Have you ever asked yourself, “Can cats cry tears?” It’s a question many cat owners wonder about. Let’s know what’s behind those watery eyes and whether cats can cry tears.
Cats do have feelings. They can even feel sad and grieve when something bad happens, like losing a friend.
Sometimes, a cat’s eyes might look watery. But that doesn’t mean they’re crying because they’re sad. Cats don’t shed tears for emotional reasons like people do.
Do Cats Cry Tears When They’re Sad or in Pain?
Cats don’t cry real tears when they’re feeling sad or hurt. That’s not how their bodies work. But if your cat is feeling emotional or in pain, you might notice a change in how they act.
When a cat is sad or hurting, they often show it in their behaviour. One big sign is vocal crying. This kind of cry sounds different from usual meows—it lasts longer and has a lower sound.
Here are some things you might see if your cat is feeling down or in pain:
- Meowing more than usual
- Shaking
- Hiding away
- Not eating as much
- Moving around less and sleeping more
- Acting differently in the litter box
- Grooming (cleaning) themselves in a new or strange way
- Acting mean or aggressive
If your cat starts doing any of these things, it might mean they’re feeling emotional or their body is hurting somewhere. Cats check themselves monthly from head to tail for anything that feels weird or painful. So if your cat hisses at you when you touch a spot, they’re not being rude. That hiss is their way of saying, “Hey, that hurts!” or “I’m scared.”
Now, if your cat’s eyes are super watery, that’s not them crying because they’re sad. Tears like that usually mean something is wrong with their eyes. It could be an infection like conjunctivitis, a blocked tear duct, or something else bothering them. That’s when it’s time to call the vet and get it checked out.
Here is an interesting topic to learn can cats eat cantaloupe.
Cat Emotions Are Real: Can Cats Cry Tears
Yes, cats do have emotions! Researchers have discovered that cats can feel a wide range of things, like people. They can even read human facial expressions, which means they can tell if you’re happy, sad, or upset.
When cats feel something, they often show it through their actions.
For example:
- A happy cat might purr, rub against you, play, or spend time with you and other animals.
- A sad cat might hide, stop eating as much, or seem less active.
- Angry or scared cats may hiss, arch their backs, growl, or swat.
Cats also meow when lonely, hungry, bored, or want attention. It’s their way of trying to tell you something.
When cats feel upset, scared, or angry, they make sounds that sound a bit like a human whine or whimper. These sounds are one-way cats showing their emotions. So, in that sense, they are “crying.”
But here’s something interesting: researchers say humans are the only animals that cry and shed tears when they feel strong emotions or pain. Cats don’t cry with tears when they’re sad.
How Do Cats Cry? Can Cats Cry Tears
Cats don’t all cry the same way. It depends on the cat! Their age, breed, and personality all play a part. And, of course, it also depends on why they’re crying.
When a cat cries, it usually sounds like a loud meow or a yowl. Some cats might let out a soft whimper or even a kind of chattering sound when they’re upset.
But if a cat feels stressed or in big trouble, they usually make a loud, sad sound. It’s not easy to ignore—and that’s the point; they’re trying to tell you something’s wrong.
What Causes Cat Tears?
If you see a cat with watery eyes, don’t worry—they’re not crying because they’re sad. Cats don’t shed tears for emotional reasons like humans do. When a cat’s eyes tear up, it’s because of something medical.
There are lots of reasons this can happen. A little dust or a scratch from another cat can irritate the eye. Sometimes, it’s caused by sickness, like an upper respiratory infection. Even clogged tear ducts (yep, that’s a real thing!) can lead to watery eyes.
Here are some common reasons a cat’s eyes might tear up:
- Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye)
- Eye infections
- Allergies
- Structural issues (flat-faced cats with round heads tear up more often)
- Dry eye (when they don’t make enough tears)
- Corneal scratches or ulcers
So, if your cat’s eyes are watering, it doesn’t mean they’re sad. It means something might be wrong with their health. A slight tearing now and then may not be serious—but it’s still smart to get it checked by a vet.
Sometimes, those tears are a sign of a bigger problem. A vet can take a look and help your cat feel better.
What to Do if Your Cat Is Upset
Cats do have real feelings. They can feel things like sadness or even depression. But no matter how upset they are, they won’t cry real tears like humans do.
Cats mostly show how they feel through body language and some sounds. So, if your cat is acting differently, it could mean something is wrong—either with their health or emotions.
If you’re worried about your cat’s mood, look for signs like:
- Low energy
- Hiding or staying away from people
- Not wanting to eat
These signs might mean your cat is sad. But they can also tell your cat is sick or in pain.
So, don’t guess. Before you assume your cat is feeling down, take them to the vet. The vet will check to see if there’s a medical issue and help you figure out what to do next.
If the vet says your cat is healthy, you can still try things at home. Cats feel better when they can do “cat things” every day. That means climbing, hunting, running, and scratching.
To help your cat feel happier, you can:
- Add a cat tree for climbing
- Set up scratching posts
- Use fun, interactive toys
- Play with your cat every day
Spending time together really helps! But if your cat still seems unhappy, ask your vet for help. They may send you to a trained animal behaviour expert who can give you more tips.
Conclusion:
Cats have real emotions, but they don’t cry tears like humans. If their eyes are watery, it’s usually a health issue. Always check with a vet and give your cat love, play, and care to help them feel their best.