Difference between revisions of "Care for Your Cat After Neutering or Spaying"
m (Update ref tag) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Creating a Safe Recovery Space=== | ===Creating a Safe Recovery Space=== | ||
| − | #Provide a quiet, comfortable space for your cat. Your cat will probably feel nauseous and out of sorts for the first 18-24 hours after anesthesia.<ref name="rf1">http://www.operationpets.org/post_op.php3</ref> It may also be more likely to snap at people and other animals, so providing a quiet, isolated space where your cat can rest is very important.< | + | #Provide a quiet, comfortable space for your cat. Your cat will probably feel nauseous and out of sorts for the first 18-24 hours after anesthesia.<ref name="rf1">http://www.operationpets.org/post_op.php3</ref> It may also be more likely to snap at people and other animals, so providing a quiet, isolated space where your cat can rest is very important.<ref name="rf1">http://files.dvm360.com/alfresco_images/DVM360/2014/09/26/ca50e33b-4a98-4584-bf15-dbf0f2a912c7/handout_afterspay_neuter.pdf</ref> |
#* Make sure that you can still see your cat from its resting place. Block off any dangerous hiding spots or spots that you can’t easily access. | #* Make sure that you can still see your cat from its resting place. Block off any dangerous hiding spots or spots that you can’t easily access. | ||
#* Keep children and other pets away from the cat. Your cat needs to rest and recover, and this is harder to do if it’s constantly interrupted or bothered by others. | #* Keep children and other pets away from the cat. Your cat needs to rest and recover, and this is harder to do if it’s constantly interrupted or bothered by others. | ||
#Keep your cat comfortable. Make sure your cat has a comfortable place to sleep. If your cat doesn’t have a regular bed, try lining a box with a soft pillow or blanket. | #Keep your cat comfortable. Make sure your cat has a comfortable place to sleep. If your cat doesn’t have a regular bed, try lining a box with a soft pillow or blanket. | ||
| − | #* If you can, put your cat's bed in an area with tile or wood floors. Cats enjoy cooling off their abdomens by stretching out on cool, solid floors, and this may help soothe the surgical site.< | + | #* If you can, put your cat's bed in an area with tile or wood floors. Cats enjoy cooling off their abdomens by stretching out on cool, solid floors, and this may help soothe the surgical site.<ref name="rf2">http://trupanion.com/pet-care/how-cats-cool-down</ref> |
#*If possible try to keep the bed low, and prevent them from having to jump a whole lot. | #*If possible try to keep the bed low, and prevent them from having to jump a whole lot. | ||
#Keep the lights low. Cats who have had anesthesia are usually sensitive to light. Dim the lights in your cat’s resting area, or turn them off.<ref name="rf2">https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/upload/images/caring-for-your-cat-or-dog-after-surgery-1.pdf</ref> | #Keep the lights low. Cats who have had anesthesia are usually sensitive to light. Dim the lights in your cat’s resting area, or turn them off.<ref name="rf2">https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/upload/images/caring-for-your-cat-or-dog-after-surgery-1.pdf</ref> | ||
#* If this isn’t an option, provide something like a domed bed that offers some escape from the light. | #* If this isn’t an option, provide something like a domed bed that offers some escape from the light. | ||
#Provide a clean litter box and easily accessible food and water. In order to heal after surgery, cats should not jump, climb stairs, or exert themselves to reach necessities.<ref name="rf1" /> | #Provide a clean litter box and easily accessible food and water. In order to heal after surgery, cats should not jump, climb stairs, or exert themselves to reach necessities.<ref name="rf1" /> | ||
| − | #* Don’t use regular cat litter for at least a week following surgery. It can get into the surgical incisions and cause an infection, especially in male cats. Use shredded paper or newspaper, “Yesterday’s News” litter (made with shredded paper), or uncooked long-grain rice in the litter box instead.< | + | #* Don’t use regular cat litter for at least a week following surgery. It can get into the surgical incisions and cause an infection, especially in male cats. Use shredded paper or newspaper, “Yesterday’s News” litter (made with shredded paper), or uncooked long-grain rice in the litter box instead.<ref name="rf3">https://www.aspca.org/sites/default/files/upload/images/caring-for-your-cat-or-dog-after-surgery-1.pdf</ref> |
#Keep the cat indoors. Do not allow your cat outdoors for at least two weeks after surgery. This will help the surgical site stay clean, dry, and free of infection.<ref name="rf3">http://www.alleycatsandangels.org/dischargeinstructions_final.pdf</ref> | #Keep the cat indoors. Do not allow your cat outdoors for at least two weeks after surgery. This will help the surgical site stay clean, dry, and free of infection.<ref name="rf3">http://www.alleycatsandangels.org/dischargeinstructions_final.pdf</ref> | ||
===Treating Your Cat After Surgery=== | ===Treating Your Cat After Surgery=== | ||
| − | #Inspect your cat’s incision area. Looking at your cat’s incision can help you get an idea of what it looks like and will help you monitor its progress. If possible, ask your veterinarian to show you the incision before you take your cat home.< | + | #Inspect your cat’s incision area. Looking at your cat’s incision can help you get an idea of what it looks like and will help you monitor its progress. If possible, ask your veterinarian to show you the incision before you take your cat home.<ref name="rf3" /> You may want to take a photograph of the site on the first day for a reference point. |
#* Female cats and male cats with undescended testicles will have incisions on their bellies. Most male cats will have two small incisions on the scrotum area (under the tail). | #* Female cats and male cats with undescended testicles will have incisions on their bellies. Most male cats will have two small incisions on the scrotum area (under the tail). | ||
| − | #Use an “Elizabethan” collar. Your veterinarian may provide this collar, or you can purchase one at your local pet store. This type of collar extends up past your cat’s face so that it can’t bother the incision area.< | + | #Use an “Elizabethan” collar. Your veterinarian may provide this collar, or you can purchase one at your local pet store. This type of collar extends up past your cat’s face so that it can’t bother the incision area.<ref name="rf4">http://humanesocietytampa.org/animalhealthcenter/spayneuter/spayneuter-post-surgery-instructions/</ref> |
#* These collars may also be called “protective” collars, “E-collars,” or “cone” collars. | #* These collars may also be called “protective” collars, “E-collars,” or “cone” collars. | ||
#*Your cat may or may not need this depending on the behavior. Try going with/without it but make sure to watch your cat. If they start to excessively dig at the wound put it on. | #*Your cat may or may not need this depending on the behavior. Try going with/without it but make sure to watch your cat. If they start to excessively dig at the wound put it on. | ||
| Line 25: | Line 25: | ||
#* If your cat is able to eat, give it another small meal in 3-6 hours. Repeat this until the cat has eaten a full portion of food, and then resume the cat’s normal feeding schedule.<ref name="rf4" /> | #* If your cat is able to eat, give it another small meal in 3-6 hours. Repeat this until the cat has eaten a full portion of food, and then resume the cat’s normal feeding schedule.<ref name="rf4" /> | ||
#* If your cat is younger than 16 weeks old, feed your cat a small meal (about half the normal amount) as soon as you get it home and settled after surgery.<ref name="rf2" /> | #* If your cat is younger than 16 weeks old, feed your cat a small meal (about half the normal amount) as soon as you get it home and settled after surgery.<ref name="rf2" /> | ||
| − | #* If your kitten will not eat after returning home, you can try putting a small amount of maple or corn syrup on a cotton ball or q-tip and rubbing it on your cat’s gums.< | + | #* If your kitten will not eat after returning home, you can try putting a small amount of maple or corn syrup on a cotton ball or q-tip and rubbing it on your cat’s gums.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*Don’t give your cat any “special” foods, treats, or junk food after surgery. Your cat’s stomach may feel upset, so keep your cat’s diet as regular as possible.<ref name="rf3" /> Don’t give your cat milk; cats can’t digest it. | #*Don’t give your cat any “special” foods, treats, or junk food after surgery. Your cat’s stomach may feel upset, so keep your cat’s diet as regular as possible.<ref name="rf3" /> Don’t give your cat milk; cats can’t digest it. | ||
#Let your cat rest. Don’t try to pet or play with your cat immediately after surgery. While this may feel reassuring to you, it may just keep your cat from feeling safe and rested. | #Let your cat rest. Don’t try to pet or play with your cat immediately after surgery. While this may feel reassuring to you, it may just keep your cat from feeling safe and rested. | ||
| Line 36: | Line 36: | ||
#* Understand that cats who are in distress -- such as those who’ve just had surgery -- may try to escape. Be very vigilant in supervising your cat, especially for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. | #* Understand that cats who are in distress -- such as those who’ve just had surgery -- may try to escape. Be very vigilant in supervising your cat, especially for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. | ||
#Avoid bathing the cat. Don’t bathe your cat for 10-14 days after surgery. This can cause irritation or infection at the surgical site.<ref name="rf2" /> | #Avoid bathing the cat. Don’t bathe your cat for 10-14 days after surgery. This can cause irritation or infection at the surgical site.<ref name="rf2" /> | ||
| − | #* If necessary, clean around the surgical incision with a slightly damp cloth (no soap), but don’t get the actual incision area wet. Do ''not'' scrub the surgical area.< | + | #* If necessary, clean around the surgical incision with a slightly damp cloth (no soap), but don’t get the actual incision area wet. Do ''not'' scrub the surgical area.<ref name="rf4" /> |
#Give pain medications ''only'' as directed by your veterinarian. Your vet may send you home with prescription medications for your cat. If so, make sure to give this medication as directed, even if you don’t observe that your cat is in pain. Cats are very good at hiding pain and may be suffering even if they don’t show it. ''Never'' give your cat any medication that has not been specifically prescribed by its veterinarian.<ref name="rf2" /> | #Give pain medications ''only'' as directed by your veterinarian. Your vet may send you home with prescription medications for your cat. If so, make sure to give this medication as directed, even if you don’t observe that your cat is in pain. Cats are very good at hiding pain and may be suffering even if they don’t show it. ''Never'' give your cat any medication that has not been specifically prescribed by its veterinarian.<ref name="rf2" /> | ||
#* Human medication, and even medications meant for other animals such as dogs, can kill cats! Do not give your cat any medicines, even over-the-counter medicines, that your vet has not verified as being appropriate for your cat. Even medications such as Tylenol can be fatal to cats.<ref name="rf5">http://humanesocietytampa.org/animalhealthcenter/spayneuter/spayneuter-post-surgery-instructions/</ref> | #* Human medication, and even medications meant for other animals such as dogs, can kill cats! Do not give your cat any medicines, even over-the-counter medicines, that your vet has not verified as being appropriate for your cat. Even medications such as Tylenol can be fatal to cats.<ref name="rf5">http://humanesocietytampa.org/animalhealthcenter/spayneuter/spayneuter-post-surgery-instructions/</ref> | ||
| Line 59: | Line 59: | ||
#* Hissing | #* Hissing | ||
#* Anxiety or skittishness | #* Anxiety or skittishness | ||
| − | #Watch for other warning signs. Make sure that your cat is recovering by keeping an eye on its behavior. Anything that doesn’t seem “normal” should go away within 24 hours of surgery. If you notice unusual behavior or symptoms in your cat, call your vet immediately. The following are signs to watch for:< | + | #Watch for other warning signs. Make sure that your cat is recovering by keeping an eye on its behavior. Anything that doesn’t seem “normal” should go away within 24 hours of surgery. If you notice unusual behavior or symptoms in your cat, call your vet immediately. The following are signs to watch for:<ref name="rf3" /><ref name="rf4" /> |
#* Lethargy for more than 24 hours after surgery | #* Lethargy for more than 24 hours after surgery | ||
#* Diarrhea | #* Diarrhea | ||
| Line 85: | Line 85: | ||
*Keep your cat away from small children for the first day. | *Keep your cat away from small children for the first day. | ||
*Use newsprint or "no dust" cat litter for easy cleanup. | *Use newsprint or "no dust" cat litter for easy cleanup. | ||
| − | *Keep neutered male cats away from unspayed females for at least 30 days after surgery. Male cats can still impregnate female cats for up to 30 days after they’ve been neutered.< | + | *Keep neutered male cats away from unspayed females for at least 30 days after surgery. Male cats can still impregnate female cats for up to 30 days after they’ve been neutered.<ref name="rf3" /> |
== Warnings == | == Warnings == | ||
