How to Clean a Cat's Face and Tear Stains Safely

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

A clean, comfortable face is part of a healthy cat. Most cats keep themselves tidy, but some need help, especially flat-faced and longhaired breeds. Tear stains, crusty eyes and a dirty chin can usually be managed with gentle care, but some signs mean illness. This guide shows how to clean safely.

Why faces get dirty

• Flat faces. Persians, Exotics and Himalayans have shallow eye sockets and narrow tear ducts, so tears overflow. See the Persian and Exotic Shorthair profiles.
• Long hair. Hair around the eyes may wick moisture.
• Allergies or irritation. See cat skin allergies.
• Infections. Upper respiratory infections can cause discharge. See upper respiratory infections in cats.
• Blocked tear ducts.
• Dental disease or sinus problems.
• Age or illness.
• Chin acne, caused by oil, dirt and bacteria, sometimes linked to plastic bowls.

Tear stains

Tear stains are reddish-brown streaks under the eyes. The color comes from porphyrins, pigments found in tears, which darken when exposed to air. The stain itself is harmless, but constant moisture can cause skin irritation. If tears have started suddenly, or the eyes look red or painful, see a vet. See cat eye problems.

What you need

• A soft, clean cloth or cotton pads.
• Warm water, or a saline eye wash approved by your vet.
• Pet-safe eye wipes, if recommended.
• A soft comb for hair around the eyes.
• Treats.

Avoid human eye drops, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils and harsh cleaners. Do not use powders or antibiotics on stains unless a vet advises.

How to clean the eyes

1. Settle your cat in a calm place. Use a towel if needed. See how to pick up and hold a cat.
2. Wet a clean pad with warm water, and squeeze out excess.
3. Wipe from the inner corner (near the nose) outward, gently.
4. Use a new pad for each eye, to avoid spreading infection.
5. Soften dried crust by holding a damp pad against it for a few seconds before wiping.
6. Dry the area with a soft cloth, since damp fur can cause skin problems.
7. Reward your cat.

Daily cleaning keeps stains from building up in flat-faced breeds.

Cleaning the nose and chin

Wipe the nose gently if it is crusty. For the chin, use warm water and a mild, cat-safe cleanser. If your cat has blackheads or red bumps, it may have chin acne. Switch to stainless steel or ceramic bowls, which are easier to clean, and wash them daily. See cat water fountains: worth it. A vet can prescribe treatment if needed.

Trimming hair

Trim long hair around the eyes using blunt-tipped scissors or ask a groomer. Be careful, since cats move suddenly. See grooming longhaired cats.

Diet and environment

Some owners notice improvement with filtered water. Keep the air free of smoke and dust. Wash bedding often. Check food for allergens if there are other signs. See cat food allergies and sensitive stomachs.

When discharge is a warning

See a vet if you see:

• Yellow, green or bloody discharge.
• Squinting or keeping the eye closed.
• Redness or swelling.
• Cloudy eyes.
• A third eyelid showing.
• Rubbing at the eye.
• Sneezing or nasal discharge.
• Sudden change in tear amount.

Eye problems can worsen quickly. See how to give cat eye drops if your vet prescribes treatment, and kitten sneezing and eye discharge for kittens.

Kittens and seniors

Kittens with crusty eyes should be seen by a vet. Older cats may produce more tears or have dental disease. See senior cat care guide.

Routine

Add face cleaning to your daily routine, with a treat afterwards. Keep it short and calm.

Special cases

Some cats, such as Persians, have chronic tear staining that never fully goes away. The goal is comfort and clean skin, not a perfectly white face. Be wary of any product that promises to remove stains quickly, especially those that contain antibiotics or bleaching agents, because some are unsafe. If your cat has a nasal fold that stays wet and smells, ask your vet about cleaning it, since yeast and bacteria can grow in the crease.

Eye care for kittens and rescue cats

Kittens and rescue cats often have crusty eyes from infections or stress. A gentle wipe with warm water several times a day helps, but do not wait if the discharge is thick, green or bloody, or if the kitten is lethargic or not eating. Wash your hands between cats, and keep bedding clean to avoid spreading infection. If you are fostering, isolate any cat with discharge and call your vet.

When to see a vet

See a vet if the eyes are red, painful or discharging. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.