My cat's eye looks different. Is his third eyelid elevated or showing?

Cats with really painful eyes (such as from a scratch to the cornea or something stuck in the eyelids) will elevate their third eyelids to help protect the eye. Though some types of neck injuries can damage a nerve to works in the face and can also cause this to happen. Since I am concerned that this beautiful kitty is in pain, I would recommend taking her to the emergency vet. After the examination, discuss financial constraints with the vet to determine what can be done to alleviate pain but still fit within the budget you have set. Many times we are able to come up with plans B and C to do what we can to help the pet!

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Scarlett is having problems. This can indicate a few things such as something called Horner's Syndrome, Haws Syndrome, or some type of injury to the eye or eyelids. It's not likely Horner's because that is usually one eye and is a neurological disorder of the eye and facial muscles. Haw's syndrome is more likely since it's both eyes. This is an odd syndrome of elevated third eyelids and often times diarrhea. Some people suspect tapeworm infestation or a viral cause for this syndrome. It's usually not treated and is most times self limiting and will resolve. Eye and eyelid injuries are often again only one eye but could less commonly be both eyes. If you don't notice any discharge, rubbing of the eyes, redness of the eyes, or pain I would just advise monitoring the situation. I did notice that her left third eyelid and eye looked redder than the right which could mean that she does have something going on with that eye, such as conjunctivitis. I would advise seeing your veterinarian and let them evaluate her. They can take a detailed history and perform a thorough examination. Once those are done, your vet can advise you on a diagnostic/treatment plan based on their clinical findings. Possible tests include a corneal stain, conjunctival scrape, etc. Conjunctivitis is commonly viral and/or bacterial in nature in young kittens. Also, your vet can advise you on a good preventive health care program for Scarlett. Good question. I hope this just resolves on it's own like most cases do.

The pictures you have attached from Neely show that his third eyelid is elevated. This is the pink area on the lower inside part of his eye seen in the picture. Elevation of the third eyelid can mean either something directly wrong with his eye OR problems of internal illness or neurologic disease. Regardless, if he is feeling well at home otherwise, eating, drinking, normal behavior please schedule an appointment with his veterinarian in the near future. The doctor can examine his eye to verify if there is a problem or the doctor may identify an internal problem based on the rest of his/her good thorough physical exam. If Neely is stumbling around, has abnormal mentation, squinting of the eye, decrease in appetite, vomiting and/or diarrhea he should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Having the third eyelid up is often a sign of a systemic disease from a virus or infection, not an eye problem itself. This can also be caused by intestinal parasites. I recommend a veterinary exam and testing of his blood for feline leukemia and aids and a fecal test for intestinal parasites. They will also check him for anemia and make sure his organs are functioning properly. Once they find the reason then they can prescribe the correct treatment. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Mochi.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The white tissue in the corner of the eyes is the third eye lid. It goes up like this when a cat is unwell. It is not a specific sign for one particular disease but it often means that a cat has fever, has breathing problems, has abdominal discomfort, muscle or joint pain. Please, take Lancelot to your local vets tomorrow for full clinical examination. Your vet may recommend a blood test or abdominal scan to find out what is going on. Good luck !

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Hazel. In this picture, both third eyelids look to be in their correct positions. The conjuctiva (lining to eyelid) of the left lower lid is very swollen. It is possible that the kitten scratched his eye while they were playing. He may also have an eye infection. He will likely need to see his veterinarian for a closer evaluation and medication. In the meantime, do not allow him to scratch the eye. I hope this information helps you and Hazel!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I can think of 2 things: 1) uveitis which is inflammation of the uveal structures in the eye. It can cause light sensitivity. It is diagnosed by measure the intra-ocular pressure. It would come back low. Causes of uveitis in cats is trauma to the eye, feline leukemia, infection, metabolic disease, etc. 2) Haws syndrome. Which is GI disease. In a young cat I would be sure he gets dewormed regardless of a normal stool sample. Consider a dietary change if deworming doesn't resolve the issue. I hope Sofia does well!