Spaying my cat - no cone or recovery suit

L
Likek88 Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

My one-year-old girl was spayed yesterday morning. The operation itself went very well, but when I picked her up, the vet said they hadn't managed to get her into the recovery suit (which was the original plan) because she was being far too feisty with them. They told me to try again at home in a quiet environment. I picked up a cone as well, just in case.

Once we got home, it was impossible to get the suit or the cone on her; she was hissing, biting, and making it very clear it wasn't happening. I went back to the vet... it took several of them to get the cone on her, then I get home and, sure enough, 20 minutes later the cone is lying on the floor...

Since yesterday, she's been licking her scar occasionally but not frantically—just as part of her usual grooming. The vet told me today to just leave it for the weekend and hope the wound doesn't reopen...

Today she's very playful, running and jumping all over the place. I tried putting the cone on again but didn't want to push it.

I'm quite worried about her licking it and being so active after this kind of surgery (I was told she'd likely be groggy afterwards, but it's the total opposite—she's full of beans!). I’m worried about what to do if the wound opens up, as I might not necessarily be able to get to an out-of-hours vet tomorrow.

Has anyone else dealt with a cat who occasionally licked their scar without it opening up? Doesn't saliva actually help with the healing process somehow?

Anyway, for now, I'm trying to check on her every two hours to make sure everything's okay, but I'm worried about the nights and the upcoming working week...

Thanks for your advice and experiences! :)

Translated from French
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13 answers
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    • M
    Moni33 Icon representing the flag French
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    I had my little Grisette operated on on Monday... This morning, she managed to peel her dressing off... I had a look at the wound and it’s looking nice and neat. I've disinfected it with some Betadine and put a protective bandage back on, though I doubt it’ll stay in place for long... She really wouldn't tolerate the cone... we’re now three days post-op.

    For a cat who used to be so skittish, she’s being really good about letting me treat her...

    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    No, it’s nothing serious. After five days, it’s perfectly normal for her to be getting active again. You just need to keep an eye on the stitches to make sure the area stays clean. You should only really worry if she’s licking the incision a lot, as that can eventually pull the stitches out. Mine didn’t have a cone or anything else, and by the very next day, she was already back to playing properly with my other cat. Best regards
    Translated from French
    Wahiba
    Wahiba Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi everyone. This is the first time I’ve had a cat spayed (she’s 18 months old). We’re now five days post-op. Please could you tell me if it’s a problem if she jumps onto a stool or the sofa a few times? She isn’t wearing a recovery suit or a cone. I’m so stressed and I’m spending all my time watching her. Thanks.
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    When my cat was spayed, she didn't have a recovery suit or a cone. She only licked herself to groom and didn't open her stitches or get an infection at all. My cat had a cone, but I've never heard of a recovery suit. She also had a bandage, but I can't remember why now.
    Translated from French
    Audreyou29
    Audreyou29 Icon representing the flag French
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    After my cat was spayed, she didn't have a recovery suit or a cone. She only licked herself for grooming and she didn't open the wound or get an infection at all.

    Translated from French
    Chlorophylle
    Chlorophylle Icon representing the flag French
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    Just to clarify, it’s a bluish glue. But once dry, it becomes clear and is completely safe for your pet.
    Translated from French
    L
    Likek88 Icon representing the flag French
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    What’s still worrying me quite a bit isn't so much the licking, it’s that the vet told me she shouldn't jump too much and yet she’s having her mad half-hour doing 360s on the sofa... ^^"

    Translated from French
    L
    Likek88 Icon representing the flag French
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    Evening @Chlorophylle, Thanks for your reply. That sounds like a plan; I’ve got my first check-up on Monday (three days later), so I’ll mention that surgical glue and see if it’s something they use. An out-of-hours vet also mentioned using a dressing, if any of you have experience with that? Apparently, cats aren't too keen on the bit where it has to be taken off, though. Still, at least it’s only 10 seconds of pain and maybe a few hours of her being cross with me, but it’d be worth it for peace of mind while she's healing... Cheers for the info, @KiriKiri! :)
    Translated from French
    Kirikiri
    Kirikiri Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi again, No, the wound isn't going to start bleeding. At worst, it’ll just be a bit bloody, but nothing more than that :)
    Translated from French
    Chlorophylle
    Chlorophylle Icon representing the flag French
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    Evening everyone. I had my little girl spayed at 7 months. No cone or recovery suit for her either. After 4 days, she’d managed to pull her stitches out. I went back to the vet who had a look and reassured me that the healing was already well underway. She just used a bit of surgical glue on a spot that wasn't closed as well. The glue seals the tissue and you can't see it once it's dry. My little one has a lovely scar now that you can hardly see. So, if you notice any lost stitches, head to the vet but don't panic. There are several layers of stitches, and the top layer is just superficial and heals very quickly.
    Translated from French

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