Thanks for reaching out about your cat's wound — it does sound concerning. Excessive licking can indeed prevent wounds from healing properly, as a cat's rough tongue can irritate and reopen the healing tissue. This behavior might be due to itchiness, pain, or even stress.
First, try an Elizabethan collar (or "cone") to prevent your cat from reaching the wound. They're quite effective in deterring licking. You might also use a wound spray formulated for pets, which often has a bitter taste to discourage licking.
Keep the wound clean. Gently clean it with mild soap and water, and make sure it's dry before applying any pet-safe ointments. Offer your cat a quiet and stress-free environment, as stress can sometimes worsen the licking behavior.
Please monitor the wound closely. If you notice swelling, redness, discharge, or a foul odor, these may be signs of infection. An increase in your cat's discomfort or any signs of lethargy can also be cause for concern.
I recommend booking a video consult with a vet on Dial A Vet as soon as possible to ensure the wound is assessed and treated properly, especially if there's no improvement or any signs of infection.
My cat's wound won't heal because of excessive licking
I don’t know what’s going on with my fur baby. A couple of weeks ago, my cat, Whiskers, had a small wound on her leg, probably from trying to squeeze under the fence in our backyard again. At first, it didn’t look like a big deal, but she just keeps licking it non-stop, and now it’s not healing at all. It’s been almost two weeks, and every time I think it’s getting better, she licks it until it's raw again. I’ve tried a cone and even little socks, but she’s like a furry little Houdini and finds a way to get them off. I’m really worried it’s going to get infected or something, and it’s breaking my heart to see her like this. If anyone has been through this or has advice, I would be forever grateful!
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