My cat's eye looks off. Could it be a torn third eyelid?

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!

I recommend bringing Chester to the veterinarian. A torn eyelid can cause irritation to the cornea and pain and annoyance for Chester. If you can't get to a veterinarian tomorrow you can put an ecollar on him until you can get to a veterinarian. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for the good photo! It looks like she tore the corner of the third eyelid. It is usually from an injury but often we don't know how it happened. I would not say is not common but I have seen it before. I agree with you, if it is not bothering her I would just leave it be.

It looks as though Nash’s third eyelid on his right eye is elevated. The third eyelid can raise for a variety of different conditions, including viral infection, eye inflammation, a corneal ulcer/abrasion, Horner’s syndrome, among many others. Particularly since eye problems can change and progress so rapidly, it’s important to have Nash examined by your vet. Until then, be sure to put an ecollar (cone) on Nash to prevent him from scratching or rubbing at this eye, as that will make matters worse. I hope that he’s on the mend soon!

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 contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Odette. Oh no, poor girl. Sounds like both of you have been through a tough time. I do not like the way this eye looks, but without seeing her in person, I can't say what needs to be done for her. I would see if there is a veterinary ophthalmologist in your area that you can take her into as soon as possible. Best of luck.

Tinkerbell's eye lid does appear to have some sort of tear or ulceration. This could be related to trauma or a viral infection. Tears on the eyelid should be care for quickly. I recommend to have Tinkerbell examined by his veterinarian within the next day. Make sure to protect the area from rubbing by having him wear an elizabethan collar at all times. Rubbing the eye can make it worse. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.