Why do kittens come out with closed eyes?
Kittens are born with their eyes tightly shut. Keeping their eyes shut following birth allows for their eyes to continue to develop. Because newborn kittens are also hypersensitive to light, it’s imperative that their eyes remain shielded until they are ready. No one should force a kitten’s eyes open for any reason.
What does it mean if one of your cat’s eyes is closed?
General information. If your cat has painful eye(s), they are likely to hold them closed, blink more than usual, become less active and hide away. If you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your vet. Tell your vet about any other changes such as discharge, redness, cloudiness or loss of vision.
Is it OK to force a kitten’s eyes open?
No one should force a kitten’s eyes open for any reason. Kittens are especially susceptible to eye infections during the first few weeks of their lives (any signs of discharge or crustiness warrant a trip to the veterinarian).
Why are my kittens eyes crusted and matted?
Sometimes kittens will develop crusted and matted eyes. Often this occurs in newly born kitten because the eyes are becoming used to seeing. Then again, this may be the result of a bacteria or viral infection. It’s important to get the kitten to a veterinarian to determine the cause of the crusted and matted eyes.
Why are kittens born with their eyes shut?
Photography © Scharfsinn86 | iStock / Getty Images Plus. Kittens are born with their eyes tightly shut. Keeping their eyes shut following birth allows for their eyes to continue to develop. Because newborn kittens are also hypersensitive to light, it’s imperative that their eyes remain shielded until they are ready.
What happens if a kitten’s eye is left untreated?
Kittens can go blind if eye infections are left untreated. In other cases, permanent damage may be done to the conjunctiva or other eye structures. If your kitten is showing the signs listed in the section above, visit the veterinarian right away.
Why are kittens eyes closed the first week?
Your kitten’s eyes are closed during the first week of life because these little babies are born with undeveloped eyes. It takes a few days for them to develop enough to open their lids without damaging delicate tissues, and several weeks for your kitty’s vision to develop fully.
Sometimes kittens will develop crusted and matted eyes. Often this occurs in newly born kitten because the eyes are becoming used to seeing. Then again, this may be the result of a bacteria or viral infection. It’s important to get the kitten to a veterinarian to determine the cause of the crusted and matted eyes.
Kittens can go blind if eye infections are left untreated. In other cases, permanent damage may be done to the conjunctiva or other eye structures. If your kitten is showing the signs listed in the section above, visit the veterinarian right away.
Is it normal for a kitten to have an eye infection?
At around two weeks of age, when a new kitten’s eyes first open, it’s common for them to show signs of an eye infection. Though it’s common, it isn’t normal and must be addressed.