Why Do Cat's Eyes Become Round and Why Do They Tear Up?

When a cat's eyes become round, it usually indicates that they are seeing something they like, have been startled by something, or have a strong interest in something.

Cats' pupils become round at night when they are active to absorb more light. During the day, when feeding, a cat's pupils generally appear as a line, but they become round at night. If an owner notices that their cat's pupils are constantly round, it is advisable to take them to a vet for a check-up.

A cat's retina contains both cone cells and rod cells. Cone cells can perceive the intensity and color of normal sunlight, while rod cells can perceive night light. Additionally, a cat's pupils automatically adjust their shape to different light intensities. Therefore, during strong sunlight at noon, you will see a cat's pupils narrow into a straight slit, allowing only a small amount of light to enter. However, in dim light at night, the pupils will enlarge and become round, making it easier to see various objects in the dark.

The principle behind a cat's pupils dilating and constricting is to regulate light, preventing excessive sunlight from harming their eyes and enlarging the pupils when light is insufficient, making it easier to observe their surroundings. Cats are nocturnal animals. At night, their eyes become large and round, and the whole cat seems refreshed. Taking photos of a cat with a close-up of their eyes at this time will always capture their beauty. Remember to turn off the flash, as the stimulation of a flash can easily injure a cat's eyes when their pupils are fully dilated.

Why Do Cats Tear Up?

There are several possible reasons why a cat might exhibit the aforementioned symptoms. One possibility is a blocked nasolacrimal duct, which is common in flat-faced cats like Persians, as their ducts are shorter and more curved, making them more prone to blockage. If the nasolacrimal duct is blocked, the drainage of tears will be affected, causing them to overflow from the eye socket, resulting in the cat constantly tearing up. In such cases, a nasolacrimal duct flushing procedure can be attempted, but the recurrence rate is relatively high, and many cats require sedation for this procedure. Another possibility is that the cat is experiencing eye pain, such as from glaucoma or a corneal ulcer, which can also cause an increase in tear production. If an owner notices that their cat's eyes are red, swollen, or unwilling to open, it is advisable to seek veterinary attention promptly.

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