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Why is my cat's third eyelid showing? Is it allergies or serious?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 years and 3 months old | 5 lbs

My cats third eye lid is showing. She is indoor/ outdoor cat and the pollen was really strong today. How can I tell if it’s allergies or something more serious ? Can we help her with allergies ?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 24th, 2019

If her third eyelid is up, it could be something more concerning such as a scratch on her cornea. If she is pawing at her eye, please put an e-collar on her to prevent her from causing significant damage to the eye but rubbing it. You can use an eye wash to rinse the eye (here is a great one for pets https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-eye-wash-for-dogs. If its just allergies, this will usually help. Also, Benadryl can be safely given to cats and may help if its an allergy, however most cats HATE the taste, so giving it can be a challenge. Here is an article including dosing information: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-eye-wash-for-dogs
If her eye is still bothering her, and/or if the 3rd eyelid is up, take her in to your vet. Thanks for asking PetCoach!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
The only way you can tell is by having Meow Meow seen by a vet. Any eye problem needs to be checked out by a vet promptly, as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would have her seen by her vet in the morning. Best of luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on April 15th, 2018
The cause of what you are seeing could be due to infection, dehydration, conjunctivitis or something neurological. I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. If it is due to an eye infection, prognosis is typically good when treated appropriately. If she is dehydrated, the cause of the dehydration needs to be determined and prognosis would depend on the cause. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 26th, 2021
Hello,

Thanks for the good photo. I love her name too, I can imagine she is a mischievous kitty to have earned it.
The most common reason for the third eyelid to be raised in a cat is feline herpes virus flares. Other less common causes for a raised third eyelid would be neurologic disease or internal parasites. Feline herpes virus affects almost all cats and flares in times of stress. It most commonly causes a few days of self resolving conjunctivitis, sneezing, and mild lethargy.
However, sometimes it can result in secondary complications like corneal ulcers or pneumonia that require much more treatment. Holding her eye shut (blepharospasm) is a sign of eye pain that needs treatment. I'd recommend closely monitoring Felony for now. She is very likely okay to wait to be seen on Monday.
Here is a good article on Feline Herpes Virus:
https://www.vin.com/veterinarypartner/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951824

I hope this helps. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 23rd, 2019
I’m wondering if Chili might have something like Haws syndrome. This occurs in young cats and causes the third eyelid to elevate for unknown reasons - it usually resolves without treatment. It is important to rule out a corneal scratch and to check eye pressures so you may want to recheck with your vet for a definitive diagnosis.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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