Why is my cat's third eyelid showing halfway over both eyes in light?

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.

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 !

Your vet prescribed a general antibiotic eye drop which also contain steroids, from my experience when both third eyelids go up into the eye like this, it is usually not an eye related disease, it's more likely to be an intestinal disease. if she has not been dewormed lately, i would recommend starting by deworming her, often it is the discomfort related to the worms in the intestines that is causing this symptom. once the abdominal discomfort will be over, this symptom will disappear.

It looks like your kitties have prolapsed third eye lids. I am assuming they are inside/outside cats and go hunting as well. A prolapse of the third eye lid can be caused by an infection with tape worm. We do not know why this happens, but most cats who have this (reversible) condition without other disease of the nervous system had a tape worm infection. Tape worm can be successfully treated with a wormer for cats containing praziquantel. If your cats show other signs of illness you should have them examined by a vet as there are other conditions that can cause this prolapse of the third eye lid.

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!

Common causes of cloudy eyes include corneal ulcer/abrasion, dry eye, conjunctivitis, viral infection, glaucoma, uveitis, among a few others. Common causes for increased third eyelid exposure include allergies, dehydration, eye pain or light sensitivity. If this is a sudden change, I recommend that Marshmallow be evaluated as soon as possible as a few of these eye issues can get drastically worse very quickly. It is also likely that Marshmallow is very uncomfortable and could benefit from appropriate eye medications or pain medications.