How to stop my cat from licking their wound post surgery?

Author: Aussie Vet Products   Date Posted:11 June 2014 

Janelle writes:

My cat has to have an operation but gets very upset when she has to wear one of those plastic Elizabethan collars. Is there anything else I could use?

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Hi Janelle,

Thanks for getting in touch.

I wish you all the best for your cat’s upcoming surgery.

It is important to ensure that your cat’s wound stays clean to prevent further infection. As cats are natural groomers in order to prevent your cat from licking the wound or pulling at the bandage I would recommend using a Kong EZ soft collar. It is a much gentler alternative to using a plastic Elizabethan collar as is soft around your cats neck and will be much less stressful. If you are very against using a collar of any type, I can recommend covering your cats bandage with an Askina Bitter bandage which contains a bittering agent that will stop your cat from licking or pulling at the wound. Alternatively you can also spray the wound directly with Wound Gard which is both an antisecptic and bittering agent.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can be of any further assistance to you.

Dr Simon