How Do I Fix Tear Stains? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“I adopted a Persian cat, Gia. Her nose is not too squished in, so she can breathe normally, which is wonderful, but she gets tear stains pretty badly. Why is this? And what can I do to help?”
– Macklin
Quick Info about Gia
Hi Macklin,
Gia sounds lovely, and it is great that she has a more moderate facial structure, which already reduces many of the breathing challenges we see in Peke-face Persians. Even so, tear staining is very common in this breed. It usually comes down to how their tear drainage system is shaped. In many Persians, the nasolacrimal ducts, which normally carry tears from the eyes into the nose, are narrower or slightly misaligned. When tears cannot drain efficiently, they overflow onto the face, and over time, those pigments oxidize and leave the brownish stains you are seeing.
In most cases, this is more of a cosmetic and hygiene issue than a medical one, but keeping the area clean is important to prevent skin irritation. Gently wiping the area once or twice daily with a soft, damp cotton pad or a veterinary eye-cleaning solution can help, always moving away from the eye. Keeping the fur trimmed around the eyes and ensuring good grooming reduces moisture buildup. Some cats also benefit from a balanced diet and good hydration, since tear composition can be influenced by overall health. Avoid harsh products or hydrogen peroxide, as the skin in that area is very delicate.
If you notice thick discharge, a change in color to yellow or green, redness, squinting, or if the tearing seems excessive even for a Persian, that can indicate underlying issues like infection or inflammation that should be examined in person. If it is just persistent staining without other concerning signs, a safe cleaning routine should help.
Kind regards,
Best wishes,
– Dr. Paola