My cat keeps licking her bandage

L
Laureelaure Icon representing the flag French
Report

Hi everyone

My cat was spayed yesterday, but since then all she's been doing is licking her bandage. She's not biting it, she just seems to be trying to groom herself, but she is licking it constantly.

We have an appointment in 10 days to have her stitches removed, but I'm worried the dressing will come off before then and she'll end up pulling a stitch out. My vet didn't think it was necessary to give us a cone. The bandage is stuck on really well and seems quite sturdy, but I'm afraid that the moisture from the constant licking will make things worse.

What should I do?

Thanks for your help

Translated from French
icon info

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

Write your message and upload a photo if you want to! Please remain courteous in your exchanges.

Your post will be visible to all members of the international Wamiz forum.

6 answers
Sort by:
    • Docline
    Docline Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    A wider bandage over the dressing will help protect it.
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    When I had my two girls spayed (back in September and October), I asked the vet for a recovery suit and also bought one on Amazon (it arrived within 24 hours and cost about £15). It’s the perfect solution as she can't lick the dressing or the wound.

    Translated from French
    Blue_Cat
    Blue_cat Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Hi there. As long as the dressing hasn't come loose, there’s no need to worry. The scar is likely just tingling, itching, or a bit sore, so it's perfectly natural that she's trying to lick it. If there's any way she can avoid wearing the cone, that would be best... they're absolute misery for cats.
    Translated from French
    ?
    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Hi, she mustn't pull at it. Try to distract her if she licks it too much or starts nibbling. The dressing shouldn't come off easily unless she really gets stuck into a corner. If you do apply a bandage, make sure it’s not too tight. Avoid any rough play—she can move around a bit but don’t let her overdo it and everything should be fine. If I were you, I’d trust the vet, but if you want to add some extra protection, you can. Hope the little one gets well soon!
    Translated from French
    M
    Mike64 Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Sorry... I hadn't finished my post.

    You apply a bandage and wrap it over the dressing.

    As a rule, cats don't really like those cones; it's much easier with one of the other two options.

    Have a good day

    Translated from French
    M
    Mike64 Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    If she keeps at it, she really does risk pulling the dressing off. By licking it, she could infect the wound (if she manages to get the bandage off) or even pop her stitches (cats' tongues are covered in tiny barbs that can damage the wound...).

    There are a few solutions...

    - Stop her from licking, but a healing wound is bound to be itchy.

    - Give your vet a ring to let them know and check with them how secure the dressing is... Alternatively, they can give you a cone...

    - Use a cat recovery suit (available online) or adapt a baby grow... or a bandage that you

    Translated from French

  • 6 comments out of 6

    • Do you have a question? An experience to share? Create a post on our forum!
    These topics could be of interest to you!
    Find out more