Many individuals are not comfortable with spaying their cat because they are not educated about the procedure. With all medical procedures, there are important things you need to know. So get all the facts on how to take proper care of your cat once she has been spayed to ensure it stays healthy and does not develop an infection. Here are some important steps to assist you in taking care of your furry friend after their surgery.
Make sure you follow all of the instructions exactly as they appear on the release paperwork from the veterinarian who performed the surgery.
- It is not unusual for the veterinarian to prescribe your cat pain medication, and if they do be sure to have it filled immediately. You do not want to have to go back out later and leave your cat alone right after her surgery. The pain medication the veterinarian will prescribe for your cat is not like human pain medication, so it is important to follow the dosing instructions to ensure that your cat does not become overly medicated or suffer adverse reactions. Just like humans there can be side effects like: grogginess, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting so keep a close eye on her and do not give her more than the instructions indicate.
- Be prepared for your cat to appear groggy when the surgery is over. It is not uncommon for her to have no appetite, don’t want to play she may even want to hide for a while. So have that comfortable, cozy spot already made up for her because she will eventually come out and lay in it. Give her some space she will be a little disoriented until the medication wears off. Do not try to give her any food or liquids for at least 2 hours. Start off by giving her small amounts of water. If she does not throw it up slowly introduce small portions of food.
- Keep a close eye on your cat and make sure she does not lick or scratch her stitches. Scratching and licking can lead to possible infection in the incision area. Your discharge instructions will probably instruct you to clean the area around the stitches with hydrogen peroxide or another type of product that will be recommended by your veterinarian. Clean the incision area twice a day for 10 days this will help speed up the recovery time and eliminate to possibility of infection. If nibbling is a problem contact your veterinarian and ask for an Elizabethan Collar, this goes around the neck of your cat and it will prevent her from reaching her stitches.
- Finally, limit her activities if possible and keep her low to the ground to prevent the stitches from ripping open but she will likely be running around within a few days. Remember to comfort her and talk to her and before you know it she will be back to her old self. Chasing her favorite toy!
