If you are reading this article, then I believe that your cat is trying to pull out her new stitches.
I know this is getting you all worked up and you don’t know what to do about it.
Some animals who have undergone surgery take out their own sutures or staples before the wounds have completely healed. This is a typical but dangerous activity that cats exhibit.
This write-up will clarify your doubts regarding why cats do so and how to stop your feline from pulling out her stitches.
Check it out.
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Can Cats Pull Out Their Stitches After Being Spayed?
Yes, cats pull out their stitches after being spayed.
Spaying a cat would prevent a variety of problems that a normal cat might cause to its owners, other pets, and even themselves. The entire procedure typically just takes a few seconds, and the majority of the felines can return to their homes the same day.
Of course, you need to step in right away to stop things from getting ugly if you witness your spayed cat ripping out stitches.
As a specific wound heals in humans, it is normal to experience itching; cats also experience this. Regardless of the outcome, cats will typically lick the offending area to reduce the discomfort.
Nowadays, there is a widespread belief among cat parents that because cat saliva is antibacterial, it speeds up the healing process.
Unfortunately, the chance of infection, irritation, and similar conditions rises dramatically if you genuinely let the pets do as they please.
The aftermath of this behavior:
- Some animals who have undergone surgery take out their own sutures or staples before the wounds have completely healed.
- The stitches or staples may pop out when there is too much motion or movement on the incision.
- Stitches and staples may come out due to wound infection or wound dehiscence.
Surgical staples and stitches, often known as sutures, are used to close wounds until the body has healed and the borders of the incision have grown strong enough to hold together.
Before wounds have healed completely, stitches, sutures, or staples may be removed prematurely.
Interesting Read: How To Keep Your Cat From Jumping After Surgery?
What Would Happen If My Cat Pulled Out Her Stitches?
If your cat pulls out her stitches before her wound is healed, then it might cause her to get an infection.
Spaying is one of many procedures that need surgery on cats, all of which take time for the wound to heal correctly. It is strongly advised that pet owners limit the activity of recently spayed cats for a few days due to the size of the incision.
Most of the time, the ideal way is to lock the felines in a small room of the house with food, water, and litter. Cat parents should stop by occasionally to quickly assess the situation.
People must clean up the discharges near the wound in addition to keeping pets from ripping out the stitches. The felines must also receive their prescribed medications, as advised by the veterinarians.
Regardless of what you have done, call the vet right away if you notice that your spayed cat is removing sutures.
Cats typically settle in over time, but if they won’t leave the stitches alone, there may be a deeper problem. You can never really be too vigilant when it comes to your fluffy friend’s safety.
Treatment:
You must consider the kind of sutures that veterinarians use. Removal is not essential if the veterinarian uses dissolvable stitches, which disintegrate over time.
On the other hand, if the veterinarian uses non-dissolvable stitches, you must go back to the office within 10 to 14 days of the procedure to have the sutures removed from your furball.
Of course, real-time varies substantially from case to case depending on the circumstances. Because of this, it’s a good idea to speak with your vet in advance to determine the precise date.
Your veterinarian will check the wound and determine how serious the problem is. The wound may need to be cleaned up and closed again on your pet. Painkillers and antibiotics can be necessary.
The additional stitches may also be taken out if the borders of the wound have fully healed and there is no longer any redness or swelling. If not, your pet might have to return home wearing an E-collar while the last few sutures are still in place.
Interesting Read: Cat Wants To Play After Being Spayed? Is It Safe?
What To Do If Your Cat Is Trying to Pull Out The Stitches?
The only thing you can do to prevent your feline from rupturing her healing wound is to keep an eye on her all the time. Do not let her pull out her stitches before she starts looking normal.
- A cat with a recent surgical wound should never be allowed to go outside. For a period of 7 to 14 days, limit your cat’s activities to give the wound time to heal.
- Allowing your cat to jump or engage in any intense activity that can cause the surgical incision to stretch excessively is not advised, especially in the first few days following the procedure.
- Excessive exercise could lead to incision bleeding or the stitches coming undone. In such cases, your veterinarian may advise cage rest or confinement to a tiny space.
- Avoid giving your cat a bath or letting the incision become moist. Never use any lotion, ointment, disinfectant, or other products on the wound unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to. NEVER use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound since they will harm the cells and slow recovery.
- Avoid letting your cat lick or scratch the wound because doing so increases the risk of the cat ripping out the stitches or infecting the wound.
Check the incision at least twice each day if it is not bandaged. You might be given instructions to clean the surgical drain that was put in the incision several times a day.
When you should go back to the veterinary clinic to have the drain removed, your veterinarian will give you advice.
How Do I Keep My Cat From Pulling Out Her Stitches?
There are several ways in which you can keep your cat from pulling out her stitches:
Bandages with Taste Repellants
These days, it’s simple to find bandages on the market that are specifically made to deter pets from removing them.
These bandages have many coatings on top that are made of non-toxic materials with a bitter taste.
The bandages are excellent at covering surgical incisions because cats dislike giving bitter substances a chance to enter their mouths, which makes it difficult to provide them with oral medications.
Typically, you will need many bandages to completely cover the stitches, but after you have done so, you may relax knowing that the pet will behave properly moving forward.
E-Collars
The Elizabeth Collar commonly referred to as “The Cone of Shame,” is a useful tool for preventing pets from licking, biting, or scratching people. The collar is typically given to pets that have just had surgery so they don’t unintentionally pry open the incision.
Given the benefits of E-collars, purchasing one is highly advised if you find your recently spayed cat yanking out sutures.
Although it’s likely that your cat may fiercely object to your choice by vocalizing frequently, you must remain firm.
Must Read: How Long Should A Cat Wear A Cone After Being Neutered?
Baby Sized Tshirt
Give the cat an “Infant T-shirt” if you want to. Most of the time, the shirt will provide excellent coverage for the stitches underneath without depressing the animals.
Even though your fluffy companion despises the shirt, it’s generally a more comfortable option than an E-collar.
However, you must exercise caution and choose a garment with a sturdy fabric so that your cat cannot tear through it to get to the stitches.
Important: Whatever you use in this situation, keep it on continuously rather than turning it on and off. Again, cats only need a tiny gap to rip apart the stitches, so it is generally recommended that you consider the repercussions before acting.
Interesting Read: Why Do Cats Get A Lump After Being Spayed?
Cone vs. Alternatives: What’s the Best Way to Protect Your Cat’s Stitches After Neutering?
| Method | Effectiveness | Potential Downsides | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cone | High | May be uncomfortable for a cat | Proper fit and size important |
| E-collar | High | May be uncomfortable for a cat | Proper fit and size important |
| T-shirt | Moderate | May not provide enough protection for some cats | Size and fit important |
| Bitter spray | Low | May not be effective for all cats | May need to reapply frequently |
| Stitch cover | Low | May not provide enough protection for some cats | May need to be replaced frequently |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats need anesthesia to have the stitches from their spaying removed?
When skin sutures are actually used to close wounds, the removal process is usually quick, painless, and straightforward. A little more restraint or covering the cat in a towel while leaving the suture line exposed should be sufficient in the case of a hostile cat.
The stitches typically dissolve on their own or are non-removable stitches. No big problem if they do need to be taken out. It is a rather easy process.
If my neutered cat has internal sutures, may she lick her wound?
However, it’s okay if your pet licks the wound because cats naturally heal themselves through this method. But you should avoid letting your pet lick the sutures or the incision and keep them as dry as you can. For a wound to heal rapidly, it needs to be in a dry place. Since the region is constantly moistened by constant licking, the healing process takes longer.
In order to avoid any secondary infections, your veterinarian may also instruct you to clean the area every day with an antibiotic.
Many cats try to rip the sutures out while licking, which can cause the incision wound to open and force your veterinarian to resuture her. Which, in addition to the complete anesthesia procedure for your pet, would cost you time and money once again.
Final Words
That’s all you had to know about a spayed cat’s behavior and how to stop her from continuing it.
Although it is normal, it is not good and should be immediately paid heed to.
Let us know in the comment section if your kitty tried pulling out her stitches after being spayed. What did you do to stop it?
Interesting Read: Why Is My Cat Sleeping A Lot After Being Spayed?
