Help! My Cats Third Eyelid Gets Stuck? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
“Daisy’s third eyelid sometimes gets stuck, but not always. When should I worry? “– Lyle
Quick Info about Daisy
Dear Lyle,
I understand your concerns. The third eyelid or nictitating membrane can appear briefly in relaxed cats, or when they are just waking, so an occasional glimpse is not always a sign of trouble. Worry grows when the membrane stays elevated, shows up on only one side, or comes with other changes such as squinting, pawing at the face, or discharge. Its protrusion often reflects irritation, dehydration, pain, or conditions like Haws syndrome. It can help to imagine the third eyelid as a little curtain that the eye pulls up when it feels bothered or needs extra protection.
If the third eyelid stays visible for more than a few hours, if the eye becomes red or cloudy, or if Daisy seems uncomfortable, she should be examined in person. Eye issues can progress quickly, and timely evaluation helps rule out corneal injury, infection, neurologic causes, or systemic illness. Your careful observation is already giving Daisy a strong advantage because eye changes can be easy to miss early on. Quick attention is the best way to protect those delicate structures that serve as her windows to the world.
Kind regards,
– Dr. Paola