Important Disclaimer
The information provided here is for general pet health education only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional veterinary advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.
- Species & breed
- Cat
It's great that you're paying attention to the marks on June Bug's body — that kind of observation is exactly what helps you stay on top of her health!
What you're likely seeing is a spay tattoo, which is a small mark (usually a green or blue-green line or dot) that some veterinarians place near the incision site when they spay a cat. It's a quick, permanent way to let future vets or shelter workers know that the cat has already been spayed, so she doesn't have to go through unnecessary surgery again. It's completely normal and intentional — not a cause for concern on its own.
Here's what a normal spay tattoo typically looks like:
- Small — usually just a short line or tiny dot
- Color — often green, teal, or blue-green
- Location — near the belly, close to where the incision was made
- Flat and smooth — the skin around it should look and feel normal
If the tattoo itself looks fine and the surrounding skin is healthy, there's nothing you need to do. It's just a helpful little marker that June Bug carries with her for life.
That said, if you're noticing something around the tattoo that doesn't look quite right — like redness, swelling, discharge, or a lump — that's worth a closer look, since those things can sometimes point to a skin issue unrelated to the tattoo itself.
When to see your vet: If the skin around the tattoo looks red, swollen, or irritated, if there's any discharge or odor, or if you notice a lump or bump in that area, schedule a vet visit soon — ideally within a few days. If June Bug seems uncomfortable when the area is touched, or if you're unsure whether what you're seeing is a tattoo or something else entirely, it's always fine to call your vet just to describe it and get their take. When in doubt, a quick check-in is never a bad idea!
Was this answer helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve answers for every pet.