My spayed cat is pulling stitches. Is this normal or harmful?

If Shadow manages to pull out the stitches, the incision will come apart, leaving a big incision where infection can enter into the body, and there is a potential of herniation of internal organs. That becomes a medical emergency. If she has pulled out stitches, you need to take her into the vet right away. To prevent her from licking at her spay incision, she needs to be wearing an Ecollar all the time. You can get one from the vet or a pet store.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding your cat. You can try feeding her collar through her cone to make it more difficult to remove. Make the collar snug, but make sure you can place at least two fingers underneath. If this does not help, you can try securing it around her neck and then under her armpits and back up. This attaches it more like a harness if you leave a long enough piece of a guaze tie. I hope this information helps!

You could try a baby/infant t-shirt to see if this will prevent her from getting to the stitches. You may also consider one of the inflatable collars that are more comfortable but still prevent them from licking incisions on their abdomen. You can usually find these are your local Petco or pet store. I hope this helps!

You can try to use a pet shirt or baby onesie to cover the stitches. Or make a belly bandage using whatever you have around the house - like clean dish towels and duct tape. If you have a small kennel or carrier, Bonnie may need to stay in there to stay confined since excessive running or jumping can cause internal sutures to loosen up and cause bleeding problems. You may call your vet tomorrow or look at pet stores for different styles of e-collars. Some are shaped like a cone, some are floppy like a sunhat and can be worn pointing towards the shoulders, and some are inflatable donuts.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Minnie. The stitches are not very tight, but that can be to accommodate any swelling of the skin post-surgically. As long as she is prevented from licking the incision, it should be fine. If however, the stitches come out or the incision opens up, then she will need to see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

Cats are little stinkers! You may have to try a longer than normal rigid e-collar, or you can look for the bowl style that are used in cats. You could try a large tube sock as a dress (cut holes for head and arms). You could attach string or elastic to make "stirrups" that pull the shirt down. As for cleaning, a warm wet washcloth is all that is needed. Though, since it appears red and swollen, I would recommend taking her to the vet for evaluation and possibly to start antibiotics.

I would recommend taking the e-collar off and keep her in a closed room with you. most cats won't open the spay wound and in her case i think the cage and the collar are causing her too much stress. if you see that she is licking the area obsessively- put the collar back on.