Cat Spay Post-Surgical Aggression Complications

According to Mike Richards, DVM in an article written for Vetinfo, post ovariohysterectomy (commonly known as spay surgery) surgical aggression can be a short-term side effect that will often resolve quickly on its own. Post surgical aggression is typically attributed as an anesthesia side effect for a particular cat. The aggression can also stem from the fact that your cat was taken out of her typical environment for a short period of time.

  1. Anesthesia and Medication Side Effects

    • Your cat's behavior should return to normal once medications wear off.

      According to the H.O.P.E. Spay/Neuter Clinic post-operative instructions given to cat owners, cats that are taken home by the owner on the same day as surgery may tend to show more side effects than those taken home one day after surgery. Most post-surgical side effects that include nastiness or aggression are based on more recent use of anesthesia or other medications used prior, during and after surgery. To minimize post surgical discomfort, keep your cat in a quiet area, away from children and other pets once you get her home. The aggression should subside as soon as your cat is feeling better and all medications have worn off. This can typically take 24 to 48 hours after the surgery has been completed.

    Hormonal Changes and Pain

    • The pain or hormone disruption caused by surgery can cause aggressive behavior.

      Take into consideration that a female cat spay is a surgery that requires not only an entrance to the abdominal cavity, but also the removal of the cat's ovaries and uterus. This is common but invasive surgery. Your cat may simply be aggressive due to the fact that she does not feel good. The aggression may be further complicated if the cat was spayed while it was in heat or shortly after giving birth to kittens. Spays done under those circumstances can abruptly alter your cat's hormone levels. It may take her a few weeks to recover from the surgery and get back into balance.

    Environmental Changes

    • Consult your veterinarian if aggressive behavior continues.

      Most house cats are not creatures that are used to environmental changes. Once a cat has adapted to life in your home, most tend to stay there. They derive their daily routine from that of the humans and other animals in the household. When you remove them, especially for reasons that may not be particularly pleasant for the cat, they may come home grumpy and act out until common life has been restored. These behavioral problems should be short term. If aggressive behavior continues for several weeks after her spay, discuss the matter with the vet that performed the surgery. Behavior modifying medications or behavior modification training may be advised.