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Ask the Veterinarian/Red Eyelids in Cat

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Expert: - 3/17/2010


Question
QUESTION: Hello,
I've discovered that a cat I would like to adopt has red eyelids. What does this mean? Is this anything to be alarmed about? (It caught my attention, this is why I am concerned for her health.)

ANSWER: I am not sure I understand what part of the eyelids you are talking about. What color is this cat? What part of the eye are you looking at? Cat eyelids are usually colored like the cat- and they don't have much of an 'eyelid' per se. Is it the inside of the eye near the nose? Is it the lower lids?
Can you send me a photo or describe what you are looking at?


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry for the lack of detail in my question.

The cat is an orange tabby, approximately 6 mos. old. He is 1/2 white and 1/2 orange. The part of the eyelid I am talking about is the inner lid. Think of a women who wears eyeliner. The part she puts the eyeliner on (that little rim/ridge touching the eye) is red. Could this maybe be from allergies or a more chronic condition? I don't have a picture at the moment.

Thank you for the quick reply.

Answer
If just the rim of the lid is red it could just be because the cat is a red tabby, which is what I suspected when you wrote. Allergies usually manifest in itching, dry skin, scabs on the skin, etc.

Cats do have reactions to things like kitty litter perfumes, etc, but the eye would most likely be tearing, the whites would be red and the eye might have a opaque discharge.

What you are seeing, in the event that this cat has none of the above, is normal- unless it is fire engine red.

You have a free vet visit with most adoptions (if that is where he is) so the vet can look at his eyes and tell you if there is an issue.

I hope that helps! He sounds like a cutie.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

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PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

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I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

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