Spayed cat licking incision: When to worry and how to clean?

Question

Our cat was spayed 4 days ago and she keeps managing to lick her incision despite two different cones and trying to cover it with a shirt. Do we need to take her to an emergency vet? Is there a way I can clean this without making things worse? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 9 months and 17 days old | 5.25 lbs

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA · Accepted Answer

Cats are little stinkers! You may have to try a longer than normal rigid e-collar, or you can look for the bowl style that are used in cats. You could try a large tube sock as a dress (cut holes for head and arms). You could attach string or elastic to make "stirrups" that pull the shirt down. As for cleaning, a warm wet washcloth is all that is needed. Though, since it appears red and swollen, I would recommend taking her to the vet for evaluation and possibly to start antibiotics.

Spayed cat licking incision: When to worry and how to clean?

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