Watery Eyed Kitten

Hello, I am looking to adopt a british shorthair kitten and a local breeder said that he has a 4 month old male that seems to be healthy, normal weight, eating, etc. except for the fact that both eyes tear occasionally. He mentioned that the mother had gotten sick, potentially the flu and thinks that he might have passed it to the kittens, hence the watery eyes but insists he is health. My question is, are the watery eyes treatable and/or will it go away? The cattery is very reputable I am just worried that this watery eye thing may be an ongoing problem! THANKS

It is most likely a feline herpes infection. Not uncommon at all, most cats have at least been exposed. Check on here for messages about supplementing with L-lysine.

The breeder mentioned that it wasnt herpes though. Thanks for the swift reply.

Aw, poor sick kitty.

I would make sure that the kitten has been vet checked (tell the breeder to get a note written or something) and has a confirmed diagnosis, if it is treatable, I'd take the kitten. Since the breeder is reputable though, I'm sure it will be fine.

Congrats on getting a British Shorthair! They're amazing cats!

Thanks for the responses, all of the input helps! If it isn't herpes, what are the chances that the kitten just has permanent damage to it's tear ducts from having the flu?
 

It could very well be herpes.... sorry to say. It is possible that the tear duct could be clogged or blocked but you would need a vet to flush the ducts and usually an vet eye specialist has the equipment to to this - not a regular vet. A specialist has the precise equipment necessary to do this procedure. It is pricey. IF it is a herpes eye - tearing is the first sigh - weepy eye. It can progress to a more serious condition under times of stress and flare up. There is no cure for a herpetic ocular infection only ways to manage the flare ups. Just be aware and I would take the kitten to a vet before you buy this baby from the breeder.