As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
We all love cats don’t we? They form part of our lives in many ways. But, have you ever wondered; why do cats have double eyelids?
Cats posses’ double eyelids and can be an indicator of many things. It is important to know why cats have double eyelids since it might come in handy as additional information for the pet parent!
Did you know that cats have more than two eyelids on each eye? In this article, we will dive deep in the anatomy of the cat eye and any diseases related to it.
Keep reading to:
- Know why cats have double eyelids
- Know when cats double eyelids are visible
- And so much more …
Let’s get straight into it.
Why Do Cats Have Double Eyelids?
Cats have two eyelids, the inner eyelids and the outer eyelids. The double eyelids are important in preventing any infection from getting into your cats eye.
The inner eyelids in cats is also known as palpebra tertia. It is also known as nictitating membrane. The double eyelids are very important in maintaining the health of the cat surface. It is very important for cats to have a double membrane to prevent infections from getting to their eye.
Two eyelids are very common in mammals such as cows and birds. The anatomy of double eyelids is a jargon. The eyelids contain a mucous membrane which is called the conjunctiva that is in the inner side of the eyelids which is also called palpebral surface on the one side.
You May Also Like: Why Do Cats Bathe Each Other (Key Reasons Explained)
The cornea which is also called the bulbar surface has a lot of lymphoid follicles that are In touch with the surface of the cat’s eye. If you tear the film, there is a thin layer of liquid. These features function as lymph nodes that trap unwanted dirt.
There is a dense cartilage plate that are between the two layers of conjunctiva. The stem of the T cartilage is surrounded by the lacrimal gland that produces the tear film. The double eyelids have tiny ducts through which the glands have lymphoid follicles on the surface of the eyelids.
The cells put their contents in the tear film and is widely distributed to the eye. The eyelids also have cornea that acts as a windshield by removing dirt from the surface and also distributing the tears over the eye. The double eyelids keep the surface of the eyes moist.
You May Also Like: Why do Cats Pant in the Car (9 Reasons Why)
Why is my Cats Second Eyelid Showing?
The second eyelids are a sign of health issue with your cat’s eye. This is an indication that there is something wrong with your cat’s eye. Any eye infection such as feline upper respiratory virus or conjunctivitis as well as trauma of the eye could be some of the key reasons why the second eyelid is showing.
Whenever you notice any the second eyelid of your kitty friend, you should have them get checked by your local vet. Your vet should be able to identify the root cause of the problem and recommend the right remedy.
Your vet will also check if your cat has been affected by the Haws syndrome. This normally affects the cat’s nictitating membrane. The membrane recesses the eye back to the eye socket and is normally controlled by a muscle.
This could sometime be an indication of dehydration especially if it causes tearing and lacrimation. If your cat’s eye is red then this could be a symptom of conjunctivitis or could also be a nervous condition cause by some sort of trauma to the eye or a disease/infection.
Also Read: Why Do Male Cats Have Nipples? Know It All
Do all Cats Have Double Eyelids?
Yes, cats can have more than two eyelids and in addition, they have the upper eyelid and lower eyelid which is normally not seen with the naked eye. The second eyelid has been known to act like a windshield wiper, to clear any debrils and prevent it from reaching your cat’s eye.
Your cat’s double eyelid may not be easily visible with your naked eye most of the time. But there are certain situations that my lead to them being visible to our naked eye. Such situations includes the following states:
- Sleeping or Relaxed: The double eyelids show when the cats are relaxed or tired. Also, just after waking up and after the cat is alert.
- Sedation: The effect may last a few hours and this is considered normal. Anaesthesia or sedation can lead to your cat showing their double eyelids.
- Conjunctivitis: This simply means inflammation of the conjunctiva – which covers the white part of the eyeball. It may be caused by an infection or an injury.
- Corneal ulcers: This is mainly caused by a wound to the cornea that causes pain and inflation.
- Glaucoma: This is caused by pressure build up in the eye. This affects the optic nerve and might cause blindness to the cat.
- Uveitis: This is a painful condition that may lead to some cats pawing at the sore eye while others will avoid any sort of touch on the affected area.
Keep a close eye on these symptoms and seek your local vet’s assistance as soon as you observe any of them on your little furry friend. Your vet should be able to recommend the best remedy.
Editor’s Pick: Can Cats Get the Hiccups (5 Better Ways to Prevent Them)
Final Thoughts
Cats have double eyelids that are functional. Third eye in a cat can indicate that the cat is not doing well health wise and needs medical attention. It is important to note that eye problems can go from bad to worse within no time. It is also important to know about the functions of the double eyelid in cats.
You should always consult your local vet to ensure everything is ok. In case of any infections your vet will recommend the best cause of action and the right treatment for your kitty friend.