My kitten has unusual pupils. Is it genetic or a serious eye issue?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Cinder. It's very hard to see good detail with these pictures. This can be the effects of a chronic infectious conjunctivitis due to a virus (herpes) or chlamydia, an eyelid abnormality such as entropion, or a congenital disorder like eyelid agenesis or eyelid atresia. I would advise getting a second opinion on this eye or even requesting a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist. I think it's important to see what the scleral infiltrate is and if it can be treated. Cats with eyelid agenesis will often have scleral infiltrate which can extend down onto the cornea. If herpes is suspected and confirmed, maybe a trial of Famvir (famciclovir) would be indicated or some anti-viral drops. If entropion or an eyelid problem is noted, surgical correction may be indicated. Good luck with Cinder.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Small or constricted pupils may be a sign of uveitis, which means inflammation in the front chamber of the eye. This can be due to infectious causes (bacterial/viral/fungal), high blood pressure, immune-mediated diseases or trauma, among other things. Cats with uveitis are often painful, however, and will show squinting of the eyes, will be sensitive to light, are often hiding, etc. It is possible that he has no ocular issues, and that you have just never observed his pupils in a dark room (this is very hard to do!). You can test if he can see by gently motioning toward his eyes with your hand (called a menace response) to see if he blinks. If he is squinting his eyes, has abnormal discharge (yellow/green, thick/mucoid), or very red conjunctiva, I recommend bringing him to your veterinarian to be evaluated. I hope this is helpful!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and congratulations on your new pet! Glassy eyes may refer to cataracts, which are opacities in the lens of the eye. At a certain stage these can result in blindness. A photo of Puma's eyes would be great to help determine if this is the case. Cataracts can be treated, but it may not be necessary. I hope all is well!

Based on the picture I suspect it may be a persistent pupillary membrane. This is a birth defect, but does not cause any problems. However, pictures can be deceiving and I would highly encourage you to have it looked at in person by a veterinarian. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor baby! He might have been born with small eyes or the eyes got infected and were injured severely and permanently damaged. It also can be genetic or from drugs the mother received while pregnant. I wouldn't breed Mocha if this could be a genetic conditions If the eyes are painful, then they should be addressed when he is older. He may have to have the eyes removed. He likely can not see out of them anyway. If they are not painful then just leave the eyes be. I hope this helps!

The first two listed conditions are genetic. Where there is one or two genetic abnormalities, there may be more that have not yet become apparent. It is impossible to predict if she will eventually develop any other conditions. have her examined by your vet to rule out infection in the eyes or obstructed tear ducts.Keep the eyes clean using a warm, moist cloth. Pain medication may be indicated to manage the discomfort associated with the loss of her tail. Daily brushing, using a pet approved toothbrush and tooth paste, may promote periodontal health. Have the vet examine her mouth to diagnose any periodontal issues.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! She is gorgeous! Her eyes are likely reacting to the light and her surroundings and this is unlikely to be an actual issue. I would continue to monitor her for signs of eye discharge or discomfort and have her evaluated if any of these are seen. However, I think she is most likely just fine. Good luck!