Cat: compulsive licking of surgical site months after procedure. Licks himself raw/bleeding

Thanks for your question! I'm sorry to hear your cat is going through this. Compulsive licking long after a surgical procedure can be concerning. This may be due to a few reasons: residual pain, an itchy healing process, or even stress and anxiety manifesting as over-grooming. Sometimes, cats may develop an obsessive habit once they start licking an area due to the satisfaction it brings.



Here are some things you can try at home. Encourage your cat to engage in other activities to distract him from licking, like playing with toys or offering puzzle feeders. You might also keep the area clean and apply an e-collar or soft recovery suit to prevent licking—just be sure to monitor him closely to ensure these measures don't cause additional stress.



Watch for signs of infection, such as swelling, pus, or a foul odor. If the site is bleeding or raw, it's vital not to ignore these signs as they could lead to more serious issues such as infection or skin trauma.



It would be helpful to schedule a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet to delve deeper into this behavior. They can help assess your cat's condition and discuss the next steps. Your cat's health and comfort are our top priority.