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Why is my cat's neuter incision red, lumpy, and losing hair?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 6 months and 13 days old | 7 lbs

My 6 month old cat was neutered a week ago. I noticed that the hair on the incision is off and more of his skin is showing and it looks a little red. Is he okay? When he came home it looked like a flab of skin pressed together with glue in the middle and it looked flat. Now it looks to be separated in the middle causing two lumps. He is acting normal and happy like he always is. But does have a habit of licking which is how I think the fur is starting to come off. Is this normal?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on December 14th, 2016

The scrotum is likely swollen. By now, a week after neutering, it should not be swollen anymore. If he excessively licks his scrotum then there may be some irritation or even infection. I suggest you take Jasper to your vet for a recheck of the wounds.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    From your description of his incision, this does not sound normal. It sounds like Jasper may have been licking his incision, causing this redness, hair loss, and separation of the incision. His incision was likely closed with intradermal sutures and surgical glue, and I would be concerned that if the incision is red and has some swelling, that it is infected. It could also be that he has developed a seroma (a collection of fluid) in the incision site. I would take Jasper into the vet first thing in the morning to have his incision examined. If it is infected, he will need antibiotics to treat it. He should also wear an Ecollar to a prevent him from licking at it.

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