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My 16-day-old kittens' eyes aren't open. Do they need surgery?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 6.5 lbs

Today I took my kittens to vet. As u know they haven't opened their eyes since its 16th day of birth.... The vet said some kittens opens their eyes late... The doctor said no worries hopely they will open the eyes within 20 days of birth.... Is she correct? 3 days back I visited an another vet he said we need to cut i mean undergo through a surgery of eyes of kittens....i don't trust that doctor about his advice to do a surgery.... Plz give me an advice... Thank u for all ur supports...

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Sara Farmer, DVM

Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 29th, 2018

I agree that by 2 weeks of age the kittens eyes should be open and there would be concern for abnormal development or an infection causing adhesions. You may want to see if your vet feels comfortable applying a warm compress and then gently trying to ease the eyelids apart - this might help with adhesions. Otherwise anesthesia and using an instrument to separate the lids (surgery to cut the lid is not recommended) may be necessary since the eyes need to be open for appropriate development of the eye and neurologic pathway to the brain.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 20th, 2017

    You can apply a warm compress and gently wipe the eye to help. Do not force it open though. If you notice a mucoid discharge then that is a sign there may be an infection in it. Kittens can commonly get viral infections that cause this. If it does not open for you then I would get a vet to check it

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 27th, 2017

    Do not force the eyelid open. You can use a warm damp cloth over the eye in case there is a bit of discharge crusting the lid partially closed. It will likely open on its own in a few more days. If not fully open by 3 weeks a veterinary check up may be a good idea. Good luck with Bella and all the kittens.

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 11th, 2019

    It looks like your kitten is getting either an eye infection or has injured the cornea. I recommend to have your kitten examined by the veterinarian who will need to check him for any wounds to the cornea. If an eye infection is the cause, He will get an antibiotic eyedrops. You will need to protect the area from rubbing by having him wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. He will also need to gently clean any discharge with a wet cotton ball. Best of luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

New Pet
Is it safe to put 16-day-old kittens in sunlight to open their eyes?
The opening of kittens eyes is not triggered by light and i would not expect it to speed the process. Very rarely surgical opening is required. If there is no swelling behind the eye, warm compresses for 2-3miinutes may help but be very gentle not to put any pressure on the developing eye structures
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My 20-day-old kitten has one eye still shut. Should I be concerned?
Kittens will naturally open their eyes at around 7-10 days of age. If your kitten has an eye that is still shut, or appears to be blocked by debris or discharge, it is best to schedule a veterinary appointment as this may indicate a congenital issue or infection causing the problem.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My 16-day-old kitten's eyes aren't open with crust. Is this normal?
Yes, this is too long. They normally open their eyes around 7-10 days. I suggest you get them to the vet for an exam. I don't know what the hard substance is that you are referring to unless it is crusts forming due to an infection (very common in kittens). You really should get them to a vet for an exam.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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My newborn kitten's eye opened too early. Is it an emergency?
Hi Caron, thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. At 5 and a half days of age, that is young for the eye to be open, and there is a concern that it won't be fully developed as you fear the eye was forced open. He needs to see a vet right away, as this could permanently damage his eyesight. You are doing the right thing by keeping the lighting dim and covering the windows, and you want to make sure the eye isn't too dry, which is why he needs to see a vet to get checked out. He can't be separated long from his mother, so please bring the mother and siblings to the appointment as well, and I would take them all in today. He should see a vet asap. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My 1-week-old kitten has ruptured eyes. What can I do to help her?
The ruptured eye is not repairable and it is highly unlikely that the other eyes will ever be visual either. It is not normal for eyes to be open so early and it is likely that severe inflammation and infection was the underlying cause. Regular application of artificial tears may help with the discomfort but the only realistic option to prevent pain is to remove the damaged eyes completely
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My 2-month-old kittens' eyes are closed. Should I take them to vet?
This is probably an upper respiratory infection. it's very common in young cats and is very contagious to other cats as well. It is treated with antibiotic eye drops/ointment and oral antibiotics for about 2 weeks. if left untreated many cats will end up blind or even die from the disease. I advise going to your vet asap to start the treatment right away.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
How long until kittens open their eyes and how to tell their gender?
Your kittens should open their eyes when they are between 7-14 days old. You should be able to determine the sex of your kittens around 8 weeks of age. See the following link for help on how to do so: https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/Pet-Health-Topics/categories/procedures/cats/determining-gender-(sex)-of-a-kitten . Also see http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=576 for information on how to care for your kittens if their mother is not able to produce adequate milk. Kitten Milk Replacer can be used if you need to supplement their feedings, and there is also a recipe for emergency kitten formula included in the link if needed.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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