My bengal is licking wound

LennonAndTabitha · **Joined:** Fri Mar 20, 2015 6:20 pm **Posts:** 8

My gorgeous big bengal boy cat has just had an operation on his tummy. Today is day 3 after the op. He is wearing a collar which has made him grumpy and he gets it off several times a day, although I put it straight back on him. However, he is very determined and can still manage to lick the end of his stitches. I am worried that he will hinder the healing process. Please advise what to do as he needs to wear the collar for another 7 days and then the stitches can come out.

Sherry · **Joined:** Thu May 23, 2013 2:21 pm **Posts:** 9217

No pet wants to wear that awful collar, but it can be a necessity after surgery and the pet just has to live with it. I was always under the impression that licking the wound helped heal it, however, in doing a little research right now, I found out that constantly licking can cause inflammation and infection, so it's best that your kitty wear the collar with some relief from it here and there when you can supervise the cat. The wound becomes like an itch to humans as a wound starts to heal. But we know better than to scratch it! Actually, days go by pretty fast and the time wearing the collar will be ending. Cats are determined creatures, and the wound is irritating your kitty. Just make the best of this situation and count down the days.

LennonAndTabitha · **Joined:** Fri Mar 20, 2015 6:20 pm **Posts:** 8

Lennon managed to open a stitch today while wearing his collar. We were so worried that we took him to the Vets this evening and the vet checked him, he is ok, the vet has sent us home with a larger collar for Lennon to stop him, hopefully, from getting to his wound. (fingers crossed) .

neonyellowclover · **Joined:** Mon Apr 01, 2013 11:03 pm **Posts:** 535

You can try rolling a light washcloth or piece of fabric and taping it loosely around his neck. That may prevent him from reaching the wound. The idea is for it to be light enough that it doesn't make him uncomfortable, loose enough that it won't choke him or he can slip out of it, but bulky enough he can't bend to get to the wound. Depending on your cat it may be an easier solution or he may totally hate it. Know that my Bengal figured out after a day or so if she got it wet it would come off, so try it under supervision for sure!

Donna741 · **Joined:** Wed Feb 05, 2014 9:03 pm **Posts:** 1048

I was going to suggest the rolled cloth too, or try putting a child's shirt on him (depending on where the sutures are) that covers his incision. When we had my part Siamese moggy spayed I use a wrap bandage around her belly to keep her away from it and she didn't try to take it off.

Maejuellie · **Joined:** Mon Mar 23, 2015 4:38 pm **Posts:** 15

a baby body suit will work best to keep his wound away , you may have to do some adjustment but at least it will cover it to avoid licking

spitspot · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2015 2:26 pm **Posts:** 734

We lost our cat last October after a major operation for bladder cancer. He also came home with a collar he hated. He smashed the first one to pieces by running against walls, which was distressing for all of us. I quickly went online and discovered you can get soft versions of the plastic collar which were perfect. You can also get inflatable donut shaped rings to go around the neck. Obviously the cat can puncture these but if you take the inflatable ring out you can fill it with cotton wool or something similar. Good luck.

My bengal is licking wound

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