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My kitten's spay incision is swollen, split, and yellow. Infected?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 5 months and 22 days old | 10 lbs

Both my kittens have recently got spayed and so did their mother. My one kitten and the mothers incisions are healing fine, but the other kitten seems to be significantly more swollen and flakey. The incision seems to look somewhat split and has yellow hardened skin or discharge around it. She doesn't seem bothered or in pain and is eating. It's been 1 and 1/2 weeks since the surgery. Is it infected?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By John C. Gicking, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on February 8th, 2017

Swelling, discharge from an incision, and separation of the incision edges 1 and 1/2 weeks out from surgery is abnormal. it is good she doesn't seem painful or bothered by the incision but, the incision should be checked by a veterinarian. It is possible the incision is infected or it is possible that it is healing slowly or has swelling due to an accumulation of sterile fluid (a seroma). Usually, most veterinarians who do surgeries would want to look at the incisions if any problems or concerns arise. you should call the practice where she was spayed and arrange a recheck examination.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Good on you for getting all of them spayed! Yes, from your description it does sound like Baby's incision is infected. I would have her seen by a vet tomorrow. If it is infected, the vet can give her antibiotics to treat the infection.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on September 12th, 2017

    There are a couple of possibilities, but any discharge is not normal almost 2 weeks after surgery. We commonly see some swelling and fluid around an incision when a cat is too active after surgery and a pocket called a seroma can form. There can also be inflammation from the suture that can cause a suture reaction during this time frame. Finally, an infection is certainly a possibility, but the area does not look inflammed, so hopefully that is less likely. I would recommend having your vet evaluate Wicked and see which of these possibilties they think is going on. In the meantime, I would recommend a warm compress on the incision (if Wicked will allow it), and do not allow her to lick the incision (which she will be tempted to if there is any discharge). I do not think you need to panic, but I would contact your veterinarian for advice. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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