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Caring for your cat before and after surgery

Most cats will have an operation at some stage in their life, eg. for neutering (spaying or castration) or to diagnose or treat a disease. Nowadays most operations in cats are fairly safe, but the success of treatment and recovery depends to some extent on the quality of care that the owner gives before and after the operation.

What do I do before the surgery?

Since the stress of surgery can lower your cat's resistance to infectious disease, check that your cat's vaccinations are up-to-date before surgery. Vomiting is dangerous when your cat is under an anesthetic, and to reduce the risk of this, you will have been asked not to give your cat any food or water after about 8:00 P.M. the previous evening. The risks of any complications during or after surgery have been much reduced by improvements in surgical techniques and in the safety of the anesthetics used. However, it may be useful for you to arrange some time off work so that you are around to take care of your cat during the recovery period.

What happens on the day of the surgery?

Routine operations will be performed in the morning. It is important not to be late so that there is time to prepare your cat for the anesthetic. Bring your cat to the surgery in a proper plastic pet carrier marked with your name and address. When you leave your cat, you will be asked to sign a consent form stating that you know the purpose of the operation and agree to have it done. Before the operation, your cat may be given a sedative. A small patch of fur may be shaved from your cat's leg or neck so that your veterinarian can obtain a blood sample or give intravenous injections.

When will my cat be able to come home?

When your cat is admitted for surgery, you be asked to leave a telephone number where you can be contacted. You will usually be called in the late morning with your pet's progress. After routine operations, most cats should be ready to come home in the late afternoon. Some animals take longer to come around and your veterinarian will not allow the release of your cat until it is fully conscious. The veterinarian or veterinary staff will tell you when your cat can be fed and watered, whether it will need any medication and when it will need to be brought back to have staples or sutures removed.

What should I do when I get my cat home?

Keep your cat warm on its journey home. A blanket inside his pet carrier may make him more comfortable. At home, your cat should be left in a warm, quiet room until it is fully recovered. Do not allow your cat outside for a least 24 hours. Try to keep your cat quiet because any sudden movements may put a strain on staples or sutures. Your veterinarian may prescribe pain killers, antibiotics or some other drugs to keep your cat comfortable and prevent infection. Many owners find it helpful to draw up a chart and tick off each dose when it is given so that nothing is forgotten.

Will my cat be ill after the anesthetic?

It is quite common for a cat to appear "groggy" for a few hours after a general anesthetic and he may sleep longer and more deeply than normal. Your cat may be a little unsteady on his feet and need some support when using his litter box. Warming the food and feeding by hand may help if your cat has a poor appetite (occasionally your cat may feel sick and may vomit - if this happens give him water but do not feed him for 24 hours). Sometimes a tube is put down your cat's throat during the anesthetic to help him breathe, and occasionally this irritates the windpipe and may cause your cat to cough for a few days.

What are the signs of more serious problems?

If your cat is still dull or moving unsteadily after being home for 24 hours, you should call your veterinarian for advice. If the staples or sutures have come out or the wound has split or there are any convulsions (fits), prolonged retching or vomiting or signs of swelling, discharges or bleeding from the surgical site, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How do I stop my cat from pulling staples or sutures out?

Most cats try to lick their wounds but they should eventually get used to having staples or sutures. If your cat does try to remove them, you may be given an Elizabethan collar to fit around your cat's neck to prevent him from getting at the wound.

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