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My kitten's eye looks like it's peeling. Is this a serious eye issue?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Scottish Fold | Male | neutered | 2 months and 23 days old

My kitten cornea looks like it’s peeling and I don’t know what’s the cause and I’m wondering if it’s serious and should I bring him to the vet...

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 24th, 2020

This could be due either to a corneal ulcer or an early stage corneal sequestrum.
Please find more information about this disease here: https://www.ndsr.co.uk/specialist-referral-service/pet-health-information/ophthalmology/corneal-sequestrum.
Other differentials would include superficial keratitis.

The eye must be assessed by your local veterinarian as soon as possible.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Amber W
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on September 1st, 2017
Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It's difficult to tell for sure from those pictures but it looks as if blood vessels are coming in over that area of your kitten's eye. This will happen if there has been a scratch on the cornea. Sometimes this appearance can also be a sign of abnormal tissue formation or a plaque on the eye. Finally, previous exposure to certain upper respiratory viruses can cause ulcers on the cornea and lead to this appearance. I think you should take your kitten to a veterinarian so an examination can be done on the eye. The veterinarian will be able to do a special eye stain to check for ulcers and decide if eye medication is needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 10th, 2017
That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection (usually viral in kittens). A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Tomasz Wnuk
Veterinarian
Published on May 2nd, 2020
Hello and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The eyes are infected and very inflamed. There is a protruding third eyelid in the right eye, possibly that's way the eye looks different. I suspect that there are also corneal ulcers present, which also can change the colour of eyes. Please, take the kitten to your local vets today as the eyes need to be treated right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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