Third eyelid not retracted, kitty cold?

We've had a new kitten in the house for about a month, and he came to us with brown crusts outside the corners of his eyes and some sneezing that seem to both have tapered off. The vet didn't say anything about his eyes at his initial visit, and we didn't bring him back in since his actual eyes were bright and clear, he has a great appetite, and is super active.

The last few days (so this is a MONTH after new kitten arrived and probably around 2-ish weeks since they've been together and not separated) our 11-month old has been looking a bit funny around the eyes (I can't explain...just felt in the periphery of my thoughts she was off somehow) and a bit less appetite. Today her third eyelid is showing, covering the corners of her eyes. No discharge from her nose or eyes, good skin turgor, but she does seem kind of miserable. She didn't want to play much with the new kitten like usual, hissing at him to leave her alone, and even hid in a cubby in the cat condo she never goes in. She perked up for meals but didn't eat a whole lot overall and also went after a fly that got in with her usual acrobatics, but now she's on the bed with us for night curled up growling at the kitten in warning wherever he approaches.

I sent pictures to my vet, who couldn't see her until Tuesday and said if it worsened to find someone who could see her earlier and do warm compresses if she tolerates it. I already left messages on a few vets' machines, but it is the weekend...

Has anyone ever experienced this? Could the new kitten have transmitted something even though they've been together that long? They've become best buds and groom each other regularly and eat off of the other's plate despite my efforts.

I just feel so awful for her! She really does look miserable. And the eyelid issue is freaking me out.

The third eyelid being visible is not dangerous in and of itself, but it is usually a sign that something is off. I would keep an eye on her, making sure she is eating and drinking, and take her in on Monday if not better.

I did find a local vet practice who takes patients on the weekend - I'm going to give them a call. She did not want anything to eat this morning, even some of the chicken/broth I made overnight that normally she begs for. She sort of lipped at, looking pretty pathetic. She stayed curled up next to me the whole night, which is unusual - usually she goes and does some "cat stuff" during the night and returns in the morning, and also usually gets up when my husband does (early) to ask for breakfast. She finally did get out of bed to go get on her cat tree perch and is eyeballing a moth or something, but isn't going after it vigorously...just observing. I would say that she is fairly lethargic. The only time she has been moving is when she's trying to get away from our other kitten's urge to play, coupled with growling whenever he so much as touches her. Late last night I was unable to find her and again found her in a box under the living room coffee table that she never, ever goes in...being a "bush cat" like Jackson Galaxy has described, I think!

I am not sure if I'm worrying too much. I've never had to deal with a sick pet - my cat from college has never been sick, and if the cats I was around when I lived with my parents got sick, I never knew about it. I feel like a dope, like the first-time parent who calls the pediatrician at every sign of a sniffle.

The lack of appetite is definitely a sign that she's not feeling well. It may be an URI. I'm glad you found a vet open on Sat. Many vibes that it's something easily treatable.

Unfortunately that vet was unable to take her and didn't really ask about her condition, just said whatever it was, if I was worried, take her to the ER...so my option is a not-so-highly-regarded local animal ER that is only a few blocks away from me. She did finally eat some canned food - maybe because she was able to smell it? She normally eats a raw diet. I think I'll monitor her today and encourage fluids/food. There is another animal ER about an hour away that is always an option.

I feel kind of dumb and helpless...it's also a bit funny because my husband is a resident physician working an ER service right now...but he's totally useless in this case!

If the canned food worked, I would stick with that and trying warming it up slightly (either a few seconds in the microwave or adding some water to it) to make the smell stronger. You can also try adding tuna water to the food to make it smellier. It does sound like she is congested. When cats can't smell, it does throw them off their food. You could also try steaming her in a bathroom to try to relieve the congestion some. As long as she is eating and drinking and eliminating okay, I don't think it's an emergency. However, if she does not eat or drink for more than 24 hours, I would take her in ASAP.

Those are all great tips! Thank you. The steaming idea is really good...she loves to sit by the tub when it's filled with steamy water. You've been very reassuring and helpful. She perked up a little after eating.

Hi all. I just rescued a kitten (guessing 3 months old) she was sick with a uri and the rescue group gave me eye drops and antibiotics which helped tremendously. She is now eating regularly (have her on kitten food) and still recovering from her cold. She sleeps a lot but I assume it has to do with her recovering (she has been on the antibiotics for about a week). I noticed her 3rd eyelid showing now, giving her drops too. I read the 3rd eyelid can also be because of worms, the rescue group is sending me worming pills. Does anyone have any experience in this. Her congestion is almost gone too. Ty