What Is It & What Does It Do? The cat tear duct system is a tiny, complex drainage pathway. Tears produced by the lacrimal gland (above the eye) wash over the eyeball to keep it moist and clean. Instead of spilling down the face, tears normally drain into two tiny openings (puncta) located at the inner corner of each eye (near the nose). From there, tears travel through small canals (canaliculi) into the nasolacrimal duct, which empties into the back of the nasal cavity. In short: it drains tears from the eye into the nose. Common Problems with Cat Tear Ducts 1. Epiphora (Excessive Tearing) The most common sign of a duct issue. Instead of draining, tears overflow onto the face, causing persistent wetness and reddish-brown staining (porphyrin staining) on light-colored fur.