Preparing Your Cat For Surgery

There are three main classifications of surgeries. With a little bit of effort, you can get your cat through this procedure without any complicated problems.

1. Elective surgeries are those that you choose to have done, but are not necessary to your cat's health, like spaying, neutering, and  the questionable de- clawing.

2. Non-elective surgeries are those which have to be done for your cat’s survival, but which you have time to schedule.

3. Emergency surgeries are those that are done quickly because of an accident such as your cat being hit by a car, or serious injuries caused by another animal.

If your cat is having elective or non-elective surgery, there are things you should do, in your home, to make this easier.

When your cat is scheduled for surgery, it is usually best that you not feed  him for at least 12 hours before the operation. By then, most of the contents of his stomach is gone.

The most common response to the anesthetics used is vomiting. Your cat will have fewer problems if his or her stomach has no food in it. In most cases,  having access to water is fine.

If you have other pets in the house, you may need to confine your cat to one room so that he or she can't eat from the other cat's dishes. It is unfair to withhold food from all of your pets just because one can't eat.

Please be aware that any number of things can go wrong during surgery. Even if everything goes as planned, you can still be looking at a few extra days stay in the hospital. You’ll be responsible for the vet bill, even if it is higher than the estimate.

You should visit during the hours allowed, and volunteer to help feed or care for your cat. This helps your cat realize he/she has not been abandoned, and may cut down your vet bill. You can check on this with your cat's doctor.

When you bring your cat home, do not deviate from the doctor's instructions. Follow them to the letter. Your cat may need multiple medications daily and/or a special diet, and may also not be allowed outside for a certain amount of time.

For cats with any kind of incision, assume that this will  take at least a week or two to heal. Keeping him inside  may be difficult if he is used to going outside often.

If your cat’s fur had to be clipped or shaved before surgery, he or she is probably colder than normal, so you will need to provide extra blankets warmed in the dryer.

Don't neglect your other pets. They need attention too. Make sure that your house is safe and loving, and everyone will be a lot happier after surgery, and Miss Kitty will bless you.