My kitten's eye has a white film. Is it serious or just cross-eyed?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Nala. She appears to be squinting a bit in your picture. This can mean that her eyes are painful. If the other cats she is playing with are experiencing similar signs, I suspect there is an infectious cause. I would recommend that she sees her veterinarian. She may require an antibiotic eye ointment. In the meantime, do not let her paws at her eyes as this can irritate them further. I hope this information helps!

What are you are seeing is elevation of the third eyelids. If all kittens are affected this is most likely from intestinal parasites (worms). Have they been dewormed yet? If not, I suggest you do that and continue to deworm them every 2 weeks until they are 6 months old.

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.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Her eyes look fine in this photo, but then again there aren't any close up views here. Cats often squint their eyes, especially if they are getting sleepy and about to nap. Now if you notice any redness of the white part of her eye, eye discharge (usually yellow green) or puffiness of her eyes, then I would get concerned about conjunctivitis and then eye drops would have to be prescribed by your vet. Otherwise, this is considered normal and no treatment is recommended at this time. Please let me know if this was helpful information for you and your pet. Best wishes and 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.

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 !

This film over Angel's eye could actually be her third eyelid, or nictitating membrane. This typically covers the cat's eye when they are sleeping, but it can appear when the cat's eye is open due to illness, infection, or injury. I would have Angel seen by a vet right away this. 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. The vet can determine if it is her third eyelid sticking, what's causing it, and how best to treat it.