Why does my cat's eye look green in flash photos? Is it normal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
I've just took a photo of my cat with the flash on and the eyes are different colour. The left eye is normal and the middle of the right eye is bright green
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 3rd, 2020
That may be the the tapetum lucidum causing the green. This is a normal structure of the cat's eye, and it's actually present in both eyes. The angle of the photo with the flash only caught the reflection off one of them.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
New Pet
My 4 month old puppy has a reflective gloss in his eyes, like when you take a picture with a flash-but all the time. I have mentioned to my vet but they say all looks normal. However, I can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. He doesn’t act
This is normal in dogs! It's a part of their anatomy (also in cats and other similar species) called the tapetum lucidum. This is what gives dogs that glowy, reflective look and a "red eye" when looking into a camera or light at night.
Here's an article on the structure of the eye that you're seeing: https://www.acvo.org/tips-treatments-tricks/why-do-my-dogs-eyes-shine-at-night
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, my cat, 4 y.o., developed something strange to the left eye: it is shining bizarrely- it's like the known tapetum lucidum reflection effect, but in normal daylight conditions. He is also squinting a bit. No or very little pain (very little avo
It is difficult to say without a picture, if not an eye exam. Tapetal reflection can be seen during daylight depending on where you and Tomita are in relation to a light source. If this is the case, the eye could be normal. If the shining is in the anterior chamber, this could be uveitis, a problem with the iris, a lipid Deposit, or other. The fact that the eye is visual and comfortable is a great sign but a good eye exam (with a veterinary ophthalmologist if it is very unusual) is a good idea.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello, I was taking pictures of my pets and noticed that in chewy both of his eyes are red instead of yellow/green like they used to be and like my other dog and cats eyes are. Could this be due to a health issue and should I be worried? I was using
When you take photos of your pets or people and the flash hits the eyes at a certain angle you will be able to see through the pupils to the back of the lense which has a lot of blood vessels. This will appear red and is normal. This will often happen when you take pictures of people also. Here you have some information: http://www.yalescientific.org/2011/05/what-causes-the-red-eye-effect/
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My 13year old cats eyes have suddenly turned bright green... They used to be a dark brown. What should i do? Is it dangerous?
Hello! That is a tough question! I have heard of cat eyes turning brown (with a type of tumour) or orange with a type of inflammation called uveitis, but I haven't heard of eyes turning green. Unless of course, you are refering to a discharge that is coming from the eyes. A green discharge in an indicator of infection, or inflammation. Sorry to not be more help! You might consider a trip to the vet; maybe if they were able to see what you are referring to, this could be sorted out! Best of luck with Kitty!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
So I’m very confused about my cat, I believe it’s just her eyes changing in the light. But her eyes change color? Like From a light brown, to a yellow, to a minty green. I cant figure out exactly what it is, but it changes mostly daily. Maybe it’s ju
I think it depends on the lighting and how dilated her pupils are at the time. Totally normal! The iris has many different color filaments in it and depending on the shape and amount of light hitting them, they may appear a different shade.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I’ve attached three pictures of my cat’s eyes. One in flash with her pupils more dilated, one in flash with her pupils more constricted, and one in normal light. I’d like a second opinion on if her eyes seem to be having an issue, sometimes they will
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! She is gorgeous! Her eyes are likely reacting to the light and her surroundings and this is unlikely to be an actual issue. I would continue to monitor her for signs of eye discharge or discomfort and have her evaluated if any of these are seen. However, I think she is most likely just fine. Good luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My cat has a reflection in his eye. Is this a serious condition that requires attention, or is it something he was born with?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian. He seems to have an opacity in his eye. This can be on the cornea (surface of his eye) or on the lens. He could have a scratch across his eye or even a scar. If the problem is on his lens, then a cataract is a possibility. His veterinarian will examine his eye with a special instrument called an ophthalmic scope. Some tests may be recommended as well. I hope this information helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My 12 yr.old neutered cat's eyes do not reflect light equally. One eye does not reflect light at all. His eyes seem normal in every other way however. This condition occurred suddenly rather than over a period of time. How concerned should I be?
This could be due to an eye condition that is just staring, it could be any eye condition, it could also be due to some dirt on the eye that cannot be seen with the naked eye. i would recommend monitoring it and take him to the vet if you have any doubts.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi! My cat has changed eye color from bright green to orange brown. Should I be worried, is it normal?
It is common for kittens to undergo an eye color change. If your cat is an older cat though, it may signify infection or more serious underlying disease. Any sudden change in eye color should be addressed by your vet or veterinary ophthalmologist.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Is it normal that her one eye has so much brown in it? I'm not sure if this is new or not. I just noticed it today. She is currently on antibiotics because she had her teeth removed. She has stomatitis autoimmune disease. Thank you
Hello, and thank you for using Boop by Petco. From what I can tell in the picture, this looks like normal pigmentation in the eye. As long as Keira seems comfortable with no symptoms, I would conclude that this is normal for her. Of course, if she's showing *any* signs of discomfort, increased tear production, squinting, redness, etc then I'd have her checked by your vet to be safe. Hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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