Why is my cat's third eyelid visible or sticking out? Is it common?

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!

This almost looks like the 3rd eyelid has been torn. It would need to be touched and palpated in person in order to know for sure. A torn 3rd eyelid in this manner shouldn't be a problem to correct after an appt with your vet. Best of luck with your pet Tommy moving forward. Take care.

Hello. When the third eyelids are prominent, then this could be an indication that a cat is unwell, but from your picture, Nojiko looks perfectly healthy, bright & alert. Just a corner of the third eyelids are visible, which can be perfectly normal in many cats. Any concerns, you should contact your veterinarian for a much more thorough examination. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This sign could be sometimes related to a systemic illness or gastrointestinal disease. More rarely eyes problems are present. I would recommend to monitor him at this stage and if there are no other signs I would agree with what your vet suggested.

It sounds like you may be describing an elevated third eyelid - it looks like a thin membrane, that covers part of the eye near the inner corner. This is often associated with an eye infection or an injury to the cornea (such as a scratch or ulcer), but can also be seen with other types of illnesses. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an eye exam tomorrow, if possible.

Unless it gets inflamed or starts irritating her eye, I would just keep watch on it. You might ask your vet to look at it the next time she is in for her annual exam and ask their opinion. It doesn't look like something worth anesthetizing her for alone, so unless she is getting another procedure at the same time, your vet may not think it's necessary to repair unless it starts to cause problems.

What you are seeing is Zoe's third eyelid, which is a normal part of a cat's anatomy. What isn't normal, however, is it being out while her eye is open. Normally it comes out when her eye is closed, and if it's out while her eye is open, that signals a medical problem such as an eye infection. An eye infection would also keep her from opening her eye as normal. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would have Zoe seen by a vet as soon as possible to have her eye examined and treated.