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My cat just got spayed. Should I stop her from licking the incision?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 months and 26 days old
Hello! My cat was spayed yesterday, is it ok for her to lick the incision? I will attach photos of the incision. She licks it from time to time, but I'm not sure as to whether I should stop her or not.
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 27th, 2018
Licking is not good as could lead to infections and delay in the healing process.
Buster collar is useful to avoid any licking.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpfulRelated Answers from Veterinarians
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 28th, 2017
Forrest Gump needs to stop licking her incision or she will cause infection in the area and breakdown of the incision. It doesn't look like from the picture that it is infected, but that doesn't mean it couldn't become infected. She needs to be wearing an Ecollar at all times, and if she didn't come home from the vet's clinic with one, you will need to make one at home to stop her from licking the incision. You can also get one from a pet store.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ffR-LzyW1M1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 8th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. I would agree and say that this does not appear to be concerning. However, the incision does appear red and irritated. I would recommend using the plastic cone (in a new size that fits her) and see how she does with that to help prevent her from licking at the incision site. I would also consider having her on a course of an oral antibiotic to help prevent this incision from becoming infected. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on August 4th, 2017
It does look as though Boo has caused some redness and irritation to her incision. With licking, there is a chance that her incision may become infected. Definitely keep the ecollar on her at all times for the next 10-14 days. Closely monitor her incision at home for now, but if the redness continues or worsens, the incision seems swollen, or has any discharge, Boo should go to her vet for evaluation because antibiotics may be needed. I hope that all goes well!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 31st, 2017
The incision has a bit of glue on it and some debris but otherwise looks normal. Also another key to know if it is infected is if there moist discharge coming from the incision, which I don’t see here. Continue to monitor the incision daily and definitely keep the e-collar on. Best wishes and take care of Ratatouille!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful