Stitches

Does anyone have any tips for stopping a newly spayed cat from bitin its stitches?She wont keep the collar on!

Public Comments

1. There isn't much you can do to prevent this. My cat did the same and she's fine. Keep an eye on the area and if it looks like its not healing or becomes infected, take the cat back to the vet.
2. You could try one of those funnel things around her head to stop her from doing it, but that could potentially be cruel or dangerous - especially if she goes out. Just keep an eye on it. Alternatively you could put some disinfectant on it? Perhaps the taste of it will make sure she doesn't lick it...but sometimes they will anyway.
3. Hi Natalie...some people have found by using duct tape on the collar will help keep it on more securely. However, if this still fails to work, consider using a product called Grannick's Bitter Apple which is a safe non-toxic spray http://www.grannicks.com . It has a citrusy apple taste that most cats prefer not to taste. Be sure to administer this away from the incision site. Some vets will prescribe 'Children's' (not adult) Benadryl to help alleviate the itching sensation. Consider ringing your vet to determine if your cat can take this and they will be able to prescribe the proper dosage to administer which is based on your cats age and weight as well as overall health condition. Not all cats can have Benadryl so only your vet will know.
4. its better if u consult a vet coz she is in pain. Don't try other things
5. Having spayed many cats, I have used Vaseline around the area. The Vaseline wont bother the stitches, but will stop your cat from licking or chewing at the affected area. As we all know, when wounds start healing, they can become itchy, so what do we do ? We scratch and rub them... Same as your cat is doing.
6. You could try her with one of those that fastens around her neck she can't bite anything with that on, there is only her face showing,just take it off for her to eat, or what I did with my dog is,cut a sheet up and wrap it round her body she couldnt even get to it,it is better than watching her all the time ok,hope this helps.
7. so is it actually biting them? None of mine ever bothered with the stitches so I left the collar off. You could always ask the vet about using a bitter spray.
8. PLEASE DONT PUT DISINFECTANT OR ANYTHING ELSE ON IT UNLESS TOLD BY THE VET!!!!!!!!!!!! If your cat has a normal collar you could try tying the other one on to it & see if that helps any. Sometimes cats lick round the shaved area but not actually the stitched area itself. If she is actually biting at the stitches I would call your vet for advice. No way can you afford to let the stiches be bitten out so soon. Meantime try and keep her as calm as poss as agitation & stress will make her worse. Good luck