Kitten biting at stitches

Hi,

My 7 month old kitten was spayed on Thursday. The vet would like me to
keep the e-collar on her for a minimum of 2 weeks until the stitches
heal, so she cannot bite or lick them.

I feel terrible watching her in the collar, since it seems to have a
psychological effect on her. She refuses to eat, even though she can
reach into the food bowl with the collar on. However, the moment I
remove the collar, she tries to bite at the stitches.

I've been reading previous posts, and it seems like 2 weeks is rather
long. When I asked my vet if there was an alternative to the e-collar,
I was told "no, you MUST keep the collar on".

Is my vet just ultra conservative, or does this sound correct? A lazer
was used for the incision, so I'm not sure if this makes a difference.

Does anyone know of some safe alternatives to the e-collar? I tried
cutting the sleeve off a long sleeve t-shirt and putting her in it, but
that seems to make her even more depressed. I was thinking of perhaps
a safe topical cream, but my vet is insisting the collar is the only
way.

Thanks,
Kristin

"Kristin" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi,

My 7 month old kitten was spayed on Thursday. The vet would like me to
keep the e-collar on her for a minimum of 2 weeks until the stitches
heal, so she cannot bite or lick them.

I feel terrible watching her in the collar, since it seems to have a
psychological effect on her. She refuses to eat, even though she can
reach into the food bowl with the collar on. However, the moment I
remove the collar, she tries to bite at the stitches.

I've been reading previous posts, and it seems like 2 weeks is rather
long. When I asked my vet if there was an alternative to the e-collar,
I was told "no, you MUST keep the collar on".

Is my vet just ultra conservative, or does this sound correct? A lazer
was used for the incision, so I'm not sure if this makes a difference.

Does anyone know of some safe alternatives to the e-collar? I tried
cutting the sleeve off a long sleeve t-shirt and putting her in it, but
that seems to make her even more depressed. I was thinking of perhaps
a safe topical cream, but my vet is insisting the collar is the only
way.

Thanks,
Kristin


If the collar is one of the frosted ones, try finding a clear one. I think
they may have them at some of the Pet Smart stores. Sometimes they accept
the collar better if their view isn't obstructed like it is with the frosted
ones.

W

If the collar is one of the frosted ones, try finding a clear one. I think
they may have them at some of the Pet Smart stores. Sometimes they accept
the collar better if their view isn't obstructed like it is with the frosted
ones.

W

I didnt even know there were clear ones!! that would have made life a
lot easier for our cat..

Thanks!

If the collar is one of the frosted ones, try finding a clear one. I think
they may have them at some of the Pet Smart stores. Sometimes they accept
the collar better if their view isn't obstructed like it is with the frosted
ones.

W

I didnt even know there were clear ones!! that would have made life a
lot easier for our cat..

Thanks!