfumes, cleaning products, or foreign objects like dust or debris may irritate their eyes.

Blocked tear ducts

A blockage in the tear ducts can prevent tears from draining properly, leading to overflow onto the face.

Eye injuries

Scratches or trauma to the eye can cause excessive tearing as the eye tries to heal.

Glaucoma

This is a more serious condition involving increased pressure in the eye, often accompanied by tearing, cloudiness, and discomfort.

Anatomical features

Certain breeds, like Persians or Himalayans, are more prone to watery eyes due to their flat faces and shallow tear ducts.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Paradoxically, inadequate tear production can lead to irritation and reflexive over-tearing.

Parasites

Eye parasites like Thelazia (eye worms) can cause irritation and tearing, though these are relatively uncommon.

How do cats cry or show emotion?

When we say cat cry, we mean prolonged, loud meowing or cat screaming. Cats love to chat with us, but there’s a difference between a chirrup and a Janis Joplin impression. Understanding your cat’s different meows is a step towards speaking their language. A sharp, loud cry could mean anger or distress, or a lengthy, high-pitched meowing could be a sign of loneliness or a cry for attention. Look at their body language - are they up high, crouched down hiding, or do they look scared? These are all different ways cats show emotions without shedding a tear.

Why do cats cry?

Cats cry out loud for lots of reasons. Unlike doggos, cats don’t have enough muscles in their faces to show the same range of facial expressions we see in pups. Instead, they communicate through body language, scent, and sound. A meowing or crying cat is often one trying to get your attention - they want to go through a door, they’re hungry, or you’re selfishly paying more attention to your work than them. 

It can also be a cry for help! Distressed or anxious cats will cry as a way to try and make themselves heard as a form of comfort. This can be caused by separation anxiety, a stressful situation like going to the vet, or if they think they’re missing out on something behind a closed door. 

If you hear a cat crying, quietly investigate what’s going on and why they could be meowing so much. If it’s a ploy for attention, the best thing to do is to ignore them and they’ll eventually stop. Otherwise, it’s always good to check it out as they may need your help or simply some snuggles.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

The above article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

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