Your cat may need to undergo surgery for a variety of reasons. For example, a spay or neuter procedure may be necessary to prevent unwanted litter. Your pet may also need soft tissue surgery to address medical conditions like tumors.
Regardless of the reason for your cat’s surgery, any surgical operation is a major medical procedure, and it’s normal to feel anxious and unsure of how to prepare your feline friend for the operation. The goal in surgery preparation is to make your cat as comfortable as possible during surgery and recovery. To assist you, this blog explains helpful tips to prepare your cat for surgery.
Keep Up With Immunization
Take your cat for a checkup and vaccination two weeks before the procedure. During this visit, your veterinarian will conduct a physical exam to check your cat's health to determine if the pet is fit for the upcoming surgery.
Your vet will also recommend specific vaccinations and other preventive care. Immunization is essential in protecting against diseases and illnesses during recovery. The vaccinations will also boost your cat's immunity, which can help any incisions made during surgery to heal.
Keep Up With Medication
Depending on the reason for the surgery, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to manage the condition before surgery. You must be keen on the dosage and ensure you administer the medication correctly and on time.
Medication will keep the cat's health in check and reduce the risk of complications during surgery. Therefore, correctly administer the dosages per the vet's instructions.
Prepare Recovery Space
As mentioned earlier, surgeries are delicate, so you want your cat to be safe and comfortable during recovery. Take time to clean and prepare the recovery space in your home. Get rid of anything that could injure your cats, such as sharp objects or toys.
Also, provide a clean, warm, quiet place for your cat to rest. For example, replace the bedding in places your cat likes to sleep with something clean and warm. Also, consult with your veterinarian if your cat will need to use a particular type of litter during recovery, and purchase the recommended litter in advance if necessary.
If you have other pets, ensure they cannot access the recovery area, which can interfere with your cat's healing. You may put up a fence or place a gate to separate them.
Avoid Feeding the Cat Before Surgery
Experts recommend not feeding your cat the night before the surgery. This step helps to reduce vomiting and other complications during anesthesia.
However, sometimes your vet may recommend special food before the surgery. If that is the case, follow the veterinarian's instructions to the core, especially regarding the amounts and when to stop feeding the cat.
Help Your Cat Get Adequate Sleep Before Surgery
The night before surgery should be restful. And although cats are playful, try to limit their activities to sleep, even if that means disrupting the cat's regular sleep time.
The cat will need energy for surgery and recovery, so it is essential to get enough rest. Moreover, a well-rested cat will be calmer during the procedure.
Confine Your Cat to Your House
If your pet is an outdoor cat, this idea may sound like a punishment, but a house arrest when surgery is approaching is necessary. Considering that the surgery is a life-saving matter, you cannot afford to skip the procedure because your cat went missing the night before surgery. This will also train your cat to stay inside while he or she recovers post-surgery.
Look for fun ideas to distract your feline friend from the need to be outdoors. And as tempting as it gets, don't give in to the urge to let the cat out. The confinement will only be for a few days, and it is for your cat's long-term benefit. Your veterinarian may recommend not feeding your cat for a period of time preceding the surgery, so house arrest can prevent your cat from eating outside the night before surgery.
Communicate With Your Vet
With the tips above, you can help your cat feel comfortable and safe before and after surgery. Strive to create a safe, comfortable, and assuring environment for your feline friend. Also, communicate with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming surgery.
Angel Pet Hospital is your go-to medical facility for all your pet's health needs. We will guide you in preparing your cat for surgery to ease the process for you and your pet. Contact us to make an appointment at our Edmonds, WA, location.
