Q: How can I stop my cat from chewing at its bandage?
Answer: Some cats seen unable to leave a bandage or other dressing alone, and they will
repeatedly chew, suck or lick at it. A check should be made that the bandage is not too
tight and that the wound beneath it is clean and dry. Having ruled out such cases of
irritation, there are really three basic ways to tackle this problem.

The is to cover the bandage with some very strong, waterproof material. This provides
additional protection, and hopefully will prove so difficult to remove that the cat will be
unable to penetrate it, and may even give up trying. Very strong adhesive tape can be used
as complete covering. Materials like vinyl sheeting a leather have also been employed,
either wrapped around a limb and scoured with tape, or made up into booties and laced up to
fit securely around the limb. However, these coverings are heavy and rigid, often causing
the limb to be dragged, and a really determined cat can still chew through them.

The second method is to cover the outside of the bandage in some material that is
noon-poisonous but testes so unpleasant that the cat will leave it alone. Again, this is by
no means foolproof but cab at times be successful. These substances employed are usually
those with an acid or bitter taste, or which produce a burning sensation, for example
aromatic bitters, white vinegar, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, or curry paste. Probably the
best, though expensive for repeated application, are preparations intended to stop humans
from chewing their fingernails.

The third and usually the most successful technique is to enclose the side of the head so
that the cat cannot bring its mouth into contact with the wound. Because of the shape of
the cat’s head, muzzles are not very same stiff material such as vinyl or sturdy cardboard.
The idea is not provide the cat with a cane-shaped ruff which fits to its existing collar
and encloses its head.