Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Our six month old kittens were spayed two days ago. The vet sent them home wearing stiff plastic collars in order to prevent them from licking the stitches. He wants them worn for at least six days!

I've always described myself as a tough guy but I could cry as I watch them struggle with the collars. Most people I know who have had their cats spayed/neutered did not need the collars.

Do you-all think I can take them off?

Thanks.

raywat

Hi There,

Where I work we don't routinely send home these collars for cats that come in to be spayed or neutered. Most cats, even if they lick their sutures, don't do them any harm. Plus there are also sutures under the skin that will hold things together even if the skin sutures come out in a few days. These young cats heal amazingly well.

So, it's probably fine to remove the collars, but if it makes you nervous, you can always put them back on when you aren't around to watch the cats.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thank you!

Ray

I'd say you can try it, but my female cat went at her stitches so bad we had to leave the collar on her for a week, after we had to bring her back and they had to put staples in instead of stitches. So just be very careful that the cat doesnt mess with them!

Oh, they really are horrible! I can't stand to see my cats with those on. They simply do not understand why we do that to them.

However, it's sometimes better to make them wear 'em for a bit, than to deal with the damage they can do to themselves if left unattended.

I say go ahead and take it off, but not to leave them unattended without it, until you are pretty sure they are going to be OK.

I have a little dog who messes with one of my litties. Ted the kitty got mad and scratched his eyeball. Five eye surgeries later, and after wearing the Elizabethan collar for over 14 WEEKS he still can't make the connection that he should leave Ted be.....
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Cats; Mustard, Frodo, Ted, Eddie Poe, Puck, Ted, Todd, Fessig, Marla, Bill, Darlene, and mama cat.

Snakes; Mickey, Fido, Dead, Samson, Delalah, Jack Straw, Phobia, Tuesday, Tweeker, Elizard, Cmaeo, and babies.

Ferret; Cricket.

Dog; Stryder

etc..........