Tear stains aren't just a dog thing. Cats — especially flat-faced and light-coated breeds — get those reddish-brown marks below the eyes too. If your cat's face always looks a little stained no matter how much you clean, here's why it happens and how to gently keep the area clear.
What causes tear stains in cats?
Like dogs, cats' tears contain porphyrins — natural pigments that turn reddish-brown when tears sit on the fur and the area stays damp. The longer the fur stays moist, the more the pigment sets. On white or cream coats it's especially noticeable.
Which cats get tear stains most?
- Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds — Persians, Himalayans, and Exotic Shorthairs have shallow tear ducts that overflow easily.
- Light-coated cats — white and cream fur shows staining most.
- Cats with excess tearing — blocked ducts, allergies, or irritants keep the fur damp.
Is it normal, or should I worry?
Light staining and a little clear discharge are usually cosmetic. But see your veterinarian if you notice green or yellow discharge, squinting, redness, swelling, or your cat pawing at their eye — these can signal an infection or a blocked tear duct.
How to clean cat tear stains gently
- Go slow and calm. Cats tolerate cleaning best in short, gentle sessions — pick a relaxed moment.
- Use a soft, pre-moistened pad. Wipe the stained area below the eye from the inner corner outward, using a fresh area of the pad for each eye.
- Never touch the eyeball. Clean the fur and corner only.
- Pat dry. Keeping the fur dry is what stops the stain from coming back.
- Be consistent. A quick daily wipe works far better than occasional deep cleaning. Existing stains fade as the stained fur grows out.
A soft, pre-soaked pet eye wipe is ideal for cats — gentle on the delicate eye area and moist enough to lift buildup without tugging sensitive skin.
Gentle enough for cats
Pre-soaked, textured, and fragrance-free — safe for the delicate eye area.
Shop Kinveta Pet Eye Wipes →What to avoid
- No human products, hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar near your cat's eyes.
- Don't force it — a stressed cat makes cleaning harder; keep sessions short.
- Don't ignore colored discharge or squinting — that's a vet visit.
The gentle daily habit
A 30-second wipe a day keeps your cat's eye area clean and comfortable. Kinveta Pet Eye Wipes are pre-soaked, textured, and fragrance-free — safe for the delicate eye area on both cats and dogs, and backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Keep your cat's face clean & bright
Try Kinveta Pet Eye Wipes risk-free — backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Shop Kinveta Pet Eye Wipes →Curious about the same issue in dogs? Read our guides on removing dog tear stains and cleaning dog eye gunk safely.
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for veterinary advice. If your cat has colored discharge, redness, swelling, or eye irritation, consult your veterinarian.