Do not allow your cat to lick or scratch at the incision, as there is a danger that the cat may pull out the stitches or may introduce an infection into the incision. As long as the incision is not bandaged, inspect it at least twice daily.
The most important things. 1. Absolutely no licking of the incision area is allowed! If your pet is going to lick or begins to lick their incision, they need to wear an E-Collar (plastic cone) for 7-10 days after surgery.
The Incision Site
A cone-shaped plastic Elizabethan collar (available in both soft and hard versions) is an effective option to prevent your pet from licking their wound. Many cats adapt to the collar quickly, but if your pet is struggling to adjust, other options are available.
Licking also causes itchiness that stimulates more licking. For both these reasons, all pets need to be prevented from licking their skin incisions for at least 10-14 days after surgery.
Get in touch with your vet right away if you note the following emergency veterinary Opening of your cat's incision could lead to medical issues that may require emergency attention. You should call your veterinarian immediately if you notice any: Inflammation or redness. Bruising.
In a normal, healthy cat, properly healing, non-infected incisions typically heal within 10 – 14 days and a permanent scar forms within about 14 – 21 days.
The wound may be bandaged to protect it from further contamination or to prevent your cat from licking it. Daily bandage changes, as demonstrated by your veterinarian, may be required if there is a lot of discharge from the wound.
Prevent your pet from licking the surgery site as licking at the incision can cause a painful infection. Your pet's E-collar should prevent him/her from licking. Please use the E-collar for seven to 10 days after surgery.
CAUSES. Following an operation, some animals remove their own stitches or staples before the wounds are fully healed. Stitches or staples may pop out due to excessive activity and motion causing tension on the wound. Wound infection or wound breakdown (dehiscence) can also lead to stitches and staples coming out.
Often, the trauma is superficial and limited to the skin. As long as your cat is not licking incessantly at the wounds and there is no swelling, bleeding, pus, odor, or pain, these can heal on their own with little to no therapy.
Sudden jumping or stretching can disrupt the healing process and may even cause the incision to reopen. Thankfully, few procedures require a significant crate or cage rest to help your cat recover, and most outdoor cats will be able to cope well with staying indoors for a few days as they recover.
An E-collar or bodysuit will be required for your cat after spaying surgery to protect the incision site and prevent her from licking her sutures.
Alternatives to the “cone of shame” are inflatable collars, soft E-collars and neck brace collars. Try covering the wound with soft fabric secured by medical tape to prevent licking. Keep pets busy with other fun things to distract them from licking wounds.
You can also distract your cat by using one of their favorite toys. Toys are a great way to keep their attention away from their wound. But be careful not to get them riled up and excited. If you get them running and jumping too much it can aggravate their stitches or reopen a wound.
Do not allow your cat to lick or scratch at the incision, as there is a danger that the cat may pull out the stitches or may introduce an infection into the incision. As long as the incision is not bandaged, inspect it at least twice daily.
"It is a misconception that cat's saliva is somehow antibacterial or will promote healing of a wound." If your cat chews or licks excessively, there is a danger of the stitches being pulled out or of infection being introduced into the wound.
Flush the wound – If the wound is minor you should gently clean the wound using a clean wet cloth and iodine or a saline solution. It is best to remove as much hair and debris from the wounded area as possible without rubbing.
Cats' mouth bacteria could trigger a skin infection, abscess or even potentially fatal sepsis. That's why vets advise pet owners to prevent their cats from licking their wounds.
IF your pet was NEUTERED today:
There are 2 open incisions over your pet's scrotum. These wounds will heal by themselves—please do not clean/wipe/soak these incisions. 2.
Skin that has a light red or pink hue near your cat's incision is normal early in the healing process. However, the skin should not be considerably red or otherwise discolored. Excessive redness that persists may indicate infection or another condition.
A recent spay incision should be a clean, straight wound and the edges should be sealed with glue, stitches or staples. The skin will be slightly swollen and a slight reddish-pink color around the edges. As the incision heals, you will want to check the area for redness, swelling or discharge.
She should be kept indoors for at least 2 days after the operation (longer if possible) to allow the wound to begin the healing process. If you have only recently acquired an adult cat it may be necessary to keep her in for a longer period after the operation until she has got used to living with you.
Restricting Movement. Our vets will probably recommend that you limit the movements of your cat as much as possible for around a week following their surgery.