Regarding Mini's spay (as you posted on cat health). well she is naturally going to lick at her sutures anyway because, as you know, when you have a cut, antibodies rush to the site to heal the wound, which causes an itching sensation- this is normal and good. That is why we scratch our healing scratches and bug bites. I'm sure the vet told you to watch for severe pulliing of the stiches. If she pulls hard, you should call them, on the weekend, they will have a voice message with another number to dial OR an answering service that will contact your vet. You don't want the area to get infected by any means. I wouldn't put any human first aid cream on it if it does get infected, let the vet tell you what to do! Sorry you had to declaw her- it's illegal in a lot of places. Did you check out thread on declawing here on pet talk? Hope she recoups just fine!!! and oh! Welcome to pet talk!