To cut down on the number of animals that end up in shelters, many pet owners get their female cats spayed and their male cats neutered. As both are serious surgical procedures, involving removal of the ovaries and uterus or testicles, your animal will need time to heal. To aid their recovery, follow the below pet care advice. 

3 Pet Care Tips for Recently Spayed & Neutered Cats

1. Give Them Room to Relax

Cats are sedated during the procedure. It’s normal for animals to feel groggy after discharge. It could take a day or so for your pet to return to their normal behavior, as they could sleep for 12 to 24 hours after getting home. Reserve a space for your feline to rest. Your animal can either stretch out on the cushion or lounge on a wooden or tile surface to cool off.

Their bed should be in a quiet space that you can access easily. As your cat might be agitated at first, block off the area so kids and other pets can’t bother them. Keep the lights dim, too, as the effects of anesthesia can make it difficult to see. 

2. Put the Litter Box, Food, & Water Nearby

Moving too much could pull at your cat’s sutures, so place everything they’ll need near the bed. This should include a clean litter box.

While your cat heals, fill the container with sheets of newspaper or paper clippings. That’s because the powder from clumping clay and silica gel crystals could get inside the wound and cause complications. Your cat’s food and water should also be nearby. 

3. Examine the Incision Site

To make sure your cat is healing properly, regularly check the incision site. The veterinarian can walk you through how the site will look in different stages of recovery.

If you notice a foul smell or milky discharge, call your pet care provider immediately. Your pet might need antibiotics or additional treatment for an infection.

If your feline needs spaying or neutering, contact All Feline Hospital. The Lincoln, NE-based cat vets are known for treating their fury patients like part of the family and providing pet parents with sound post-surgery advice. To learn more about available pet care services or arrange for spaying or neutering, call (402) 467-2711. Visit the animal hospital online for monthly specials and look for news updates on Facebook.