Kitten eye's opening

Tiger and Lily were just over 2 weeks before they opened their eyes. Tiger had his eyes open first but Lily had the same that your little tabby is doing. She had one eye open before the other and it almost looked like she had a problem or something...but everything opened up the way it should.

Thats just my story, not sure if it helps ya at all...and Tiger and Lily were my first experience with it all too...so i am no expert, but im sure you'll get some more expert advice.

But I know that worried feeling about it - I was worried about Lily's eyes as well

I noticed that in the pictures actually but kept quiet, because it could just be normal. Now, I don't think so. The last pic you posted on the blog looks as if the eye/cheek could be swollen. Get some cotton pads, warm water and try to get the eye open, gently (may take a couple of days). If that doesn't work you need to get him to the vet or get the vet to him.

Just wanted to say...nice to see the little black and white not on his back!

You're welcome But if the eyes don't open in the next couple of days, I would really recommend a vet consult.

Majority of kittens have eyes open by 14 days. If there is no improvement by Monday, I'd get the kittens into the vet.

I'd have the vet do it. Not good to be messing around with the eyes. You might tear something and then you are looking at surgery.

More so than the kitten you are concerned about?


Not necessarily. While it hasn't been frequent, I have seen it take as long as 3 weeks for eyes to become fully opened in kittens.

Again, not necessarily. Is the kitten pawing at the eye or in any other way seem to be in distress about it? You mention below that there is no noticable swelling, no discharge from the open part of the eye ... it is just that the lid hasn't pulled apart fully. There can be many reasons for this, but I think it would be safe for you to wait a few more days before becoming concerned. If this eye hasn't fully opened, or if you see any discharge (no matter what the color or consistancy) coming from the eye, then it would be time for the vet to intervene.

I see nothing obviously wrong with the eye ... the membrane is in the proper retracted position, the iris is in the right place, it looks clean and in no way red or irritated at all.

I would keep working gently with the cotton pads and warm water. Make the pad pretty wet and let it soak in by holding it gently over the closed eye lid for a few moments. Don't squeeze or press or try to force the lid open, just lightly hold the pad in place, then swab it gently downwards ... don't use force, just swab it across the closed part of the lid a few times. Do this several times a day for another couple of days.

If this doesn't help by day two, then go ahead and get a vet's opinion.

If by "microfiber" towels, you are referring to the same ones my husband washes (more accurately, dries) his car with, then no, I am not sure that is a good idea. The reason I like cotton pads or even gauze is because it is sterile. You can't guarantee that with the microfiber towels.

She is beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. While my heart of hearts belongs to the Siamese breed, I love ~all~ cats dearly. I am glad everything went so well that night for you. It is quite an experience, no?

By wiping down, you really aren't pulling on the lid, you are just sort of moving it in the natural direction it should go ... you can also wipe upwards too, even alternating between the two directions. Just don't force it. Follow the line of the lid from side to side a couple of time with a wet gauze or cotton pad, then wipe either downwards or upwards, you choice. Hope that makes sense. It would be easier to show you, but I think you can get it.

Yay! That is such a sweet little kitten face! Even though they look sweet, we know the boogy man checks his closet everynight before he goes to bed to make sure they aren't in there ... *grin*

Awwww! the lil man is going to have white toesies!!!!

They are so sweet! Kittens are so crazy cute! I hope everthing goes well

The only time you should really be concerned is if there is "goop" coming from that eye in the color of yellows or greens. Otherwise - take a wet/warm wash cloth and gently wash the kittens eye starting closest to their nose and working your way out. Make sure you use a different wash cloth for each time or at least the other side in case there is infection you do not want to spread it.

My cat Zelda got pregnant by accident and had kittens last April. All the kittens took a long time to open their eyes and once they did, they were not all the way open. I eventually did as I suggested to you and it helped.