How To Care For Your Pet Cat
When Surgery Is Needed

There are three types of surgery your cat may need. There are something to do for your cat to prepare him before the operation.

When surgery on a cat is needed, there is a lot you can do to help your cat through it. No matter what operation your pet has to undergo, you will probably be involved in preparing for it and certainly in caring for the cat afterward.

There are three broad types of surgery that your cat may need during its life.

First, there is elective surgery. This is not strictly necessary but includes all operations that you choose to have done, like spaying or neutering.

Second, there is non-elective surgery which is required for your cat's health or survival but can be scheduled, such as the removal of a tumor.

Third, there is emergency surgery, for example if your cat is hit by a car. Here you have no preparation time but you will still need to know how to help your pet in the convalescent period.

Prepare your cat before the operation.

If your cat has any kind of surgery scheduled, the veterinarian will tell you not to let him eat for 12 hours before the operation. This is just the same as for humans: there is a risk of vomiting because of the anaesthetic, and if an animal vomits when unconscious he might possibly choke.

It is usually fine to let him drink but you should not feed him and be careful to put all the scraps of your own meal away in the refrigerator immediately. Remember that he will be very hungry and may do things he would not normally do, such as trying to open food containers or getting into the garbage. It may be wise to keep him out of your kitchen completely. If you are feeding other pets then you will probably have to keep your cat in a separate room. Do not let him go outside during this time either.

Keep in mind that things can go wrong in surgery or become more complicated than anticipated. Your vet probably already told you the possible dangers of the surgery that is planned, but you will also need to remember that if the procedure becomes complex the veterinarian's bill is likely to be higher and you may end up having to pay more than you expect. Recovery may be slower than expected for whatever reason and your cat may have to stay longer in the veterinary hospital, leading to increased care costs. If you have pet health insurance, check what is covered before the operation begins, so that if you have to make any difficult decisions you will at least be aware of your financial position.

What should you do while your pet cat is in the hospital?

While your cat is in the hospital, visit as often as you can and try to help with feeding and caring for your cat. This will reassure your pet that he has not been abandoned, and will reduce any stress or anxiety that he may be feeling.

Take notes of everything that the veterinarian tells you about caring for your cat after surgery so that you can follow all the instructions without having to rely on memory. If you are not sure of anything, call the veterinarian's office. Everything that you have been told to do will have a reason, even if it is not clear to you.

If the cat's fur has been clipped or shaved, he may need a coat or extra blankets to keep warm. You may have medications to give him and it is important to follow the directions precisely. Usually the cat will not be allowed to go outside for a certain time after the operation, even if he seems fit and wants to go out. It is important to keep him inside to prevent infection, especially if there is an incision wound.

By carefully observing all of the advice that your veterinarian has given you, you can do a great deal to help bring about a full and quick recovery after surgery on a cat.