Caring for a Cat After Surgery

If your cat has ever needed surgery, you know that the recovery time can be painful and slow, just as it can with humans. Your cat will not feel like he or she normally does for a couple of days, so you need to know how to care for your cat after surgery.

There are many reasons why your cat may need surgery. A male cat should be neutered at about six months of age. This procedure is fairly simple and your cat will need minimal time to recover. However, when a female cat is spayed, the surgery is more invasive and she will need more down time. Although declawing is generally frowned upon, you can expect a younger cat to recover much faster from the declawing surgery than an older cat. In addition, your cat could suffer an accident that requires surgery or may be faced with a health problem that requires surgery.

Here are some tips to help you help your cat recover from surgery:

Talk to your vet before the surgery: Before your cat is operated on, you should have conversations with your vet so that you know why your cat requires surgery and how it will be performed. Also, even though many pet owners say that cost is no factor when it comes to their pet, surgery can be very expensive. Besides the actual surgery, your cat will need anesthesia, pain medications, antibiotics, and possibly overnight care at the vet. In addition, you could also be looking at several follow up appointments. Discuss these financial matters before the surgery so you will not go into sticker shock when you pick your cat up after the surgery is done. If your cat does not need emergency surgery and you can schedule the day, you will need to get pre-operative care instructions. He or she might recommend that your cat does not eat or drink several hours before the surgery. If this is the case, try to schedule your cat's procedure early in the day to avoid discomfort.

Talk to your vet after the surgery: After the surgery is over, make sure you talk to your vet to find out how your pet did during the procedure. You will also want to know anything that your vet recommends once you get your pet home or whether or not your pet will need follow up care. If your pet has stitches, you will need to find out if the stitches need to be removed or if they will dissolve.

Provide a safe place for your cat: Once your cat has the surgery, you will need to have a safe place for your cat. This means that if you have other pets in the house or small children, you need to find a secluded spot for your cat rest. Your cat will probably still be sedated for a few hours and will need a quiet place to sleep and rest. A bathroom or closets are good choices. Your cat will not want to be bothered; no matter how friendly your cat normally acts. If your cat is not feeling well, you should expect some hissing and paw-swiping at you, another pet or a child during this time.

Keep other pets away for a couple of days: Your cat may have a best feline or canine friend in your home, however, your pets need to be separated for a couple of days following the procedure. You might notice that your other cat will hiss at your recovering cat. They smell and act differently and your other cat is not quite sure what to think. Younger cats or dogs may want to play or act rough with your recovering cat. This is no good for your cat if he or she has stitches or broken limbs. It is always best to separate your pets for a while. When your recovering cat feels better, you will know and will be able to slowly introduce your pets again.

Explain the situation to your children: Your child is probably worried about your pet. They might want to hold or cuddle your cat. Your child needs comforting, not your pet. Your pet needs peace and quiet. Explain to your child that your cat is not feeling well and needs time to recover. If you have frightful children, he or she may become very upset at the sight of your sick cat. Let them know what to expect and supervise any visits between the two.

Watch food and water intake: Just as with humans, your pet will probably not have an appetite for a day or so after the procedure. This is normal. However, you need to make certain that your pet is getting water while he or she is recovering. If you notice that your pet is not eating or drinking after 24 hours, you should contact your vet.

Watch the surgery site: Cats are notorious for biting and licking at incision sites or stitches. While this is a natural healing process for cats, if you notice your cat is pulling at the stitches, you need to place an E-collar (Elizabethan collar) on your cat. Your vet can provide you with one, or you can purchase one at your local pet store. Cats generally hate these collars, but they will help your cat heal faster.

Provide an easy-access litter box: Most cats will still want to use the litter box, even when they aren't feeling their best. However, if your cat has just had surgery, he or she may have a difficult time getting in certain types of litter boxes. These may include the type with hoods, high sides or flaps. Purchase a small, inexpensive box that has low sides. This will help your cat get in and out easier. If your cat is wearing an E-collar, he or she will not be able to get in a litter box with a hood. Also, check the type of litter you are using. Clumping litter is popular, but may not be the best choice for a recovering cat. The litter pieces are small and can stick to incision sites. Instead, opt for shredded newspaper or large litter made out of recycled paper (one good brand is called Yesterday's News).

Stick to the doctor's orders: If you are given a prescription for your cat, follow the instructions. This means giving your cat all of the medication, if so instructed. Also, if your doctor asks you to come in for a follow up, make sure you do so. Your doctor can assess your cat after the surgery to make certain he or she is healing properly.

With a little preparation, you can help your cat recover after a surgery of any type. Your vet can provide you with specific information about the various kinds of surgery and recovery time.