Having a cat is a huge responsibility since this little creature entirely depends on you. Our pets need more than just a plate of food or cuddling. Kitties get sick, and sometimes a surgical procedure is only one option. According to statistics in Petsho, the most common surgeries in 2018 are tooth extraction, benign skin mass, cancer of the abdominal wall, malignant skin mass and bladder stones. In every case, your furry family member needs extra support and love. Learn how to treat your cat after surgery to make her feel better.
There are a lot of different potential problems after your cat had surgery. If she runs or jumps during the post-op recovery phase, she can pull off bandages, loose skin stitches or cause the failure of closures or internal sutures. More than that, it puts your cat at risk of horrible pain or even a second surgery.
Ask the Vet
The first and most important step is to talk to your veterinarian so you can understand the type of surgery your cat just had and learn post-surgical care instructions. The veterinarian is also obligated to explain how to help your pet feel better. If your cat gets some pills, write down all the necessary information about the ingredients and dosage. Don't buy any additional meds unless the veterinarian told you so.
Prepare the place
Your pet might not feel well after anesthesia, so you should prepare a safe and quiet place for your cat. Keep her away from small children and other pets. Some cat owners use plastic dog crate (large carrier) for the cat's post-op recovery space. You can also bring some soft blankets and pillows so your cat can rest. Also, she needs to have her plate with water and litter box right next to her. After surgery, your cat is too weak to take a long walk to the bathroom and kitchen.
If your cat likes spending time outdoors, don't let her go during the first week after the surgery since she can easily dirty her bandage. Let's not forget that cats are not very good at running after surgical procedures. If something terrible happens, she will not be able to escape.
Pain control
Cats will never show their pain unless it is very strong. That's why you need to keep track of your cat's behaviour changes. The signs include hiding, aggression and pacing. If you see that your cat acts weird, call your vet straight away. Try to spot signs of infection. It can be a foul odor, bruising, bleeding or excessive sweating. In all these cases, you need to contact the vet the same day.
24 hours after the surgery your cat might vomit. It is ok, however, if it happens too often, you will need to go to the veterinarian. Another important thing is to check whether your cat chewed or ripped her staples or stitches. Cats like liking and biting themselves but they don't understand that it can make the overall situation only worse. If you see that your cat can't stop licking wounds, consider getting a plastic collar. Let your cat wear it all the time, even at night. However, if you see that she has problems with drinking water and eating, you can take the plastic collar off at least for the mealtime.
Feeding
Don't worry if your cat doesn't eat or drink water on the first day. It is quite normal after the surgery. You can still give your cat a little food just in case (you can give her a quarter of the plate she usually eats). For example, you can bring your cat some fish or chicken.
Your pet will need to rest the first week, so try to avoid brushing, grooming, playing and bathing. Also, don't try to force-feed her or change the diet unless the veterinarian told you so. Now it is time to take care of your cat and make it less stressful for her.
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