Post-Surgery Diarrhea In a Cat

Diarrhea is a common side effect of surgery. Although it is common, you must closely monitor your cat since prolonged or extreme diarrhea could lead to dehydration.

  1. Duration

    • Diarrhea--whether the result of the pre-surgery fast or the surgery itself--will normally last only two or three days, according to the website of Pawprints &Purrs. Another website, vetinfo.com, gives a time frame of 12 to 24 hours that your cat will not feel itself.

    When to Call the Vet

    • A touch of diarrhea is normal. While the Animal Friends Foundation and the Willamette Humane Society's Spay and Neuter Clinic recommend calling the veterinarian if your cat experiences any diarrhea, post-surgery diarrhea is so common that most veterinarians agree there is no reason to worry unless it becomes prolonged. If your cat still has diarrhea 36 to 48 hours after surgery, it is time to call your vet, because severe or prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration.

    Remember to Water Your Cat!

    • Even if your cat only has diarrhea for only a day or two, he can still suffer dehydration, according to WebVet.com. Provide plenty of fresh water and monitor your cat to be sure he's drinking the water.

    Signs of Dehydration

    • Check and monitor your cat for any sign of dehydration. According to cat-world.com, owners should look for sunken eyes, dry mouth, poor skin elasticity, lethargy, increased heart rate and constipation.

    Tips

    • Petwellbeing.com says loose stool may have an especially unpleasant odor, and your cat may also have matted hair under its tail. While these are normal side effects in some cats who experience diarrhea.