How to Keep a Cat from Licking Its Sutures

Don't let your cat switch his E-collar onto the dog.
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When your cat has had surgery or sustained an injury that requires sutures, it can be an uphill battle trying to keep him from licking his stitches. It's vital to the healing of the wound, though, that you not allow him to disturb the sutures or get them wet.

Elizabethan Collar

Step 1

Measure your cat's neck with the tape measure.

Step 2

Draw a circle in the center of the paper plate using a pencil. Make the circumference the same size as the measurement of your cat's neck.

Step 3

Cut a slit from the edge of the paper plate to the edge of your penciled circle, then cut out around the pencil line. This will create a hole in the middle of the paper plate.

Step 4

Open the paper plate along the slit you've cut, taking care not to tear the plate. Place the plate around your cat's neck, overlapping the outer edges just a little to create a slight cone shape.

Step 5

Secure the overlapped edges of the plate with masking tape.

Bandaging

Step 1

Cut a small piece of gauze to a size that will just cover your cat's sutures.

Step 2

Cut several strips of medical adhesive tape and attach them to the edge of a counter or table to keep them handy.

Step 3

Place the gauze over your cat's stitches, applying the pieces of tape over it to hold the gauze in place.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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