Post-Surgical Care for Cats by a Veterinarian: Tips and Precautions for Recovery

If your cat needs surgery, what should you do as an owner to help them? Although you will receive instructions from your veterinarian at the time of discharge, many owners understandably feel anxious. In this article, we will explain post-operative care for cats in detail.

What post-operative care does a cat need? Basic points explained by a veterinarian

The importance and basic principles of post-operative care

Post-operative care is crucial for the early detection of complications such as infection, bleeding, site-specific issues, or pain. After surgery, cats are often hospitalized until their condition stabilizes, and during this time, they are regularly checked for any abnormalities so that immediate action can be taken if necessary. Ensuring a smooth recovery without complications allows for a faster return to normal daily life.

The basic principle of post-operative care is to monitor the cat's condition, specifically checking for abnormalities at the incision site, bleeding, appetite, unusual vomiting or bowel movements, and overall energy levels.

General reactions seen in cats after surgery

During surgery, a combination of anesthetics and analgesics is administered to minimize pain, so the cat feels little pain during the procedure. However, pain will occur once the anesthesia wears off. While we continue to provide pain relief post-operatively to minimize discomfort, pain can never be completely eliminated. Cats in pain may tremble, remain still, or lose their appetite. Some cats may even become aggressive due to the pain.

Care differences based on the type of surgery

Cats may be hospitalized after surgery until their condition is stable. They are usually discharged when the cat has calmed down and requires minimal care at home; however, if we determine that the cat will recover faster at home due to their specific personality, we may ask you to provide the care yourself.

For spaying or neutering, cats are often sent home once they wake up from anesthesia, and you will only need to observe the incision once a day at home.

For gastrointestinal surgery, you may need to change the cat's diet in addition to monitoring the incision. For the first few days post-op, we start with liquid, easy-to-digest food, gradually returning to their normal diet over several days.

For bladder surgery, we may switch them to a therapeutic urinary tract diet and use intravenous drips or oral rehydration solutions to ensure adequate water intake.

For mammary tumors or other neoplastic diseases involving larger incisions, there is a risk of post-operative bleeding or the wound opening. Therefore, the area may be protected with bandages, and pain medication will be administered as needed due to the potential for significant pain.

For lung surgery, the cat may be managed in an oxygen chamber to assist with oxygen intake.

For orthopedic surgeries such as those for fractures, immobilization for a certain period may be required. We will use bandages or splints to keep the area fixed and check for swelling or skin abnormalities.

For oral surgeries such as tooth extractions, feeding wet food is recommended as dry food may be difficult to eat. In some cases, we may also recommend cleaning the area with warm water.

Post-operative observation: What symptoms should you watch for?

The cat’s behavior in the days following surgery and the normal recovery process

Most cats will be inactive or trembling due to pain immediately after surgery, but they should be able to move normally as the pain subsides. This typically takes about one to four days. During this period, they may lose their appetite, but they should recover quickly if everything is normal. Surgeries involving bones or large incisions tend to cause more pain and may take a little longer.

Checking the incision and signs of infection

The incision should be checked at least once a day. Minor oozing of blood may occur immediately after surgery, but it usually stops in time. If bleeding persists, we may use hemostatic agents or apply pressure with gauze. It is important to check daily that the amount of bleeding has not increased. Also, check for infection and ensure the wound has not opened. Sometimes sutures come loose, or the cat may lick the site. If your cat is overly focused on the wound, consider using a surgical suit or an Elizabethan collar.

If an infection occurs, fluid or pus may discharge from the incision. This is often accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, and the wound opening.

How to handle abnormal behavior or symptoms

Common post-operative abnormalities include lethargy, inability to eat, the wound opening, collapsing, or vomiting. These are caused by post-operative complications. If you notice any abnormalities after surgery, see a veterinarian immediately. You should assume the condition will not improve on its own if left alone. If it is after hours or during a clinic holiday, contact an emergency animal hospital and clearly state "what kind of surgery was performed and when."

Creating a post-operative environment and reducing stress

Setting up a quiet and safe environment

While absolute confinement is generally not required, if you have other pets that might cause the cat to run around, keeping them in a crate for a few days may be helpful. Instinctively, cats try to hide after surgery to avoid being attacked by enemies who might perceive them as weak. Even if your cat seems energetic, it is a good idea to set up a place where they can hide and rest, such as a cardboard house.

If they have had orthopedic surgery or are physically weakened, they may not be able to climb. It may be necessary to restrict access to cat towers for a while.

Ways to reduce your cat's stress

Cats are hypersensitive post-surgery. Avoid excessive coddling, as it can be stressful rather than comforting. Treat your cat as you usually would. Also, try to avoid major household events (moving, visitors, rearranging furniture) as these can cause significant stress.

Maintaining distance from other pets

If you have other pets, they may chase the cat excessively due to their altered scent. In some cases, they may even attack. To prevent this, set up a crate in a quiet room and let the cat stay there for a few days. When you let them out of the crate, allowing the animals to sniff towels carrying each other's scents first can help minimize friction.

Points for diet management and exercise restrictions

Dietary content and portion sizes after surgery

Please follow your veterinarian’s instructions regarding post-operative diet. If there are no specific instructions and your cat seems to be struggling to eat, try soaking the food or switching to wet food. Follow your vet's guidance on portion sizes as well. If your cat doesn't eat for more than 24 hours, you must have them checked by a vet.

Checking water intake and the importance of hydration

Cats are not naturally heavy drinkers, but it is not rare for them to stop drinking entirely post-surgery. Proper hydration is essential, especially after urinary system surgeries like urolithiasis treatment. A cat generally needs about 50ml of water per 1kg of body weight daily. Providing this amount and monitoring how much they drink is advisable. If they aren't drinking enough, you can use oral rehydration fluids or mix the juice from wet food into their water. If they still refuse to drink, your veterinarian may need to administer intravenous fluids.

Duration of exercise restrictions and specific methods

While many surgeries don't require strict exercise limitations, excessive activity can cause the incision to bump, leading to bleeding or wound opening. It is best to have them rest in a crate until your vet gives you the green light. It is also wise to remove items that could cause them to fall or hurt themselves.

Veterinarian-recommended precautions and follow-up care

The most important points in post-operative care

The most critical points to monitor are the condition of the incision, appetite, energy levels, elimination, and vomiting. If abnormalities occur, they typically appear within the first four days post-op. Sutures are usually removed 10 to 14 days after surgery, so careful observation during this time is essential.

The importance of follow-up check-ups and optimal timing

The timing for post-op check-ups varies based on the type of surgery and the vet's judgment. Make sure to attend the appointment scheduled at the time of discharge. If you cannot make it on that day, confirm in advance what you should do instead.

If you notice any abnormalities before the scheduled follow-up, it is vital to bring your cat in immediately.

When to consult your veterinarian for early recovery

Having a smooth post-operative period is the key to recovery. If you feel even slightly worried, it is important to talk to your vet. You might think, "Maybe it will be better tomorrow," but post-operative complications do not fix themselves. Do not wait—consult your vet immediately.

Summary

Including spaying and neutering, most pet cats will undergo surgery at least once in their lives. After surgery, many physiological changes occur in the body. Even if the surgery itself is successful, post-operative complications are not rare. After your cat’s surgery, follow your vet's instructions carefully and contact them immediately if you have any concerns.