Learning Cat

Kitten Eyes: Why So Wide?

by · July 29, 2024

Ever look at your furry little friend and think, “Those eyes are HUGE!” Yeah, kittens are known for their adorable, oversized peepers. But sometimes, those big eyes can signal something’s up.

Like, what’s with the whites of their eyes? Should we be seeing THAT much white? 🤔

Calm down, friend. Let’s break this down, Cesar Millan style. We’ll figure out if it’s just a kitten thing or a vet visit situation.

Those Baby Blues (Or Greens…Or Yellows…)

First things first, kittens’ eyes are still developing. Like little humans, they don’t have everything figured out right away.

  • Eye colour: Remember when your kitten was a tiny furball with blue eyes? That’s normal! Most kittens are born with blue eyes. Their true eye colour develops over time, usually settling in around 6-8 weeks of age.
  • Eye size: Kitten eyes are proportionately larger than adult cat eyes. They need all that extra eye power to observe and learn about their new world.

So, seeing a bit more of the white part of the eye (the sclera) isn’t always a bad thing. Especially in those early weeks.

When to Worry About Your Kitten’s Eyes

Okay, so when should you hit the panic button? Here are a few things to watch out for:

  • Sudden Changes: Did your kitten’s eyes seem normal yesterday, but today they look different? Any sudden change in eye appearance warrants a trip to the vet.
  • Redness or Swelling: Inflammation is never a good sign. If the whites of your kitten’s eyes (the sclera) look red or swollen, don’t wait. Get to the vet.
  • Discharge: A little clear discharge is normal, but excessive tearing, yellow or green discharge (pus), or crusty eyes could mean an infection.
  • Cloudiness: If your kitten’s eyes look cloudy or hazy, it could be a sign of a serious condition.
  • Sensitivity to Light: Is your kitten squinting or pawing at their eyes? This could indicate pain or discomfort.
  • Behaviour Changes: Is your kitten bumping into things or seeming disoriented? Vision problems might be the culprit.

Common Kitten Eye Issues

Kittens, with their playful antics and curious noses, are prone to a few common eye problems:

  • Conjunctivitis: This is basically pink eye. It’s an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritants.
  • Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): Just like us, kittens can get colds. URIs are common in kittens, especially those from shelters or multi-cat households. Eye discharge is a frequent symptom of URIs.
  • Corneal Ulcers: The cornea is the clear front part of the eye. Ulcers are open sores on the cornea, often caused by scratches, trauma, or infections.
  • Entropion: This is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea. It can be very painful and lead to corneal ulcers.

What Your Vet Will Do

If you’re worried about your kitten’s eyes, the best thing to do is schedule a check-up with your vet.

  • Physical Exam: The vet will examine your kitten’s eyes, looking for any abnormalities.
  • Fluorescein Staining: This test uses a special dye to check for corneal ulcers.
  • Tests: Depending on their findings, your vet might recommend additional tests, such as blood work or cultures, to determine the underlying cause of the eye problem.

No More Worries, Just Solutions

Listen, I get it. Seeing your kitten uncomfortable is tough. But remember, you’re doing great. By paying attention to their eyes and seeking veterinary care when needed, you’re being a responsible and loving pet parent.

Keep an eye on those peepers, and don’t hesitate to call your vet if you have any concerns.

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