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My spayed cat jumped. Is her incision infected after surgery?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Hello, My cat was spayed yesterday and I tried my hardest to follow all the rules and even made sure there was no furniture in the room my cat was sleeping in so she wouldn’t jump but when I left for class and came back, I saw that she had jumped to reach the door handle and gotten the door open and was chilling on my bed (which is high up off the ground) I’m very worried she opened up the stitches and maybe even got an infection. Please can you tell me if this wound looks infected?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 27th, 2020

Hello. Cats don’t like to follow the rules sometimes. This incision looks great. The flakiness is just some residue of the skin glue, the green is tattoo ink . There does not appear to be any problems with this incision at all right now. Continue to monitor it and watch specifically for redness, discharge or significant swelling. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on March 19th, 2017
Redness, swelling, discharge and pain/discomfort are the signs compatible with a possible infection inflammation of the incision site. A moderate amount of inflammation has to be expected and is normal after surgery (that could be her case then). A picture would help to provide a more specific answer.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By C. Rathjens, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 26th, 2018
Nope that looks great! That's a normal reaction to the suture material and will go away over time. I definitely see why that could have you concerned, but luckily it's totally fine. I would be concerned if there was discharge, areas where the skin edges were open, or extreme redness/bruising. That swelling should go away over the next few days to weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My cat's spay incision has a moving scab. Should I see a vet?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Coconut and for providing a picture, it's very helpful. In the picture, I don't see any signs of infection, which would include severe redness, swelling, and pus from the incision. The incision looks closed in the picture, and I do see some scabs, which can be normal. There can be some discharge from the incision if the cat is moving too much after surgery, or if she was licking at it, which can happen when she isn't wearing a cone. At this point in time, I do not think she needs to see the vet. Keep the cone on her at all times, and keep her quiet. If the incision is opening up, you see the signs of infection that I mentioned above, and/or she is lethargic or suffering from a loss of appetite, then she will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!

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My cat's spay incision looks infected. What can I do at home?

Hello. It does look like the incision is opening a bit, but just the skin. The underlying muscle looks intact. You may have to put an E-collar ( cone of shame ) on her to prevent her from licking the incision open more. Most of the big pet retailers have them & one of the soft ones made for kitties should not be too stressful for her. I would also pick up some betadine at any pharmacy & gently clean the skin twice daily. No need to scrub. It is not necessary, but it would not hurt to put a dab on Neosporin on the incision, but only if she is wearing the collar. You do not want her to try cleaning the incision with her rough tongue. If the incision reddens much more, or begins to discharge at all, you will need to have her seen over the weekend. She will not fall apart on you, but keep a good eye on things & if it really worries you, have her seen quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Hi. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the pictures the incision looks ok; though be sure you are monitoring at home make sure there is no discharge, opening of the incision, swelling, heat or redness at the incision line. Make sure that Yuki isn't licking or chewing at the incision. Do not clean or wipe the incision line as this can irritate it and cause Yuki to try to lick. Do no apply any medications. If you notice any swelling or discharge, please take her back to the veterinarian. Also monitor that she is eating, drinking and urinating/defecating normally. The incision line will take 10-14 days to heal.

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My cat licked spay stitches open. Should I be worried about infection?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There could be an infection developing or even inflammation that will make healing more difficult. I recommend having them evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment which will likely include the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Good luck and have a good day!

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My cat's spay incision is dry and flaky. Is this normal after surgery?

Hello, I am glad your kitten is recovering smoothly from her procedure. It looks like the skin may be a little dry from the cleaning agents used to prep patients for surgery. However, this should resolve/improve within a few days. If at her 10-14 day post-operative, her skin is still not looking healed, your veterinarian may chose to perform additional diagnostics at the site. Alternatively, if your kitten is licking at the area, she may be causing some irritation to the skin there. Please make sure she is not licking the area by placing an e-collar on her if necessary. Monitor the are for any swelling, redness, discharge and contact your veterinarian if you note any as this could indicate a local infection or reaction to the suture material. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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