Why is my 5-week-old foster kitten's third eyelid showing? Is it an emergency?

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!

What you are seeing is the third eyelid which is elevated. The third eyelid shows like this when the animal is sick and/or in pain. It is not necessarily an eye problem. It could be any illness causing this. The kitten really needs to see a vet if at all possible. ( https://www.tampabayvets.net/questions/cats-3rd-eyelid-showing/ )

You can get some cat wormer and worm her. Often third eyelids prolapse with heavy worm burdens. Watch her eye and if she gets a discharge and the squinting gets worse, then take her to a vet for an exam. Since you are taking care of her so far and she condiserrs your place her home, you may want to permanently adopt her ;-).

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.

It looks like your kitties have prolapsed third eye lids. I am assuming they are inside/outside cats and go hunting as well. A prolapse of the third eye lid can be caused by an infection with tape worm. We do not know why this happens, but most cats who have this (reversible) condition without other disease of the nervous system had a tape worm infection. Tape worm can be successfully treated with a wormer for cats containing praziquantel. If your cats show other signs of illness you should have them examined by a vet as there are other conditions that can cause this prolapse of the third eye lid.

So it appears the third eyelid is showing, which means Oreo either has an eye infection or has injured her eye. Any eye problem is considered an emergency because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. I would take her into your closest vet now. Best of luck.

This can be a sign of sickness or an infection in cats. however, since he is normal in the day,he may be tired at night and the eyelid comes out. If there is no squinting or ocular discharge, and no sneezing, then i would not worry at this point. Monitor his activity level and eating habits and if any changes are noted, then i would get him checked