Post-Operation Care for Cats

If you̵7;ve just taken your cat home from the veterinarian following surgery--whether it was a routine spay or neuter or an operation for a medical condition--your feline is going to need extra care for the next few weeks. Good postoperative care for your cat will help keep your pet be comfortable and ensure a speedy recovery. Feline postoperative care includes good food, rest and a safe and comfortable environment.

  1. Anesthesia

    • Your cat may still be under the influence of anesthesia when you bring her home from the veterinarian. It̵7;s critical that you keep her indoors at least until the anesthesia has worn off and preferably for a couple of weeks after surgery. While under the influence of the anesthesia, your cat will appear drunk. She may vomit, have head bobbing, shiver and become easily disoriented and confused.

      Do not offer your cat food or water until the effects of the anesthesia are gone, and then introduce them slowly, giving her only small amounts at a time to avoid an upset stomach.

    Environment

    • Provide a safe and quiet environment in which you cat can recover from surgery. Ensure that dogs, cats and children don̵7;t aggravate him. A cushioned, warm bed will make him more comfortable.

      Heat has been shown to reduce pain in cats, so consider making a heating pad available for your cat to lie on. Put the heating pad on its lowest setting and cover it with a towel. Do not use a heating pad unless your cat has the ability to move off it if he gets too warm.

    Incision

    • Monitor the area of your cat̵7;s incision. Ensure that she doesn̵7;t chew out the sutures or loosen them. Also watch that she doesn̵7;t lick at the surgery site excessively. If she appears to be licking or chewing at the sutures, you may need to apply an Elizabethan collar--a collar specially designed to keep pets from chewing or licking a wound or incision. These collars are available from your veterinarian and at pet stores. If you see swelling, discharge, bleeding or tissue protruding from the incision site, or any signs of illness besides those brought on by the anesthesia, call your veterinarian.

    Instructions

    • Follow all instructions given to you by the veterinary hospital. If your cat is supposed to have medication, it̵7;s important that you give it to him as instructed. Make sure you also take your cat back for follow-up appointments with your veterinarian, such as taking him back to have sutures removed at the designated time.