Both of Your Cat’s Third Eyelids Are Showing

If a pale or pinkish membrane stays visible across both eyes while your cat is awake, call your veterinary team for advice. Let them know right away if your cat is squinting, holding an eye shut, has a cloudy eye, or seems unable to see normally. Don't try to move the membrane or use old eye drops.

Describe what both eyes look like at the same time

The third eyelid sits near the inner corner of the eye. Note when you first saw it, whether both sides look similar, and whether it stays visible while your cat is up and moving. A photo from the front in ordinary light can help if the cat stays comfortable. Include any redness, discharge, rubbing or change in pupil size. Our guide to a squinting or cloudy eye covers those signs in more detail.

VCA’s guide to feline conjunctivitis describes how inflammation can make the third eyelid more visible and which eye signs need immediate attention. Some cats with both third eyelids raised have a pattern veterinarians call Haws syndrome. A published clinical study describes affected cats. Seeing both membranes doesn't establish that diagnosis at home. The clinic needs to check the eyes and consider the wider history.

Bring the history from outside the eyes

Tell the clinic whether your cat is eating normally and whether you've seen vomiting, loose stool, weight change or a change in activity. Include recent medications and treatments. This is especially useful if another person can photograph the eyes but only you know what went into the litter box. If the clinic wants a sample, ask how to collect it before you bring it in.

Keep cats indoors and in familiar surroundings while waiting for the team’s instructions. If pain, cloudiness or an abrupt change in vision appears after your first call, call back with that new information. What changed and how quickly will matter more than the exact shade of the membrane in a photo.

Written by PARTNER Editorial Team for general education. Contact your veterinary team for advice about your pet’s individual health and feeding needs.