My new kitten's third eyelid shows at night. Should I worry?

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.

This sign could be sometimes related to a systemic illness or gastrointestinal disease. More rarely eyes problems are present. I would recommend to monitor him at this stage and if there are no other signs I would agree with what your vet suggested.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Leroy. Oh my, he is adorable! He has the cutest cross eyes. Typically the third eyelid should not be out all the time, and it can be a sign of a problem. Now if the vet examined him and said he was fine, then it may be normal for him due to the shape of his eyes. It could also be a sign of intestinal worms, so make sure he is up to date on his deworming treatments. Please give him a cuddle from me, he is beyond cute!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Winston is a cutie and I am not concerned about this. I actually see this in many relaxed cats. Unless the watering is lasting more than a day, there is full-on squinting or rapid blinking, redness, cloudiness, or other worrisome signs, I am inclined to ignore it. If you have any concerns, definitely see your vet to make sure everything looks normal. Best of luck to you and Winston!

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/ )

It looks like your kitty has a prolapsed third eye lid. This does not look like an emergency. It may be that she has worms (this sometimes causes prolapsed nictitating membranes/third eyelids). Should the eye start to ooze purulent discharge or get red or look like it is damage you should take her to a PetER. Otherwise you can wait until Tuesday, if the third eyelid does not retract by then.

Cats can have the morning sleep in their eyes just like us. If the squinting is not persistent throughout the day, it should be fine. If it occurs throughout the day, then she should get checked out by the vet.