Our Vets are Available 🟢
Dial A Vet Logo
🐾 Pet Health
Blogs
Dog HealthCat HealthVeterinary ServicesPet Health
ask a vet
Ask A Vet Q&A - Free!Vet Tips - By Our Vets!
resources
Free Symptom CheckerDial A Vet NZFind a Local Vet ClinicGlossary
about DIAL A VET
Terms & Conditions
Privacy PolicyEditorial GuidelinesNewsletter
View all Blogs
Over 6,000 Articles
View All Q&A
5,000+ Answers
💵 Pricing📖 How it Works📧 Contact
Chat to a Vet

Question:

Male cat got stitches during neutering. Should it look like this?

I'm a bit worried and looking for some advice. I just got my little guy, Oliver, neutered a few days ago, and he had to get stitches during the procedure. I've never been through this before, and I’m not entirely sure what to expect during the healing process. The incision looks a bit red and swollen, which is really freaking me out. He doesn't seem to be in pain, but he's been licking the area a lot, and I'm concerned about infection or if this is considered normal healing. Is it supposed to look like this after surgery, or should I be scheduling a follow-up with the vet sooner rather than later? Would appreciate any advice or shared experiences 'cause I really want to make sure I'm taking the best care of him. Thanks in advance!

Answer:

Hello there! It’s great that you’re keeping a close eye on your cat after his neutering procedure. It’s normal to be concerned about how the surgical site looks. Typically, after a neutering, the stitches in your cat's surgical area should appear clean and dry. Some swelling and slight redness can be expected during the first couple of days as it heals.



However, there are a few things you should be on the lookout for. If you notice any of the following, it could indicate a problem: excessive swelling, a lot of redness, any discharge (especially pus-like), a foul odor, or if your cat seems to be in pain or licking the area excessively. These signs could suggest an infection or irritation, which should be addressed by a vet.



At home, ensure that your cat isn’t licking the stitches too much – using an Elizabethan collar (or "cone") can help with this. Keep the area around the stitches clean and dry, and prevent your kitty from engaging in too much activity that might disrupt the healing process.



If you’re ever in doubt, or if you spot any worrying signs, don’t hesitate to book a video consult with one of us here at Dial A Vet. This way, we can take a closer look and offer the best guidance for your feline friend’s recovery.

Answered by

Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet

June 23, 2025

  Book A Vet Consultation
The "Ask a Vet" forum on Dial A Vet offers general information and helpful tips on pet health, but it's not a substitute for professional veterinary care. The advice here doesn't create a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and our vets can't diagnose or treat your pet remotely. For emergencies or specific medical concerns, always contact your local veterinarian immediately. Your pet's health is unique, and decisions should only be made after consulting with a qualified professional. By using this forum, you acknowledge these limitations and agree to seek in-person veterinary advice for all your pet's health needs. View our content guidelines.
🧠 Related Pet Owner Questions
Cat A has virus. Vet says wait it out. Now cat B has virus. Follow steps for cat A??
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Any exotics vets in the house?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elderly Cat's fine, except he's not fine?
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
[DOG] Yellow vomit every 2/4 days
Louise - Senior Veterinary Nurse, Dial A Vet
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Money Magazine
Australia's Leading
Online Vet
TrustPilot:
Excellent
Real Vets

Thousands of Pet Owners across the Globe rely on Dial A Vet for peace of mind.

Real questions, vet reviewed answers and quality care.

Trusted by 40,000+ users
4.7/5
dog in grass
Ina
Pet Owner

It was so easy, I needed some eye drops for my dog and thinking about going to the vet on a weekend made me nervous about the cost involved. Dial A Vet was a much simpler, cheaper option with faster results. Within 10 minutes of the call, I had the medicine I needed for my dog without an expensive consultation.

25 May 2025
Joanne
Pet Owner

A great fast efficient service with a qualified vet who was lovely and helpful. Thank you Samantha. I was able to sort my dog at 6pm on a Sunday night for $49 - amazing. Highly recommend.

12 May 2025
Lisa
Pet Owner

What an amazing service, at my wits end as I knew my beautiful dog had an ear infection, could not get into the vet for 4 days. Never knew there was vets online until I googled. Within 15 minutes on a Sunday I was taking to beautiful Samantha who diagnosed and treated our Jasper. Only $49. She trusted that we knew our boy and gave us lots of advice. I will definitely be using dial a vet every time and sharing with all my friends and family. Absolutely fantastic kind caring service. 11/10

7 April 2025
The logo for Dial A Vet, the online vet company.

With Dial A Vet, expert veterinary advice is just a tap away. Get fast vet consultations, trusted care, and personalized pet support - anytime, anywhere, all year round.

Dial A Vets uses software that is HIPAA compliant and SOC - 2 Certified.

support@dialavet.com.au

dial a vet owner with cat
dial a vet pet owner with dog in a orange top
colourful pet owner with their dog
40k+
Pet Owners
Fluffy stuff
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy policy
Company
How It WorksPricingBlogFree Online VetOnline VetPet Symptom CheckerFind a Local Vet ClinicAsk A Vet: Q&AGlossary
NEW ZEALAND
Speak to A Vet NZ
Our Social Links