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My kitten was just spayed. Is a red bruise near her incision normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 7 months and 30 days old | 5 lbs

I just had my female kitten fixed Wed and today I noticed she has a big red spot about a half in below her incision if it looks like a big bruise is this normal?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on April 29th, 2017

This is probably due to some bleeding under the skin, which is not uncommon after a spay, if she is not showing any symptoms other than that i wouldn't be too worried about it, you should take her to the vet for a routine post opp check early next week though.

10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on March 9th, 2018
Yes, this is quite normal when the incision or the muscle below the skin bleeds a little. This should go away within a few days. If the bruise gets bigger you need to take your kitty back to the vet for a checkup.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on April 7th, 2021
It's not unusual for some pets to have bruising after abdominal surgery. As long as she is eating, drinking and eliminating normally, leaving her incision alone and you are restricting her activity as much as possible (not running around, try to limit jumping up and down on furniture) for another week, she will be just fine.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Davis
Veterinarian
Published on July 22nd, 2018
This shows a lot of bruising which is unusual but the incision itself looks fine. If she’s eating and acting normal then I would just watch the area. Please use a collar so she can’t lick the incision. If she’s not eating, is lethargic or the area is very painful then please take her in today for a recheck. I expect this to improve daily without treatment but please keep her quiet and monitor her closely. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jamie.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on April 21st, 2017
Hi Channon! I understand your concerns for Mimi after her surgery! During a surgical procedure, pets have their hair clipped, skin prepped with antiseptics, and a drape placed over the surgical site. The surgeon generally uses special clamps with sharp and pointy edges (towel clamps) that hold the drape in place to prevent any contamination of the surgical field. These clamps can cause fairly significant bruising post-operatively around the incision site. It sounds as though that may be the issue that you are noticing on Mimi's abdomen and should resolve over the next few days. However, if the bruising worsens, or if Mimi's incision has any redness, discharge or swelling, contact your vet. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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