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Subject: HELP!! Cat keeps pulling out stitches!

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robinlynn

Posts:133

02/20/2008 7:25 PM	Alert
Does anyone have any ideas of how to keep a cat who had surgery last week in the abdominal area from ripping out her stitches? The only idea we got from the vet was that Elizabethan Collar thing. If anyone has seen a cat in one of those they know what I mean when I say that is impossible!! They go stark raving mad and fling themselves around the room trying to get the thing off. It may work on dogs but cats won't take it! I'm afraid she'll hurt herself more trying to get that thing off than she would with nothing? There has to be something I can do besides that. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Takingabreak User is Offline

Posts:312

02/21/2008 8:59 AM	Alert
I have used two different methods. I put some of that nasty thumb sucking deterent on the stitches for one cat. My other cat loved the stuff, so I put a light layer of crazy glue over the stitches instead. Good luck with this.

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Mommystacey User is Offline

Posts:180

02/21/2008 12:03 PM	Alert
Be very carful if there is any infection on the sutures applying anything will make it worse and will end up costing you in the end. E-Collars work you just have to let them freak out for a minute or two then they get used to it. I haveput e-collars on MANY cats and they do just fine. I would not apply anything to a wound. Would you like crazy clue on your wound?

CliffinAZ

Posts:405

02/21/2008 12:35 PM	Alert
I'm assumiong the crazy glue was a joke...

gilbertglcn User is Offline

Posts:208

02/21/2008 4:11 PM	Alert
You may want to try putting a very stretched out tube sock over the cat's body, covering the area and hope it stays. This is assuming the sock is stretched out enough to fit over the cat, and not be constricting. Another idea is to use an old T-shirt and make a diaper of sorts that fits over the cat, and that the cat can't get out of (good luck!) . A trick that worked for my dog to slow down the licking of wounds, was to wrap all of her ankles up with gauze (again, not tightly), as then she would tend to work on those bandages and leave her wound alone for a few hours. You may also want to try to wrap the wound, but the vet probably wants it left uncovered for healing.

eddie

Posts:67

02/21/2008 9:45 PM	Alert
I agree with mommystacey, kitties get used to the collar after a few minutes. Then usually they just lay around and sulk. I had a cat that needed one occasionally for a skin condition, and after several times of having to wear it he got accustomed to it and could eat, drink and jump onto the couch while wearing it. Your cat needs to stop licking though, because it will really delay healing if she's allowed to continue.

DesertDweller User is Offline

Posts:2549

02/22/2008 12:01 AM	Alert
Ask your vet about an air muzzle. They look like a space helmet. It's much more effective than a e-collar. Your cat probably won't like it, but it will keep her from getting at the stitches and it's more humane than duct tape. You can find one at www.smartpractice.com. Look in the vet section.

Stupid should hurt! Desert Dweller - Senior Member - Posts: 2982 - Joined: Feb 2006

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Forums > Lifestyle > Pets & Animals > HELP!! Cat keeps pulling out stitches!