Ragdoll Cat Forums

I would just like some advice please. I read an article just now saying that when a cats third eyelid is shown it is a sign the cat is very, very ill. I am now extremely worried. Jasper's third eyelids are showing often, and have been for many many months. For example, every time he yawns they go across his eyes and it looks like he is rolling his eyes. And when he is sitting on my lap like he is now (and purring like a monster), when his eyes are half closed the third eyelid is half way across his eyes. It happens often and until now I had never thought anything of it. He hasn't got any signs of sickness apart from this and I would love your opinions please. Can and do cats have their third eyelids showing when they are completely healthy?

I don't have any photos of Jasper doing it but I have attached a photo of a cat on google images doing it in one of his eyes (Jasper does it in both) of about the same amount over its eye as Jasper's.


Thankyou!!!

From the times that you're explaining that it happens, I think that it's probably normal for him. Just like when we yawn we sometimes close our eyes, and when he's content in your lap purring he's probably falling asleep (yet trying to stay awake). I would be concerned if he just had it over part of his eye all the time, or when in a normal state (sitting looking out a window, playing with toys, etc). I've seen the third eyelid on my girls when falling asleep before they actually shut their eyes. Hopefully this is all it is, especially if he doesn't seem ill.

I didn't even know they had a third eyelid! Hopefully JanH will see this soon and share some knowledge.
I sure hope it's okay.

I agree with Teresa, the times that you mention seem pretty normal, I can see Dakotas third eyelid when he yawns and when he is just waking up as well, or when I hold his head in my hands. I think, like Teresa said, you should worry if it is showing all of the time, or if there are any other symptoms. Also, a few months seems like a long time not to have noticed any other symptoms. As always when in doubt see, or at least call, a vet (-:

We were wondering the same thing Cloe! The boys have their third eyelids showing when they are in a deep sleep, or yawning, or when they're getting a good scratch. It looks a bit freaky but it seems to happen when they are very relaxed. If the colour looks normal I wouldn't be concerned, maybe a quick call to the vet will clarify.

Thanks for the advice guys, I'd take it that he is just very comfortable then. He is a very VERY laid back boy.

Chloe, I think the way you are describing it is just like he is sleepy and blinking kind of. So I don't think it anything to worry about. If the colour of his eyes remain the same blue as always and it is not always half covering his eye like it was with Coco, then I think he is ok. If it is something that you have just noticed and it is worrying then it wouldn't hurt to get him checked out.

Fawkes does the exact same thing when he's dozing off or ic\s in extreme relaxation while purring. I'm sure it's fine