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I found two orphaned kittens. Their eyes are open but they ...


Sent to Cat Experts September 11, 2006 2:43 p.m.

I found two orphaned kittens. The runts are open and cloudy and he appears to be blind. When will he be able to see?

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $15   
Answer
September 11, 2006 3:04 p.m. (20 minutes and 55 seconds later)
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Hi,

Kittens' eyes usually open between age 7-14 days. When they first open, they're not able to see as well as adult cats and the retina will take a while longer to strengthen so they can see perfectly. Kittens begin to see as well as adult cats around age 3 mos.

If this one's eyes are open but cloudy, and he appears not to be able to see at all, there may be something physically wrong with his eyes which requires immediate evaluation by a vet. There is a 'third eyelid' (also called the nictating membrane) in cat's eyes, and it appears from the inside corner of the eye, then moves across to partially or fully cover the eye when there is general illness and/or a problem with the eyes themselves. This may be the cloudiness you're seeing.

How old do you think these kittens are? Is the other one's eyes open and not cloudy and seeing very well? Are they walking by themselves? Do you see any tiny teeth? Are they able to eat from a bowl or are you bottle feeding?

Take them both to the vet to check on their overall health and find out if there's something physically wrong with this "runt's" eyes.

If you need instructions on how to care for these abandoned or orphaned young kittens, please see:

http://www.petcaretips.net/abandoned_kitten_care.html

I hope all goes well and thank you so much for taking in these little guys! If you have any additional questions, please let me know.


Cher

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