My cat has a grey area in its eye. Is this a normal third eyelid?

Question

My cat has a grey area round the bottom right hand corner of his left eye. (The right eye also has it but I can't quite see how much is there). Is this normal? If not, what is it? He is a house cat, 8 years old. Could it be cancerous? Kind regards. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | 8 years and 1 month old | 10 lbs

Lauren Celestin, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello there! Great question! From your picture it appears as though the grey area you are seeing is a portion of what is called the nictitans membrane, or more commonly the third eye lid. It allows the animal to moisten the eye, while still maintains vision. This is normal anatomy that many animals have them, cats are special in the sense that they, unlike dogs, actually can control their third eye lid. You may notice that it becomes more visible when Kite is resting or falling asleep. I hope this answers your question. Kite is very handsome!

My cat has a grey area in its eye. Is this a normal third eyelid?

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