“That cloudy substance is just a bunch of fat and blood cells,” Yates recounted.

“Since Niles has been sick, I was for sure expecting something lethal, not something that was going to call him a big fatty,” Yates said.

Having spent $700, Yates was stunned and decided to share his story on TikTok (@tr8ss) in a video that has since garnered over 3 million views.

“I’ve never heard that treats can do something like that to a cat,” Yates said. “I know they’re bad for cats, but the tales of too many treats I’ve heard ended with fat cats or bad blood pressure. Never cloudy eyes.”

Fatty deposits that cause cloudy eyes in cats are often associated with a condition called “corneal lipid dystrophy.” This condition affects the cornea—the clear front surface of the eye—creating a milky or blurred look.

Thankfully, it is not typically life-threatening. But left untreated, it can lead to vision impairment and affect the quality of life of the cat. Dietary management is usually the fastest way to reduce lipid deposits, and in some cases, medications can be used to manage the condition.