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Why is my cat's spay incision site hard and inflamed 5 days later?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 months and 28 days old

Hello! Thank you for taking your time in trying to help... I neutered my f.cat 5 days ago (absorbable stitches) and my cat appears to have recuperated almost 100% but the operated zone is still a bit inflamed and a bit hard... it doesn't appear to disturb my cat ...but i am a bit worried (the cat eats, drinks,plays normally --and i also started to give her only wet food for sterilizated cats)

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 31st, 2017

A little inflammation is common at the surgery site with cats. This may last (but slowly reduce) over the next several weeks. However, I can not tell with a picture if there is a hernia at all. A follow up appointment with your veterinarian would be a good idea if you have any concerns. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 10th, 2020

    Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It does sound like a hernia. It is often a painless 'lump' that comes and goes with abdominal pressure. Small hernias, that involve only fat tissue from the abdomen can be left untreated and they hardly ever cause any problems. Larger hernias should be operated on as there is a risk of small intestine, bowel or spleen getting trapped within the hernia. Please, liaise with your vet on that. Abdominal hernia can be easily confirmed during clinical examination. Based on the size of the hernia it should be decided if another surgery if necessary.

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