He's pulling at his stitches

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Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

As some of you know, my Garfield, who's 3 and a half, had abdominal surgery on the 7th of February.

He's due to have his stitches out this Thursday afternoon, but I noticed this morning that he's trying to pull them out with his teeth. When I catch him doing it, I try to distract him, but it's not working. I'm sure they're irritating him, but I don't know how to help him get through the final 48 hours.

Just to clarify, he has interrupted stitches, and the vet didn't think it was necessary for him to wear a cone.

Does anyone have any ideas?

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Yeah, that was the only thing I found to stop Kiara from messing with her dressing, and honestly, it works quite well. Just make sure the sock isn't too loose, otherwise it'll just slip off easily :) and if you're going to do that, don't forget to put a gauze pad over the scar anyway, just so the fabric doesn't get caught in the stitches. Mind you, even without a pad I don't think it would snag, it's just to be on the safe side! :)
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    That’s a good idea, I’ll give it a go, thanks.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Honestly, I don't think you've got anything to worry about.

    Your cat will soon realise that if he pulls at it, it’s going to hurt, so he'll eventually stop.

    That being said, if you’re really worried about him messing with the scar, you can always put a sock on him.

    A bit like this:

    And to stop the sock from rubbing against the scar, you should use a sterile gauze pad.

    I did this for Kiara when she was spayed because she kept ripping her dressing off.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    I’ve called, but the receptionist says she’s in consults all afternoon and will ring me back ‘when she has a minute’. But anyway, I’d really like to be able to help him even if the vet forgets about me.
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Well, give your vet a ring just to check anyway, but I reckon if he realises that pulling on it too much hurts, he won't carry on.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Well, given the way he’s been stitched up, he’s not likely to pull them out, he’ll only end up hurting himself. I’m adding a photo to give you an idea of what the stitches look like.

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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there, I think you should just give the vet a call to ask them whether it’s dangerous if he pulls the stitches out, or if there’s no risk since it’s already healed up.
    Translated from French

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