Pets
When Your Cat Needs Surgery
By
Oct 7, 2007, 23:44

Sometimes your cat may need surgery. There are several things you can to make this a more comfortable process for your cat.

There are different types of surgeries.

1. Elective surgery

Spaying, neutering, de-clawing

2. Non-elective surgery

These include emergency surgeries performed to save your cat's life, or may be preplanned because of a medical problem that needs to be removed or corrected.

When your cat is going to have surgery make sure to follow the veterinarian's advice carefully. A cat should have surgery with an empty stomach. It is best that he doesn't eat or drink for about 12 hours before the surgery.

If your cat has food or liquid in his stomach during a surgical procedure he could vomit while under anesthesia. Check with your vet for the amount of time he prefers an animal to fast before the surgery.

Of course, as with any surgery, something could go wrong. Your vet may have to do additional tests and surgical procedures if need be. If this happens you must realize you will still have to pay for the vet bill, even if it is more than the estimate you were given.

When the surgery is done, your cat may need to remain in the hospital longer than originally anticipated. It could be a few days before your cat is ready to come home.

Most veterinarian hospitals have visiting hours so you can go to see your cat. The hospital staff may allow you to help care for your cat while he is staying in the hospital. Your cat may be calmer when you are there to give him food, or comfort.

When your cat comes home there may be some detailed instructions you will need to follow. Your cat may need a special diet, or may need to be given medications.

After surgery you may need to confine your cat to a crate so he cannot hurt himself by reopening or scratching and licking at his wound. The vet may give you a collar for your cat to wear while his scar is healing. This will prevent him from being able to reach his scar with his mouth. Cats don't like this, but to insure his complete recovery it must be done.

If your cat is used to going out doors, he may whine a lot. He may also try to give you the slip to escape to the out of doors. Cats hate to give up their freedom.

Your cat will most likely have to be shaved before the surgical procedure. Without his fur, your cat may get cold. Try to give him a nice blanket or keep him in a warm room while he is recovering. You can also wrap a hot water bottle in a towel or blanket and put it near him.

If you have other animals in the house, don't forget to give them lots of special attention too. You don't want to start trouble by causing one of your other pets to feel left out.

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