Kitty in NY
​
  • HOME
  • CONTACT
  • RATES
  • FAQ
  • CAT SITTING
  • EXPRESS SITTING
  • CAT BOARDING
  • ABOUT US
  • BLOG

How To Care For Your Cat After Surgery

6/14/2019

0 Comments

 
Nearly every cat will need to undergo surgery at some point in their life. Hopefully, a simple spay or neuter when you first adopt your cat will be the only procedure ever needed. Sometimes, however, cats will require other surgeries to best maintain their health. Most complications occur during the period immediately after surgery, so it’s crucial to follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. In addition, here are six important precautions to take to keep your cat safe and comfortable after their procedure.
 
1. Monitor Incisions
More than likely, your cat will have dissolvable stitches, but you need to watch for excessive swelling, oozing, foul odor, or abnormal bruising. Don’t apply any creams or ointments and don’t allow the incision to get wet. Follow your vet’s instructions as to how long your cat needs to wear an Elizabethan collar.
 
2. Designate a Safe Space
Usually, cats will still be feeling the effects of anesthesia when they return home, making them uncoordinated. Confine your woozy cat to a safe area with a soft, comfy bed for recuperation. In addition, move their litter box to the space, as well as water to keep your cat hydrated as they recover.
 
3. Look for Signs of Pain
Cats are excellent at hiding pain, but there are some telltale signs to look for. Their natural instinct when in pain is to hide, so make sure to keep up with their whereabouts at all times. Other indicators that your cat is in pain include being quieter than normal, pacing, rapid breathing, or decreased appetite. You certainly don’t want your cat to be in pain, but even more important is that pain will cause stress that will slow down the healing process.
 
Picture

4. Temporarily Change the Type of Litter
If your cat has a wound that needs bandages, you want to use a litter that is unlikely to get caught in the incision. The best kind to use after surgery is a pelleted or shredded paper-based litter. If you have an office shredder, you can shred printer paper or tear up paper towels or newspaper. Since this type of litter is not very absorbent, it’s a good idea to line the bottom of your cat’s litter box with a training pad.
 
5. Follow Vet’s Medication Orders
It can be tempting to lay off the pain meds when your cat begins to act like they’re feeling better after surgery, and it’s also easy to forget about administering antibiotics. It’s very important to protect your cat from infection, however, and antibiotics are the best way to do that. Additionally, easing their pain will allow them to rest and recuperate more effectively. Don’t try any home remedies during this period unless you have talked to your vet about it ahead of time.
 
6. Protect Your Cat from Other Pets
Other pets in your home will probably be curious about your cat’s odd behavior and may want to investigate. In particular, kittens and puppies may try to encourage your cat to play. Gently remind other pets that they need to give their recuperating friend some space and keep them separated from your recovering cat altogether.

​This article was written by our friend Kay Carter

​
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Cat Boarding and Sitting blog


    Find articles, tips and information about cat boarding, cat sitting and how to care for cats


    Categories

    All
    Boarding
    Breeds
    Caregivers
    Catsitting
    General
    Literary
    Memories

    ​
    Cat boarding and cat sitting services in New York  Kitty in NY connects you with the best cat care providers in New York

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    April 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

    RSS Feed

Meet our caregivers
Contact Kitty in NY for more information about the best cat boarding and cat sitting services
(718) 514 9586       
​About Us
Read Our Blog
​Frequently Asked Questions
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Help Cats!
Become a Caregiver