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My cat's neuter incision looks dark and dry. Is this normal healing?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old

I adopted a cat last week and brought him home 2 days post surgery( he was neutered and had a hernia repaired). He had internal sutures. He has worn his cone since coming home. I have noticed the incision is a little dark and dry looking in spots. Their is no discharge and it doesn't seem to cause him discomfort. He is eating well, using the litter and seems to be adjusting more and more to his new environment every day. I just wanted to make sure his incision looks normative.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 28th, 2017

You could try reposting your question with a picture, but from your description, I am not concerned about the healing incision. Common signs that there is something wrong is redness, heat, pain, oozing, or swelling. If these happen definitely get Smudge looked at by a vet.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 28th, 2017

    Hello, & thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Your pic is a little hard to see, but everything seems to be OK. The dark areas may be just a little bruising, & the dry skin is probably a reaction to shaving & the disinfectant used on the skin. As long as Smudge continues to do as well as you describe, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Thank you for adopting & take care.

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 22nd, 2017

    This incision looks fine and appears to be healing. The skin is slightly inverted with a scab but it should heal fine in a week or so. The skin edges are puckered but that is nothing to be overly concerned about, it will smooth out as it heals. Please make sure Alaska doesn’t lick the incision and take him back for a recheck it he stops eating or the area becomes swollen or painful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Alaska.

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