Post Surgery Care
Post surgery, your pet may be kept in the clinic for supervision to prevent postoperative complications. Visit your cat as often as possible, care for him and feed him. This will reduce your pet's anxiety and fear of abandonment.
Post-Operative Home Care
You will need to keep the cat warm post surgery, especially if parts or all of the fur was clipped or shaved. The cat needs warmth to recuperate, unless otherwise specified by your vet.
Typically, the cat should be kept indoors a few days after surgery to prevent infections and other postoperative complications.
Post Surgery Diet
According to the surgery and your pet's medical condition, your vet will prescribe a special diet. Don't feed your pet regular cat food, unless your vet recommends it. The diet of a recuperating cat should contain a lot of vitamins and minerals to make sure the cat regains his strength.
Post surgery, cats may lack appetite, so you need to help your cat eat. If you notice that your cat refuses to eat, you need to talk to your vet; he might recommend intravenous fluids to feed your cat.
Hydration is important after a surgery.
Bandages and the Surgery Wound
If your cat has bandages on the surgery wound, you have to make sure he doesn't move away the bandages. The wound may easily get infected. If you see that your cat tries to bite the bandages, spray some bitter repellent on the bandage and this should keep him away. If this method doesn't work, get a lampshade collar. Your cat will not have access to the wound or the bandages.
Change the bandages as indicated by the vet and notice if there are any warning signs.
Infected surgery wounds display the following symptoms:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Puss
- Foul odor
The cat may also have fever, if there is an infection.
Types of Surgery
There are basically three types of surgeries:
- Elective surgery; you choose to have this procedure (neutering)
- Non-elective surgery; this is required to heal your pet
- Emergency surgery; when unforeseen events happen (your cat gets in a fight or is hit by a car)
- Post-operative home care is needed for all of these procedures. You can prepare before the surgery for the aftercare.
Cat Recovery Time
The recovery time post surgery depends on the type of surgery, the age of your cat and his health.
Cats may recover from a neutering procedure in less than 2 weeks. The wound will heal in 2 to 3 days. However, neutering is a simple procedure, so other types of surgery may need more recovery time.
Offer all the needed affection to your recuperating cat and allow him to sleep. Painkillers may cause sleepiness.
Supervise your cat's temperature to make sure there are no complications or infections.