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My cat's spay incision is dry and flaky. Is this normal after surgery?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 5 lbs

Hi there. My cat was recently spayed. She’s on the fifth day of recovery and I noticed the skin around the incision is a little dry and flaky. Is this normal?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 22nd, 2019

Hello, I am glad your kitten is recovering smoothly from her procedure. It looks like the skin may be a little dry from the cleaning agents used to prep patients for surgery. However, this should resolve/improve within a few days. If at her 10-14 day post-operative, her skin is still not looking healed, your veterinarian may chose to perform additional diagnostics at the site. Alternatively, if your kitten is licking at the area, she may be causing some irritation to the skin there. Please make sure she is not licking the area by placing an e-collar on her if necessary. Monitor the are for any swelling, redness, discharge and contact your veterinarian if you note any as this could indicate a local infection or reaction to the suture material. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 20th, 2017

    Poor Molly. That incision does look infected and it has separated a little bit. I would take her into your vet as soon as possible to have the incision checked closer and get antibiotics started. Also, I would put an Elizabethan collar around her neck to prevent any licking. I hope she feels better soon

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 28th, 2020

    Hello. While there is a little gaping at the top of the incision in your first picture, there is no swelling, redness or discharge to indicate infection. The sutures should probably stay in for a full 10-14 days, but otherwise everything looks great! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on December 9th, 2016

    She might have a minor infection in the skin suture area. Since it has reopened and is bigger this time seems like it's a good time to have the area rechecked by your vet. The area may need to be flushed and for her to receive a course of antibiotics to make sure it heals completely and stays that way this time.

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