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My cat was neutered. Why are there two incisions, one on his belly?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

Hello, Yesterday I took my cat to get neutered. After I brought him home, I noticed that he had an incision in both his scrotum and in the space under his stomach between his hind legs. To the extent of my knowledge, neutering only involves cutting into the scrotum. The only time I've seen an incision under the stomach was when I got my other cat spayed. Is this a mistake that was made during the surgery, or is it standard for neutering? Thank you.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Emily, DVM

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2017

Typically a cat neuter only involves incisions in the scrotum. However if one testicle wasn't completely descended another incision may have been needed.
Also- it's hard to be sure but that could be an area of razor/clipper irritation from the preparation for surgery and not a second incision.
If there is any doubt I recommend contacting the veterinarian who did your cat's neuter to see if it was a standard neuter or required additional incisions.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 16th, 2019

    Neutering is done directly on the testicles meaning he shouldn't have anything abnormal on his stomach unless he had an abdominal testicle removed. i would recommend uploading a picture so we can see what you mean.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Vet Q & A
Why does my male cat have a shaved belly and tattoo after neuter?
the belly gets shaved before putting a tattoo on it (to show that he is already neutered). It is possible that they shaved him at first thinking he was female , and then realised he was a boy . This can happen. The hair will grow back though, so no worries.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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My cat was neutered 2 days ago. Is a bulge near incision normal?
Hello. This is not normal. Traditionally, the incisions over the acrotum are left open when a cat is neutered. Some of the scrotal tissue appears to be bulging out. This is not life threatening, but may delay healing time or possibly become infected. I would suggest that you have your cat rechecked by the veterinarian that performed the surgery. They may be able to manually reduce it or determine if it needs to be done under sedation. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my kitten's spay incision on her side, not underneath?
Sounds like your vet did a flank spay instead of a ventral midline spay. Both are acceptable techniques. If you would like to post again with some photos we can probably be more helpful. To me, this sounds normal.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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Can my male cat be neutered if only one testicle has descended?
Neutering the cat with one testicle descended should be no problem if you let the vet know ahead of time so the vet can plan extra time to find and extract the undescended testicle. It is usually not a big problem, however sometimes the veterinarian has to open the abdomen to remove the testicle if it is not located anywhere near the inguinal ring. Just removing the descended testicle and leaving the other one behind would not be acceptable practice.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
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Why is my neutered cat's belly flabby? Is it normal after surgery?
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is likely the normal fat pad on the belly of cats. It is just extra skin and fat. Almost every cat has this and it tends to occur after being spayed or neutered. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat's spay or neuter incision looks weird. Is it infected?
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.
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Is a swollen lump on my cat's belly normal after neuter surgery?
Hello. This incision looks normal for a week after surgery. Some swelling like you are seeing is normal especially if they are active and playing. It is normally just some inflammation of the muscle wall and subcutaneous tissue. It can take a few weeks for this to resolve and flatten out, but it will.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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