Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Is my kitten's spay incision healing normally 6 days after surgery?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 7 months and 1 day old

My kittie is 6 days post spay. Does this incision look normal?

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 2nd, 2018

It does not appear wide open, is not red and is not bleeding or draining. It looks good for 6 days post op. Monitor for redness,swelling, discharge, bleeding or for dehiscence (opening). Monitor also for lethargy, loss of appetite or fever. These are all symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

Vote icon

9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Catherine Stecyk

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 3rd, 2019

    Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Ollie's incision looks to be healing well at this time, and does not appear infected. Signs of infection include swelling, redness of the incision itself, and yellow/thick discharge from the incision. The pinkish area next to her incision looks like some bruising that likely occurred due to trauma/pinching of the area during surgery. Bruising can worsen during the first 2-3 days following a procedure, but should start to improve after that time. The dried blood/crusting around her incision is not abnormal either. I definitely recommend keeping Ollie's Elizabethan collar on AT ALL TIMES until her recheck appointment with your veterinarian to prevent her from licking at the area and causing trauma/increasing the risk of an incisional infection. If the bruising worsens after day 4-5 post-op, and/or you notice yellow/thick, foul-smelling discharge, I recommend having Ollie seen by your veterinarian right away. Otherwise, I recommend monitoring the area and keeping her E-collar on. Best of luck with Ollie! And THANK YOU for spaying your pet!

    Vote icon

    6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on March 3rd, 2021

    It looks like it seeped some fluid that dried around the wound. You can clean this very gently with a warm damp washcloth by dabbing at the dried material, don't rub and don't wipe directly on the incision. If she didn't have the cone on she would have roomed this off herself, but it's safer to keep it on her so she doesn't chew or overgroom her incision site. It looks pretty normal otherwise and as long as she is acting fine and you are restricting her from jumping and running she should recover just fine.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Sarah Smith, Bsc (Hons) BVM&S MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 1st, 2017

    Slight redness and swelling is a normal part of the healing process in the first few days after surgery. Excessive swelling, bruising, or discharge from the wound is not normal. If you are concerned about the appearance of your kittens wound I would recommend making an appointment with your regular veterinarian to determine a course of treatment.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
I'm worried about my dog's spay incision. Is the red spot normal?
Concerned about your dog's spay incision? A certified veterinarian addresses common worries like red spots and swelling, offering expert guidance on normal healing.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My male dog's penis is stuck out and his scrotum has a painful rash.
Is your 11-year-old male dog experiencing a painful penis or rash? A certified vet explains potential paraphimosis urgency and why immediate care is vital.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My senior dog has a big belly and is gasping for air. What's wrong?
Is your senior dog experiencing panting, gasping, or a big belly? A trusted vet explains causes: heart disease & fluid build-up. Get expert guidance now.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My cat cries when touched between legs after a cat jumped on her.
Is your Persian cat in pain after a playful jump? Get expert vet advice on potential injuries like bruised ribs or fractures, and when to consider an X-ray.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dog is in heat, can she still get spayed at her appointment?
Your Heeler is in heat, and you're worried about her spay appointment. A licensed veterinarian provides expert guidance on spaying dogs while in heat.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
My puppy's spay site looks bad 5 months later. Is it stitches?
Is your puppy's spay incision concerning you months after surgery? A trusted veterinarian explains potential stitch reactions and advises on your dog's next steps.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored