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My healthy kitten's umbilical cord hasn't fallen off. Should I cut it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Bobtail | Female | unspayed | 1 year old | 20 lbs

6 days old kitten umbilical cord didn't fall off. but the kitten seems healthy and the cord doesn't seem infected. what should i do? do i have to cut it? if yes please tell me how. no vet around here thank you

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 25th, 2017

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I would suggest just leaving the cord alone. As long as it doesn't have any discharge, and the kitten is eating, drinking, playing and doing well, the cord will die and fall off on it's own. Do not pull on it and you don't have to cut it. Best of luck with Tinkie!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 24th, 2017

    Hi and thank you for your question. It can take up to a week for umbilical cords to fall off. It looks as if the umbilical cord was left a little too lengthy and this may explain why it is taking a bit longer to dry and fall off. If it does not fall off in the next 2 days, then you may need to cut it off but only if it does not look red, infected, inflamed, or has the appearance of a bulge as this could indicate the kitten has an umbilical hernia or an infection. I hope this has helped!

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    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 26th, 2017

    This is OK. There is no sign of infection and it will fall off sometime within the next week. Don't attempt to pull it off though, or this could cause a problem. It's not abnormal for it take a little longer with some kittens and usually will not cause any problems.

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