What to Do If a Spayed Female Cat Licks Her Incision: Risk of Infection?

If a spayed female cat licks her incision after suture removal, there's a significant risk of infection. As a responsible pet owner, you need to clean the wound daily, paying special attention to any areas with pus. Following cleaning, apply a wound-healing medication and cover the area with gauze. This diligent approach is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring the cat's recovery.

Daily cleaning and disinfection are paramount in preventing infection and worsening of the wound. The recommended method is using a cotton swab moistened with sterile saline solution and gently applying it to the incision. If there is pus, make sure to remove it thoroughly; otherwise, it will impede the healing process. It is important to note that alcohol or hydrogen peroxide should be avoided as they can be irritating to the wound. Proper wound care involves consistent efforts to minimize infection risks.

After cleaning the incision and any areas with pus, you can apply a product like 'Pet Speed Healing' to promote healing. After this, prepare sterile gauze to cover the incision, preventing direct contact with bacteria. Finally, it's essential to place an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) on your cat to prevent her from licking or scratching at the wound. This prevents further injury and promotes better wound healing. This complete process of cleaning, applying topical treatments, bandaging and using an E-collar contributes to the overall success of post-operative care.

What to Do if Your Cat Licks Her Spay Incision

The healing time for a cat's spay incision greatly depends on the post-operative care you provide. Usually, veterinarians will recommend an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking. However, if another pet licks the incision, examine the wound carefully. If there are no signs of infection, such as bleeding, redness, or swelling, you likely don't need to worry. Simply separate the cat from the other pets to prevent this behavior. But if signs of infection develop, such as increased redness, swelling, discharge, or foul odor, immediately seek veterinary attention. Vigilance is crucial to ensure that complications are addressed promptly.Bonus resource:Pet Knowledge