Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Why does my kitten have eye crust and visible third eyelid after URI?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Male | neutered | 4 months and 6 days old

I got this kitten in May. He was a stray and I adopted him from a shelter. I've noticed one of his eyes, and only this one. Has crust in the corn closet to his nose. He always gets it, even when I clean it off. Today I noticed I could see his 3rd eye lid. He has no other symptoms. Still active, eats and drinks water. When I adopted him, they cured him from a URI. Is he okay?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Liz DeWandeler, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 7th, 2017

This seems to be very common in adopted stray cats. It is possible that Toothless has a little upper respiratory infection that is hanging around; you may also observe him sneezing. However, Toothless could also have a scratch on his eye or an irritant that is bothering him. You can try gently rinsing his eye with a saline rinse (like you use if you have contact lenses), and watching it for a day or two. If he is squinting, producing lots of discharge, and/or his third eyelid continues to be elevated, I recommend having him seen by your veterinarian for further evaluation. They may need to stain his eye to see if there is a scratch.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Upper respiratory infections can cause residual eye discharge. If it's mild and he's not squinting I would just continue to clean the eye. If the discharge gets worse he may need to be seen. Many times URI can be partially due to herpes virus so signs can come and go.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This looks like very mild conjunctivitis as long as he's not squinting and his eye isn't cloudy. A blockage of the normal draining tract of the eye is possible too. Sometimes a warm compress is helpful or simply just removing the discharge with a warm wet cloth. If the discharge increases, or his eye becomes abnormal your veterinarian needs to do an exam.

    Vote icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?
Can you use contact lens saline for your mouse's eye drops? A certified vet discusses ingredients like boric acid and potassium chloride. Find safe solutions for your pet!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored