Your cat is recovering from major surgery and anaesthesia, which requires continued support and nursing care at home to ensure a successful outcome. During the recovery period of approximately 10–14 days, home care is extremely important.
This guide is intended to complement the discharge instructions provided by your veterinarian. If your veterinary team has provided different advice for your cat, always follow their recommendations.
What to expect after surgery
It is normal for your cat to experience some mild effects while recovering from surgery and anaesthesia.
Your cat may experience:
- Grogginess
- Decreased appetite for 24–48 hours
- Decreased bowel movements for 1–2 days after returning home
- Mild bruising and discomfort the day after surgery
- Mild cough for 2–3 days after surgery due to the anaesthetic tube causing slight irritation to the throat
- Mild clipper rash at the surgery site
These signs are generally expected during the first few days of recovery and should gradually improve.
Activity
We strongly recommend strict confinement for the 10–14 days following surgery.
Keeping your cat indoors will help you manage exercise restrictions. If you need to leave your cat alone, always confine them to a crate, small room or a designated area in the home.
Strict confinement means:
- No jumping
- No running
- No stairs
- No rough play
It is important to note that excessive activity can lead to injury or serious complications that could result in the surgical incision failing to heal properly and may necessitate further surgery.
Incision care
Please check the incision site 1–2 times each day.
If you notice any of the following signs, please contact your veterinary practice immediately:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Unpleasant odour
- Some bruising and inflammation around the incision site is expected.
If your cat excessively licks the area, we can provide a protective collar (Elizabethan collar) to prevent this behaviour. Licking can lead to the removal of sutures and the opening of the incision.
Elizabethan collar
Your veterinary team may recommend a recovery suit or protective collar to help prevent your pet from licking or chewing their wound while it heals.
If an Elizabethan collar has been recommended, it is important that your cat wears it as directed by your veterinarian.
Removing the collar too early can allow your cat to lick or chew the incision, increasing the risk of infection and wound breakdown.
Desexing ear tattoo
Your cat may receive a desexing tattoo or earmark in the ear at the time of desexing.
Bathing and suture removal
If external sutures are present they will require removal between 10-14days after surgery, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Sutures will require removal between 10–14 days after surgery, unless your veterinarian advises otherwise.
Diet
A general anaesthetic can make patients drowsy and nauseous. You may find that your cat does not want to eat or may vomit on the night of surgery. Reduced appetite and isolated vomiting may be normal. Feed a small meal once home / following surgery – if your pet eats well with no vomiting then you can provide more food an hour or two later.
Long – term, your cat will require fewer calories as they adapt to their lowered metabolism. A good rule of thumb is to reduce their food intake by 30%.
Specific ‘neutered animal’ diets are available and may be recommended.
When to contact your veterinarian
Please contact your local veterinary team if your cat:
- Is licking at the incision site
- Cannot be confined
- Is having difficulty toileting
- Has pale gums
- Is off food after 24 hours post – surgery
- Is vomiting after 24 hours post – surgery
- If you have any concerns
- We encourage open communication and are here to support you and your cat throughout their recovery.
