This experimental study was designed to compare the functional return after epineurial suture and perineurial suture of the surgically divided sciatic nerve of cats. In this study muscles distal to the nerve lacerations were reinnervated more rapidly and more completely after the perineurial suture. Sensory return following both types of repair was the same. Neuromas at the repair site were smaller when the perineurial stitch was used. Accurate fascicular alignment and contact was observed more consistently when the fascicular stitch was used.