Recovery for your cat should be swift and smooth; here are several tips to help!
Spaying a pet cat often has cat owners wondering how best to care for their pets during recovery. What should one expect? How long will recovery last? What steps should one take? Thankfully, cat care after a spay is relatively simple.
Spaying: What to Expect
During your cat’s spay procedure, the veterinarian will put your pet under general anesthesia and remove the cat’s uterus and ovaries. After stitching the incision closed, your cat will wake up and begin recovery.
When it is time to pick up your pet, the vet will give you all the information you need regarding its condition and recovery needs. Recovery usually takes between 10-14 days, which will go by swiftly. Within a few days, your cat should begin to act like itself again.
Keeping Quiet
Even if your cat feels ready to explore and play again after a few days, one should keep her quiet for the full two weeks lest a tear in the surgery site results. Keep your cat in a small, quiet room separated from other pets. Remind your whole family to be gentle with the cat during this time.
A Comfortable Bed
Buying a comfortable cat bed where your feline can curl up or hunker down is also a good idea. Cat care after a spay is like care for a person after an appendix removal; a comfortable resting spot is highly valuable. You could also utilize a cat enclosure for added security.
Medicine & Collar
You will also need to administer medicine and have your cat wear a special collar to prevent it from damaging the surgery site. Follow the instructions your vet provides and do not stop the medication early unless your vet advises you to do so.
Monitor Behavior & Appetite
If your pet remains lethargic for more than 12 hours, or if it does not regain its appetite within a day or two, let your vet know. Signs of pain include unusual meowing, a hunched back, and bleeding from the surgical site. While your cat may move more slowly post surgery, pain and a loss of appetite shouldn’t be a part of the recovery process.
Monitor Surgical Site
Keep an eye on the surgical site as well. Taking photos once per day or every other day can help you keep track of any positive or negative changes. Reddening and bruising are normal, but one should call the vet if there is extended bleeding and weeping, inflammation, or a rotting smell.
Stay Connected
Cat care after a spay is typically a smooth and swift process, involving keeping your cat in a calm and quiet space while administering the proper treatments. Always stay in touch with your vet if you suspect anything is amiss; Everhart Veterinary Medicine is here for you!
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With two Maryland locations in both Baltimore and Pasadena, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131 or 410-793-7670! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!