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My cat's surgical incision opened. What should I do about stitches?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 5 years and 7 months old | 14 lbs

Hi - my cat got a mast cell tumor removed three days ago. He scratched near the incision and i think pulled the incision apart enough to loosen the stitches. Now it looks like the wound is coming apart. What should I do?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 21st, 2019

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Neptune. Poor kitty! That does look open and irritated, and think he needs to see a vet now to have this restitched. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on July 2nd, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Poor Robbin! Can you post a picture of the incision? What kind of surgery did he have? We can not legally prescribe medications, we only provide advice. In order to prescribe medications we need to have a legal Client-Veterinary-Patient Relationship which means we have to examine the pet. You should immediately put an E-collar on him so he can't continue to traumatize and contaminate the incision. Unfortunately my advice, with out a picture, is to take him right to a Veterinarian.

I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 17th, 2019
The incision looks pretty good, and you did a great job! I would get Artemis a Kong Cloud Collar. This may be more comfortable on him, and may protect his incision. Monitor the incision daily for infection (redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, pus), and if you see any of those signs, take him into the vet. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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