If you have plans to spay or neuter your pet, be sure to take into account the recovery period that will follow the procedure. During this time, your pet will need extra attention care to minimize pain and discomfort.
The good news is that cats recover extremely well from these types of procedures. Spaying and neutering are some of the most common reasons that cats are taken to the vet, and most pets are able to carry on with their normal routine without disruption afterwards.
However, there are rare cases in which serious complications can develop after surgery. Usually, this is the result of the cat not wanting to sit still while its body is healing.
What to Expect During Cat Spay Recovery
You may notice that your pet will be much quieter than normal for one to two days following the procedure. Your cat may also have a diminished appetite and feel a bit groggy from the effects of the sedative and pain relievers.
Common symptoms that your cat may display include:
- Sleeping more frequently and for longer periods of time
- Walking more slowly
- Playing and jumping less
- Eating less
- Appearing to be “zoned out,” especially after taking medications
The following symptoms are less common and may require intervention from a vet:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Redness or odor at the surgery site
- Lack of appetite for more than 24 hours after the procedure
- Extreme lethargy more than 12 hours post-surgery
- Walking in a hunched-over manner for more than 24 hours following the procedure
When you see these signs, give your vet a call.
What to Expect During Cat Neuter Recovery
After your cat is neutered, you may not notice any symptoms. If you do notice any effects, they are likely to be related to the medication and not the actual procedure. However, if you notice any excessive bleeding or licking, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your vet.
Aftercare for Cat Neutering or Spaying
Try to Keep Your Cat Calm
After surgery, your veterinarian will express the importance of keeping your cat calm during their recovery. This means that your pet should not be jumping, playing, or running excessively while healing. This may be difficult to control, especially when you’re dealing with a kitten. Therefore, you should do your best to cat-proof your home so that your cat doesn’t get into trouble during recovery.
Keep Your Cat Indoors
Your cat should stay inside of the house during recovery. Otherwise, they could injure themselves by trying to leap off of walls or fences. Running outside could also cause them to tear their incisions. Give them plenty of time to rest and heal in the comfort of your home.
Monitor the Surgery Site
You should check on your pet’s surgical site daily to ensure that there are no signs of infection like redness, swelling, or bleeding. Your vet may recommend a recovery collar to keep your cat from licking at the incision site. You should use this device during the healing period and follow all other aftercare instructions, as well.
If your cat needs to be spayed or neutered, contact Feline Medical Clinic to speak with our staff and schedule an appointment!
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