My 2-week-old kitten's eyes are small and covered. Is it blind?

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is quite unusual. This may be a birth defect for example. Regardless, they need to see a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment as soon as possible as this is likely causing significant discomfort. They would be able to evaluate the eye and see what the functional condition of the eye is. They can make treatment recommendations based on that. Good luck and have a great day!

She is such a little cutie! Sometimes animals can be born with one eye smaller than the other. This condition is called microphthalmia. It can run in the genes and be passed from parents to the kittens, but it can also occur spontaneously. In most mild cases, they can lead a normal life and have good vision. Sometimes they can have problems with vision or cataracts down the road. At this time, I would recommend monitoring her. If you do see cloudiness, redness, squinting or discharge, then I would take her to a veterinarian for evaluation.

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.

Hello. This kitten has severe infection in both eyes. This requires IMMEDIATE veterinary attention if there is any chance of salvaging her eyes. She may have poor or no vision no matter what is done, but without medical intervention, it is likely that she will have to lose both eyes. She should be examined immediately and once evaluated, treatment can be started which will probably be a combination of oral and topical antibiotics. She may need to see a veterinary eye specialist if she does not start to improve, or she may need to have the eyes surgically removed. Hopefully, with immediate attention, she can improve. Please take her to your veterinarian or closest emergency clinic right away.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is difficult to know exactly what is going on without being able to look at her. This may be due to an infection for example. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to evaluate her and proceed with therapy accordingly. Best of luck!

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This doesn't sound normal to me and good thinking with the at home vision tests. There may be something abnormal going on with his vision that should be checked out with an eye exam at your veterinarian's office. There, your vet should be able to tell you what the issues with his eyesight may be. I hope this helps!