CATS – Postop home care advice

What to Expect:

• Your cat has had a general anaesthetic today and may be drowsy when you get home. This is normal after a general anaesthetic.
• Anaesthesia usually involves placing a breathing tube in the windpipe and occasionally this may cause a little irritation afterwards. You may notice a slight cough, but this should not persist for more than a day or so.
• Your cat should be back to normal within 24-48 hours (may differ depending on the type of procedure), but will need to be kept quiet and warm this evening.
• A small area of hair may have been clipped from one or both of your cat’s front legs and/or the nec – don’t worry as this will soon grow back. This is to allow administration of the anaesthetic, and for the collection of blood samples.

Please keep an eye on wounds or dressings:

• If you notice any problems such as swelling, discharge or redness, or the dressing has slipped or appears to be uncomfortable please contact the surgery for further advice.
• Dressings should be kept clean and dry at all times. If the dressing is on a paw or limb, a strong plastic bag should be placed over it and tied (not too tight) around the leg when outdoors to prevent the bandage getting wet. However, it MUST be removed once indoors to prevent the leg sweating inside the bag and moistening the bandage.
• It is important that your cat does not interfere with any wounds or dressings.
• Excessive licking can slow down wound healing and introduce infection. If necessary, we can provide you with a special collar or pet t-shirt to prevent this from happening.

IF MEDICATION HAS BEEN DISPENSED IT SHOULD BE GIVEN AS DIRECTED AND STARTED THE MORNING FOLLOWING SURGERY, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.

Feeding your cat post-op:

• Later this evening your cat may want food. Some cats do not eat immediately after a procedure and just want to rest and recuperate after their general anaesthetic. (NAME) should be back to their normal eating habits tomorrow
• A small easily digestible meal (e.g. Purina EN or chicken/white fish) should be offered.
• Water should be easily accessible at all times.

Aftercare:

• Please make an appointment for a re-examination 2-3 days after the operation.
• Cats should be kept indoors with a litter tray until the re examination, unless instructed otherwise.
• The wound will be checked again at 10-14 days & stitches removed if needed.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.