Cat Problems - Cat Biting Stitches

My cat has just been castrated and is biting at his stitches. What should I do?


Reply from Liz (Editor): Has he definitely got stitches? Ususlly the cuts that are made during neutering of male cats are so small that stitches aren't required.

It's normal for a cat to wash the area where the operation was performed - he'll want to get rid of the antiseptic smell, and any debris left over etc. As long as he's only washing it, and he's not biting it or making himself bleed, it should be OK.

However, if he's biting at the area, causing more damage and making himself bleed you should get him checked over by the vet to make sure he hasn't caused himself any serious damage. The vet will then very likely give you a plastic cone shaped collar for him like the one in the picture above. He probably won't like it very much (!) but it will only be required for a few days until the wound heals.