This stray cat was recorded while being petted by a passerby who, despite hearing its meows and seeing it a bit thin, didn’t have any food to give it. So after a few minutes the cat rolled its eyes, as if to say, “Come on, I’m fed up.”
The video, although funny, could be a warning. This action happens when the cat exposes its third eyelid, also known as the nictitating membrane. This delicate extra eyelid unfolds from the inner corner of the eye, protecting and moistening the eyeball. It’s an evolutionary feature that not only protects their eyes from foreign particles, but also helps keep them moist and prevent infections.
When a cat shows its third eyelid frequently, it can be a sign that something isn’t right, such as fatigue, stress, or even a health problem. So, noticing this behavior in your cat can be a valuable clue to detect any discomfort in time.