My cat's neuter incision is purple and painful. Is it infected?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Axel. The incision does appear to have opened a small amount. It is likely fine, but I do recommend that he sees his veterinarian. You need to be sure that an infection is not starting. I hope this information helps!

The incisions do not appear to be infected in the images supplied. Confirm all three cats have e-collars (cones) in place to prevent licking. The cones should stay on for at least 10-14 days post op. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, odor, excessive bruising, active bleeding or discharge.

Then incision is more red than I would expect it to at this time. It could be just because he has been too active, or it could be early signs of an infection. If it is more red tomorrow then it is probably an infection. I would confine him to a small bathroom where he can’t jump around and keep his mouth away from the incision. Either a onsie or the e-collar needs to be on at all times to protect him from opening the incision. I would encourage you to have a follow up appointment with your veterinarian tomorrow to examine the incision and see if he needs antibiotics. I don’t see any need for an emergency clinic appointment today. Best of luck and I hope he heals soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Restrict his activity if possible. That may allow for more rapid healing. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive bleeding or discharge and fever. If Gary is behaving normally and eating normally, then he should, indeed, be fine and healing uneventfully.

Hello. There may have been a very small nidus of infection that remained after the first infection. Marley may need another round of antibiotics, but waiting until Friday should not be too problematic. You can apply a warm compress to the area to provide some relief, but just have it looked at at your earliest convenience. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Yes, that appears to be an abscess. What you are smelling is infection. Chances are it won't clear up without oral antibiotics. I suggest you get him to the vet for an exam and to get some antibiotics. You can try applying a topical antibiotic cream/ointment but it is rare for that to actually work on it's own. As a side note, male cats that are not neutered usually get into a lot of fights so if you don't use him as a breeding animal you may want to have him neutered to minimize the chance of this happening again.

This is not normal, however it does not look infected either. Usually there would be the scrotal skin over this little lump of fat. Wash your hands well with soap, dry them, and then use thumb and first finger to grab the fur either side of it and gently pull it over the lump. If you can manage to do this, there is nothing else to do and it should heal. Only try this once. Jordan is probably licking, so it may be a good idea to get an e-collar for him. If this does not change by Tuesday or looks pussy or very red, then you should take Jordan to the shelter vet for a recheck.