Post-Operative Instructions for Female Cats
Your cat has had major surgery. Her complete recovery depends on you following these instructions.
Your cat has had general anesthesia. She may feel sleepy and unsteady on her feet for the next 12-24 hours. Please keep her confined to a small area (one room of the house) and away from other pets and small children at least until tomorrow morning. She may have a litter pan when you get her home. In most cases, she may also have food and water, but not if she is still unsteady on her feet.
For 10 days, she must be kept indoors where she can stay clean, dry and warm. It is important that she be kept quiet; no running, jumping or other strenuous activity. If she was pregnant, this is even more important. Do not bathe her for the next 2 weeks.
Please look at her incision site daily. There are no external stitches to be removed. There should not be any drainage. Redness and swelling should be minimal. As the wound heals, there may be a firm lump under the skin from the internal absorbable sutures as they break down. There is surgical glue in the skin which will also dissolve.
Your cat has been given an injection for pain. Do not give medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, tylenol or other pain relievers.
All vaccinations, except for rabies, need to be boostered in 3-4 weeks. Vaccinations are not a guarantee that your pet will not contract diseases.
Please contact our clinic, your regular Veterinarian, or an Emergency clinic if any of the following occur:
- lethargy lasting more than 24 hours
- loss of appetite for more than 24 hours
- labored breathing
- discharge or bleeding
- difficulty urinating or defecating
- vomiting or diarrhea
- severe pain, depression or weakness
If there are any questions or concerns related to surgery, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic (540-868-0000). For emergencies after-hours, please contact your regular Veterinarian or one of the following emergency facilities:
- Valley Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center Winchester, VA 540-662-7811
- The Life Center Leesburg, VA 703-777-5755
