Surgery is never a pleasant experience for any pet, but especially cats. As such, it’s important to ensure that your cat has a good recovery by providing them with the best care possible. Although we explain all the details you need when you pick up your cat from surgery, here are some tips on how to make sure your feline friend recovers comfortably and without complications after their operation.
Provide Plenty of Comfort and Support
Cats are sensitive creatures that need lots of love and attention when they’re feeling under the weather. Post-surgical depression can affect recovery, so make sure you provide your cat with plenty of comfort and support after surgery, either through physical affection or simply being around them while they’re healing. This will help keep them calm, relaxed, and give them a greater sense of security during this difficult time which will help with healing.
Monitor Their Eating Habits
A healthy diet is essential for any pet’s recovery process, but especially for cats after surgery. Unless you’re told otherwise, your cat should have a regular bowl movement, urination, appetite, and thirst during recovery. If your cat is recommended a specific diet, this will be arranged at the hospital before they go home, but if not there are plenty of nutritious foods out there to help them get back on their feet faster. Monitor how much your cat eats to make sure they’re getting the nutrition they need to heal properly. Be aware that many pain medication have side effects that include nausea or constipation. Additionally, if your cat needs medication as part of their recovery process, make sure to follow dosage instructions carefully.
Ensure Cleanliness Is Maintained
It’s also important to keep your cat’s living area clean and free from dirt and debris while they’re recovering from surgery. This will help reduce the risk of infection or further irritation while they heal up. We may recommend a litter change during recovery to a litter that won’t stick to the surgical site or will be easy to clean up, such as paper, Yesterday’s News, or K.C. Non-clumping litter.
Be sure to change bedding regularly and vacuum frequently if necessary, so that there aren’t any unwanted germs lingering around in the air or on surfaces near your cat’s sleeping quarters. It may also be beneficial to use a pet safe antibacterial spray, such as a vinegar and water mix, to maintain a sanitary environment for both you and your furry companion.
Spay/Neutering Surgery – More Information
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Post-Surgical Checkups
It’s very important to bring your cat in for a post-surgical checkup to confirm they’re healing well. We’ll book your recheck appointment after surgery, as well as confirming you have all emergency instructions and numbers. During the exam, we’ll assess the recovery of your cat to make sure all is progressing normally, that any special care at home is going well, and answer any questions or concerns you may have with their recovery.
Surgery can be a stressful experience for any pet but especially cats who are naturally more timid than other animals. Fortunately, there are steps you can take as an owner to ensure that your cat recovers quickly and safely after their operation at The Cat Hospital in Kamloops – whether it be providing them with extra comfort, monitoring their eating habits or giving special after care at home. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to give your feline friend the best chance at making a full recovery after surgery.
Watch our YouTube Video About Surgery at The Cat Hospital of Kamloops
Questions?
If you have any questions about post-surgical care, call us, the only veterinary cat clinic in Kamloops that offers a full list of services to keep your feline friend healthy. We provide consultations, wellness exams, select soft tissue surgeries, dental care, diagnostics, spaying and neutering for cats.