Protruding third eyelid

[shazjackman]

Hi there I wonder if someone can shed some light for me, my one year old cat has a protruding third eyelid and also has really bad smelling wind, she is fine within herself although maybe a little more needy than usual and I was wondering if anyone has had this before or knows what it could be?

[sugarcatmom]

Is it the third eyelid of both eyes or just one? Either way, I'm thinking a vet visit is your best bet. Often times, when the nictating membrane is visible, it's indicative of a cat that doesn't feel well. http://cats.about.com/cs/resources/g/nictating.htm

Definition: Noun. An inner, third eyelid, which serves to protect the eye from dryness and/or damage. When a cat is sick, the third eyelid will partially close, which is a signal to get him to the vet immediately, especially if other symptoms are present. Curiously enough, a very happy, drowsy, cat will sometimes show that nictating membrane.

[drfi007]

Hi there,

My 2 year-old cat, James, has exactly the same symptoms. He has had extremely bad smelling wind for about a week, and for the past few days his third-eyelid has been protruding.

I wormed him last night, thinking that may be the problem. I also bathed his eye in salt-water, as it was weeping slightly (thinking that he might have an eye infection.

However, your post has made me think that perhaps the two problems are connected. I am about to call my vets, and I will let you know what the outcome is.

Please keep me posted on your cat.

Kind regards,
Fiona