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My 12-year-old cat has a film over her eye. Is a vet needed?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | 12 years and 1 month old | 15 lbs

My cat is 12 years old.. Never been sick but she has recently delvelped a film over half of her eye... it do t seem to be bothering her but I don't know what to do.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 31st, 2017

This film over Angel's eye could actually be her third eyelid, or nictitating membrane. This typically covers the cat's eye when they are sleeping, but it can appear when the cat's eye is open due to illness, infection, or injury. I would have Angel seen by a vet right away this. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. The vet can determine if it is her third eyelid sticking, what's causing it, and how best to treat it.

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Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This film over Angel's eye could actually be her third eyelid, or nictitating membrane. This typically covers the cat's eye when they are sleeping, but it can appear when the cat's eye is open due to illness, infection, or injury. I would have Angel seen by a vet right away this. The eye is such a delicate and important structure that any problem with it should be considered an emergency. That's because leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. The vet can determine if it is her third eyelid sticking, what's causing it, and how best to treat it.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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