My 16-day-old kittens' eyes aren't open. Do they need surgery?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 7 months old | 6.5 lbs
Today I took my kittens to vet. As u know they haven't opened their eyes since its 16th day of birth.... The vet said some kittens opens their eyes late... The doctor said no worries hopely they will open the eyes within 20 days of birth.... Is she correct? 3 days back I visited an another vet he said we need to cut i mean undergo through a surgery of eyes of kittens....i don't trust that doctor about his advice to do a surgery.... Plz give me an advice... Thank u for all ur supports...
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on December 29th, 2018
I agree that by 2 weeks of age the kittens eyes should be open and there would be concern for abnormal development or an infection causing adhesions. You may want to see if your vet feels comfortable applying a warm compress and then gently trying to ease the eyelids apart - this might help with adhesions. Otherwise anesthesia and using an instrument to separate the lids (surgery to cut the lid is not recommended) may be necessary since the eyes need to be open for appropriate development of the eye and neurologic pathway to the brain.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 20th, 2017
You can apply a warm compress and gently wipe the eye to help. Do not force it open though. If you notice a mucoid discharge then that is a sign there may be an infection in it. Kittens can commonly get viral infections that cause this. If it does not open for you then I would get a vet to check it
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 27th, 2017
Do not force the eyelid open. You can use a warm damp cloth over the eye in case there is a bit of discharge crusting the lid partially closed. It will likely open on its own in a few more days. If not fully open by 3 weeks a veterinary check up may be a good idea. Good luck with Bella and all the kittens.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 11th, 2019
It looks like your kitten is getting either an eye infection or has injured the cornea. I recommend to have your kitten examined by the veterinarian who will need to check him for any wounds to the cornea. If an eye infection is the cause, He will get an antibiotic eyedrops. You will need to protect the area from rubbing by having him wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. He will also need to gently clean any discharge with a wet cotton ball. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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