Surgery for Cats: Before and After Care

Finding out that your cat needs surgery, can be an emotional time. You may have questions and have uncertainties. There are usually three main types of surgeries for animals. They are elective, non-elective, and emergency. Through your veterinarian's advice and this article you can help prepare your cat's before and after surgery.

Elective surgeries are based on surgeries you wish to undertake by choice, but are not really necessary. In other words, surgeries that is optional and does not need to be performed to save or stabilize your cat's life. For example: spaying, neutering, and declawing. Non-elective surgeries are based on your cat's survival in which you have the choice to schedule. An example of non-elective surgery is surgical biopsies. Emergency surgeries are life threatening to your cat, which needs to undertaken immediately.

Giving the best care for your cat before an elective or non-elective surgery is not difficult. The most important thing you can do is not feed your cat-including treats. Usually when your cat is scheduled for surgery, your veterinarian will need your cat to have an empty stomach. If your veterinarian does not mention this, be sure to ask him or her about it.

A common reaction to anesthetics in cats is nausea and vomiting. Having an empty stomach may prevent your cat from having more problems. Try your best to not feed your cat any food for about 12 hours prior to the surgery. Having your cat drink water should be fine, but do check with your veterinarian first. If you cat does eat something in the morning of your cat's surgery, you must inform your veterinarian.

At the animal hospital, you will be required to sign a permission form authorizing anesthesia and surgery. Do get an estimate of the surgical procedure in writing. However, keep in mind that this is just an estimate. Complications and other medical conditions may happen. At the end you will be responsible for the bill, even if it is more than what the estimate states.

It is also suggested to ask your veterinarian or the assistant about the surgery. Find out what will be performed, what will be removed (if needed), where the incision will be, and if there will be stitches. Ask about how long will your cat be in the hospital, any special care, if solitary confinement at home will be needed, medications, and special diet. Learning this before the surgery will help you prepare your home for the arrival of your cat.

After your cat's surgery, it may take less than an hour, a day, or more for anesthetics to wear off. Your cat may not be awake often or moving around as much. If your cat will remain in the hospital during recovery, do visit when you are allowed. This will let your cat know you have not left and still love him or her.

Before it is time for your cat to come home, make sure you receive the veterinarian instructions. Care may include a special diet, exercise, confinement, medication, and awareness of any complications. Ask for a care plan in writing and demonstrations of anything you have questions about performing. For example giving your cat medication. Find out who to call in the case of an emergency and after hour's policy.

Cats with an incision might take about a week or two to heal, which may be difficult if your cat is used to going outside often. If your cat's fur had to be clipped or shaved, he or she is probably colder than normal. Do provide extra blankets warmed in the dryer or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.

Watch for any possible complications. If you cat is experiencing lost of appetite after 24 hours. It is normal for your cat to want to only eat very little at first. Coughing that last more than 48 hours, diarrhea, depression, fever, swelling and redness. Also check on their wounds for discoloration or odor. A white, yellow, or green discharge with foul odor could mean an infection.

Remember that if you have other pets, they will need attention too. By providing extra care before and after surgery you will help your cat recovery better and faster.