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My kitten's third eyelids are showing, but she's acting normal. Why?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 15 days old

My new kittens third eyelids are showing? Shes generally well, eating, drinking, playing, pooping.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on October 30th, 2017

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.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 18th, 2016

    It could be caused by Haw's syndrome, but as you stated, it often accompanied by GI disease and gastric upset. Given that you can't say for certain she hasn't had diarrhea, it can't be ruled out as a cause. Other causes of bilateral third eyelid protrusion include wounds, viruses, and worms. I would take her into the vet first thing in the morning for an exam if the eyelids are still out. The vet can diagnose what is causing this to happen, and can treat her accordingly.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 28th, 2018

    Sometimes the third eyelid shows when cats are infected with tape worm and/or is infected with a Toro virus causing mild diarrhea as well. This is called Haw's Syndrome and usually goes away with supportive care. If your kitty has access to the outside and catches mice, then there is a chance he ingested a tape worm infected flea. It is not known why tape worm infestation causes the third eyelid to prolapse, however it is suspected that tape worm infection affects the cat's nervous system and therefore the third eyelid prolapses. Ask your vet for some wormer for tape worms (needs to contain praziquantel).

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 1st, 2018

    A three pound kitten is at least 3 months old. Sometimes the third eyelid shows when cats are infected with tape worm and/or is infected with a Toro virus causing mild diarrhea as well. This is called Haw's Syndrome and usually goes away with supportive care. If your kitty has access to the outside and catches mice, then there is a chance he ingested a tape worm infected flea. It is not known why tape worm infestation causes the third eyelid to prolapse, however it is suspected that tape worm infection affects the cat's nervous system and therefore the third eyelid prolapses. Ask your vet for some wormer for tape worms (needs to contain praziquantel).

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