Knowing the best way to care for your cat after they have undergone surgery is critical to helping your feline friend return to their normal, healthy lives as soon as possible. Here, our Johns Creek vets provide some advice about how to best care for your cat after surgery.
Follow The Post-Op Instructions From Your Vet
Pets and pet owners are bound to feel some anxiety both leading up to and following surgery. But, knowing how you need to care for your feline companion after they return home is key to helping your pet get back to their regular selves as quickly as possible.
After your pet's surgery, your veterinarians will be able to provide your with detailed instructions about how to best care for them as they recover at home. It's important that you follow these instructions as closely as possible. If there are any steps that you are unsure about, make sure you follow up with your veterinarian for clarification. This also goes for forgetting some part of your cat's aftercare. Our vets are happy to help you give your feline friend the help they need.
Recovery Times for Cats After Surgery
Cats typically recover from soft tissue surgeries like reproductive or abdominal surgeries more quickly than orthopedic surgeries involving bones, ligaments, tendons and joints. Often, soft-tissue surgeries are predominately healed within two or three weeks, taking about 6 weeks to heal completely.
For orthopedic surgeries - those involving bones, ligaments and other skeletal structures - recovery takes much longer. About 80% of your cat's recovery will occur within 8 to 12 weeks following surgery, but many orthopedic surgeries take 6 months or more for complete recovery.
Here are a few tips from our Johns Creek vets to help you keep your cat contented and comfortable as they recover at home:
Getting Over the Effects of General Anesthetic
During surgical procedures, we use general anesthetic in order to render your pet unconscious and ot help prevent them from feeling any pain during their operation. It can take some time for these medications to wear off after the procedure is completed.
Effects of general anesthetic may include temporary sleepiness or shakiness on their feet. These after-effects are quite normal and should fade with rest. Temporary lack of appetite is also quite common in cats who are recovering from surgery and the effects of general anesthesia.
Diet & Feeding Your Cat After Surgery
Because of the effects of general anesthetic, your cat will likely feel slightly nauseated and will lose some of their appetite after a surgical procedure. When feeding them after surgery, try for something small and light, such as chicken or fish. You can also give them their regular food, but ensure that you only provide them with about a quarter of their usual portion.
If your cat isn't eating after surgery, don't be concerned, you can expect their appetite to return to normal within about 245 hours following their procedure. At that point, your pet will be able to gradually eat their regular food again. If you notice the lack of appetite continues for 48 hours or longer, contact your veterinarian or veterinary surgeon. This could be a sign of abnormal pain or infection.
Post-Surgery Pain Management for Cats
Before you and your cat return home after their surgery, a veterinary professional will explain to you what pain relievers or other medications they have prescribed for your pet so you can manage your cat's post-operative pain or discomfort.
They will be able to explain to you what dose your cat needs, how often you should provide them their medications and how to safely administer them. Make sure you follow these instructions very carefully to prevent any unnessecary pain during their recovery and to eliminate the risk of side effects developing in your furry friend.
Vets will often prescribe antibiotics and pain medications after surgery in order to prevent infections and relieve discomfort. If your cat has anxiety or is somewhat high-strung, our vets may also prescribe them with a sedative or anti-anxiety medication to help them stay calm throughout the healing process.
Never provide your cat with human medications without first consulting your veterinarian. Many drugs that help us feel better are toxic to our four-legged friends.
Keeping Your Pet Comfortable At Home
After surgery, it's important to give your cat a quiet and comfortable place to rest far apart from the hustle and bustle of your home, including other pets and children.
Setting up a comfortable and soft bed for your kitty and giving them lots of room to spread out will help prevent excessive pressure on any one part of their body.
Restricting Your Cat's Movement
Your vet will likely recommend limiting your pet’s movement for a specified period (usually a week) after surgery. Sudden jumping or stretching can disrupt the healing process and may even cause the incision to reopen.
Thankfully, few procedures require a significant crate or cage rest to help your cat recover, and most outdoor cats will be able to cope well with staying indoors for a few days as they recover. If you need to keep your cat from jumping after surgery crate rest may be required.
Helping Your Cat Cope With Crate Rest
While most surgeries don't require crate rest for your cat, if they underwent orthopedic surgery, part of their recovery will hinge on strict limitations to their movements.
If your vet prescribes crate rest for your cat after their surgery, there are some measures you can take to make sure they are as comfortable as possible spending long periods of time confined.
Make sure that your pet's crate is large enough to allow your fur baby to stand up and turn around. You may need to purchase a larger crate if your cat has a plastic cone or e-collar to prevent licking. Don’t forget to make sure that your kitty has plenty of room for their water and food dishes. Spills can make your pet's crate a wet and uncomfortable place to spend time, and cause bandages to become wet and soiled.
Dealing With Your Cat's Stitches & Bandages
Stitches that have been placed on the inside of your pet's incision will dissolve as the incision heals.
If your cat has staples or stitches on the outside of their incisions site, your veterinarian will have to remove those about 2 weeks after their procedure. They will let you know what kind of stitches were used during the procedure and if they require any particular care once your pet returns home.
Ensuring bandages are dry at all times is another critical step to helping your pet’s surgical site heal quickly.
If your pet walks around or goes outside, ensure the bandages are covered with cling wrap or a plastic bag to prevent wet grass or dampness from getting between the bandage and their skin. When your pet returns inside, remove the plastic covering, as leaving it on may cause sweat to build up under the bandage, leading to infection.
Your Cat's Incision Site
Cat parents may find it challenging to stop their pet from messing around with the site of their surgical incision (whether that be biting, scratching, or licking). A cone-shaped plastic Elizabethan collar (available in both soft and hard versions) is an effective option to prevent your pet from licking their wound.
Many cats adapt to the collar quickly, but if your pet is struggling to adjust, other options are available. Ask your veterinarian about less cumbersome products such as post-op medical pet shirts or donut-style collars.
Attend Your Cat’s Follow-Up Appointment
The follow-up appointment gives your vet an opportunity to monitor your pet’s recovery, check for signs of infection, and properly change your cat's bandages.
The veterinary team at Johns Creek Veterinary Clinic have been trained to dress wounds effectively in order to protect your pet's incision and provide the best possible healing. Bringing your pet in for their follow-up appointment allows this process to happen - and for us to help keep your pet’s healing on track.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.