When kittens are spayed or neutered at 6 months, is it common for them to lick the wound?

Cats spend about a third of their waking hours grooming. Cats are really meticulous about their fur! Anything that changes the normal situation will increase their grooming tendency. Whether it is pine tar caught in the hairs, a bit of wet paint, burrs, wounds, fleas, or a novel smell, any change in the hair and skin will attract a cat to “clean up” that area.

Kittens are typically spayed or neutered at six months of age. At any age, one expects to see a cat attempt to wash the area post-surgery. After all, the area has been shaved, antibacterial solutions applied and a fresh wound is present – triggering the urge to groom. A male cat that has been castrated will also wash the area after surgery.

A moderate wash up of the surgical site is not a problem. This is normal, and is expected. The odd cat will keep working away at the area, and because cat’s tongues are rough, this can interfere with healing. Excessive licking should be prevented using a special restraining collar (Elizabethan collar). Application of bitter substance around but not on the wound is also an approach taken by some veterinarians. If excessive licking leads to infection of the wound, this can delay healing so it is important to intervene before the cat can damage the area to that extent. Sometimes, if external stitches are left in the skin the sharp little ends will attract a kitten to try and pull them out. If any are damaged or removed, inform your veterinarian.

Do not apply talcum powder to the wound or resort to other home remedies. Any topical treatment will further attract a cat to the area, and talcum is irritating to the healing tissues.

If you notice continued washing, with increased sensitivity and irritation and redness/swelling of the surgical site, contact your veterinarian without delay. Otherwise, allow your cat to clean the area and check the site daily to ensure normal healing continues.