Care of the cat and the seam after sterilization at home. Proper care of a cat after sterilization at home: advice from a veterinarian and postoperative care

"Standard" cavity sterilization. In this case, the organs of the reproductive system (i.e., the uterus and ovaries) are removed through a conventional abdominal operation. To do this, the surgeon has to make an incision with a length of four centimeters or more, through which he subsequently removes unnecessary "offal". In any case, high-quality, powerful anesthesia is necessary for such a surgical intervention. It is not surprising that the cat departs from the consequences of the latter for a long time, and the rehabilitation period is quite long.

. It is a very "soft" variety of the previous type of deposition. The point is to use a surgical laparoscope. First, the veterinarian makes a tiny, in general, incision, the length of which rarely reaches five millimeters, after which he performs an internal abdominal operation. It is performed using the same laparoscope. Already cut off organs are pulled to the hole and taken out. Sometimes this sterilization technique uses fairly light sedatives in combination with high-quality local anesthesia. Such anesthesia is extremely easily tolerated by most animals, the rehabilitation period is very short.

Finally, there is also hormonal (the so-called "") sterilization. Its essence is the introduction into the blood of an animal of substances that suppress reproductive function cats. This is done using a conventional syringe. No operation is required, anesthesia, respectively, too. As such, there is no recovery period.

In view of the foregoing, everything listed below will apply (primarily) to classical cavity sterilization. With laparoscopy, the cat recovers very quickly, and therefore most of the recommendations below lose their sharpness and relevance.

How many days does it take for a cat to fully recover?

It is rather difficult to give an exact answer to this question. How many days this process will take for an animal depends on several factors (and a combination of them, of course):

. The younger the better. Accordingly, older cats recover from the consequences of the operation much, much longer. So, if the “youth”, even after abdominal surgery, fully recovers somewhere in 10-14 days, then for an old cat this period may well stretch for a month, or even two. Moreover, we would not recommend surgery at all for animals aged seven years and older (this does not apply to cases of sterilization for medical reasons), since the disadvantages of the operation may outweigh its advantages.

The physiological state of the cat before sterilization. If the animal is severely weakened (after a long and severe illness, for example), it can be operated on only after its complete recovery plus two weeks from this period. Rehabilitation at the same time increases to about three weeks.

. If the animal was not fed well before the operation, then the duration of the rehabilitation period will be much longer than if its owners had taken care of a high-quality and balanced diet in advance. Sometimes such cats are restored for a month.

The breed of the cat. Pedigree animals are a special case. Firstly, Persians and Britons are generally recommended to be sterilized when they are at least eight months old, and ideally not before a year (their bodies are slowly maturing). Secondly, such pets usually recover from the consequences of surgery for quite a long time, about twice as long as if we were talking about purebred cats. Sometimes more than a month. Nothing can be done about this, you just need to remember this nuance.

Important! Complete recovery of a cat after sterilization is not a very fast process, and it is incorrect to talk about a “complete” recovery of a pet “by eye”. For each animal, this period varies, sometimes significantly.

Cat Care During Recovery

The better the care, the faster the pet will recover from the consequences of surgery. This is the golden rule to always remember.

Postoperative Diet

Feeding of operated animals must meet the following requirements:

If an animal has been eating "anyhow" for its entire preoperative life, that is, the cheapest dry or canned food, it is unlikely that it will have good health. Feed must contain the required amount of macro and microelements, vitamins and nutrients! It would seem that this is an immutable and obvious truth to everyone, but many owners completely forget about this circumstance. After sterilization, food must be balanced in terms of these components!

The most important thing is that it’s good for three weeks, but ... you need to gradually make the diet less high-calorie. That by the time of the third month from the moment of sterilization should be exactly 25% lower than that of "ordinary" cats. The reason is the prevention of obesity (without the ovaries and uterus, energy costs in the animal's body are reduced by just ¼).

For the first three days (especially after abdominal sterilization), we recommend using saturated broths (chicken or beef) for feeding. Low fat! Already on the second day, you can add vegetable and meat purees to them (the ideal option is baby food).

How to prevent postoperative pathologies

To reduce the likelihood of serious malfunctions, the owner needs to:

Most importantly, it is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the operated pet. If the owner is at least something worried (unusual appearance, strange behavior, weakness of the animal, fever, etc.), he must immediately call the veterinarian.

- a strictly mandatory element of the cat's "toilet" in the first week after abdominal sterilization and at least a couple of days after laparoscopic. It closes the postoperative suture and does not give the pet the opportunity to contaminate it.

If the nature of the pet suspiciously resembles an electric broom, we strongly recommend that you put on it not only a horsecloth, but also. Thanks to him, the animal certainly will not be able to dodge and pull off the seams with his teeth.

Rehabilitation of a cat after sterilization by day

Note that in cases where the operation was more or less successful, that is, in the normal mode, you will have to take care of the cat only for the first few days. Subsequently, you just need to look after the pet.

First day

The most responsible and important period. At this time, you do not need to do anything special, but:

Approximately two to three hours after the cat leaves, the cat needs water. It is worth giving it from a syringe, no more than 10 ml at a time. When the animal drinks, the owner must monitor whether it swallows the liquid. If necessary, the pet can be helped by lightly massaging its throat. After 10-12 hours, it is advisable to place a bowl of water near the place where the cat is recovering from anesthesia.

The pet must be placed in a separate room, isolated from small children and pets.

It is mandatory to control the body of the cat, to monitor the condition of the seam. If by the end of the first day it swells strongly, turns red, and the surrounding tissues become hot, you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

You need to carefully (!) Monitor if the cat is pissing. If there is no urination in the first 20-24 hours, call your veterinarian immediately. To prevent the animal from overstraining, you need to put a toilet tray near it.

It is advisable to immediately put a surgical cap on the cat.

As a rule, the recovery period at this time does not require anything else. If the operation is successful, the cat will usually sleep at first.

Second day

On the second day, the condition of the animal is somewhat normalized. The procedure is as follows:

Since the cat may be very weak, it is necessary to leave a bowl of drinking water near the place where she sleeps.

You can start active feeding (not too, however, zealous). Rich chicken broth is ideal. More dense food should not be used.

At least twice a day, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the postoperative suture.

At least once a day, you should change the surgical cap for a clean one.

If the cat began to move around, be sure to remove chairs, bedside tables and other interior items from the room. In the event that an animal climbs on them, it can fall from there.

Third and fifth days

During this period, the cat's condition (especially after laparoscopic sterilization) almost returns to normal. Little is required from the owner:

The pet continues to be fed with a rich broth in which meat and vegetable baby food is bred.
at least twice a day.

Starting from the third day, the cat should experience calls to defecate. If they are not present (especially on the fourth day), a veterinarian consultation is required.

The blanket continues to be changed as it gets dirty, but at least once a day.

Sixth and seventh days

This time (in most cases) is characterized by almost complete restoration of all body functions. So the rehabilitation of a cat after sterilization usually proceeds as usual, a little is required from the owner:

Providing high-quality food, balanced in micro- and macroelements, vitamins (i.e. from the sixth day the cat can be transferred to regular food).

The blanket, as a rule, is already removed, but the control over the state of the seam is still continued.

It is not necessary to allow the animal to play too actively; it is better not to let the cat out at this time.

Second week

Approximately 10-14 days after sterilization, the stitches are usually removed. Further, no special care for the cat is no longer required. The rehabilitation period by this time is almost over. True, the body of the “old men” needs a little more, but they also feel good in the second week.

Complications after spaying a cat

In general, after more or less competently performed sterilization, they are rare. As a rule, they are encountered with gross and gross violations of the rules of asepsis and antisepsis.

The consequences of such operations include:

Peritonitis, that is, inflammation of the peritoneum. Fecal peritonitis occurs when the lining of the intestinal loops has been somehow damaged during the operation. Pathology is extremely difficult, very often ending in death.

Inappropriate behaviour. In practice, it is quite often necessary to observe how a cat behaves strangely after the operation (the first three days). This does not apply to true complications, but sometimes (when using old and very “heavy” drugs for anesthesia), the nervous system of the animal suffers greatly. There is evidence that due to poor-quality premedication and basic anesthesia, even epilepsy can develop in a cat.

Internal bleeding. It occurs when the ligature was applied incorrectly to the uterine stump, or it was initially of poor quality.

Inflammation and suppuration of the seams. Often, neither the veterinarian nor the owner himself is to blame. The problem is the animal that licks and constantly scratches this area.

Divergence of the postoperative suture. It ends with either bleeding, or purulent inflammation, or peritonitis. Often - a consequence of self-removal of postoperative sutures by the cat.

Sterilization is the most effective way to significantly simplify the life of a cat and its owners. With a full-fledged procedure, which is most often recommended by veterinarians, the ovaries and uterus are removed, which means that the pet loses not only the opportunity to become pregnant, but also any interest in the opposite sex. As a result, the pet becomes calm and balanced, and its owners do not have to attach or kill kittens from time to time.

To shorten the period of postoperative adaptation, you need to know how to care for a cat after sterilization. If at this moment you give your pet and her health the necessary amount of attention, she will more easily endure stress and quickly return to her usual way of life. In addition, proper care will help reduce the risk of complications to a minimum.

Types of sterilization

Today, there are several options for operations that deprive a cat of childbearing function.

Tubal ligation allows you to completely preserve the reproductive system of the animal, only significantly reducing, but not eliminating the likelihood of pregnancy. In other words, the cat's behavior will remain the same after the operation.
Removal of the ovaries leads to the disappearance of sex hormones from the body of the pet. Her mood becomes even, which cannot but please the owners. But such an intervention often provokes inflammatory processes in the abandoned uterus.
With ovariohysterectomy - the complete removal of all genital organs - the cat loses the instinct of procreation. In addition, the risk of delayed complications in the form of inflammation and tumors in this case disappears.

The lion's share of sterilizations performed by veterinarians is the latter option. However, sometimes general health problems of the animal prevent a full-fledged operation from being performed. In this case, one has to limit tubal ligation as a less invasive procedure.

Modern equipment allows you to access the genitals in several ways.

A standard incision made along the white line of the abdomen is most often used.
The lateral incision is less traumatic, and the recovery period after such an intervention is faster and easier.
The least invasive option is laparoscopy, which allows you to do all the necessary actions through punctures, and not through incisions.

The decision on the technique of performing the operation is made by the surgeon after examining the animal and assessing its condition.

Intervention preparation

It is believed that it is best to spay a cat before the first estrus. However, it is still not worth carrying out the operation too early: the genitals must be fully formed, then the intervention will bring the least harm. The optimal age for such a procedure, many veterinarians recognize 6-8 months, but you can do this later.

It is recommended that the animal be fully vaccinated prior to spaying. This is due to a temporary weakening of the cat's immunity after any operation. In other words, at such a moment it will be much easier for her to catch an infection.

If there is any doubt about the health of the pet, or some serious problems have been identified as a result of previous visits to the veterinarian, it is necessary to examine the cat before the intervention. This will allow doctors to prevent many troubles during the operation. In addition, this information will help them make complete recommendations for caring for a pet after sterilization.

12 hours before sterilization, the pet should not be fed, and 3-4 hours before it is better to remove the bowl of water. You also need to take care of the timely emptying of the intestines of the pet. You can encourage her to have a bowel movement by giving her petroleum jelly or any other mild laxative. These measures are aimed at reducing the unpleasant consequences of anesthesia.

On the day of the operation

As a rule, sterilization takes from 40 to 90 minutes. After that, the cat can be given to the owners. However, clinics that have a hospital prefer to keep animals at least until they wake up after anesthesia. Of course, it is better if this period passes under the supervision of specialists, so you should not refuse this service. It is also necessary to carefully listen to all the recommendations of the surgeon for the further care of the animal. As a rule, they are issued to the owners in printed form along with the cat.

If the pet was handed over to the owners immediately after the operation, one should not be surprised that her eyes are open, but she does not react in any way to what is happening. Open eyelids are normal in anesthetized cats. So that the mucous membrane does not dry out, you can use special drops. But it is permissible and just to help your pet blink, every 20-30 minutes reducing and spreading the eyelids manually. When the effect of the drugs begins to weaken, the cat will most likely just close its eyes.

Use a carrier to transport your pet home. It is recommended to lay a waterproof diaper in it. This is necessary in case an uncontrolled animal urinates involuntarily.

During anesthesia, all vital processes in cats slow down, and body temperature drops. Therefore, cold extremities, ears and tail, as well as chills, are considered the norm. To help the body with thermoregulation, the pet should be covered with something warm.

The best way to get home is by car. If this is not possible, you must call a taxi. Hiking is also possible, but only if the veterinary clinic is very close to the owners' housing.

At home, the cat must be carefully removed from the carrier and laid on its right side on a soft bed. The chosen place should be warm, calm and protected from drafts. It is very important that the "couch" is located on the floor, and not on a hill. Such a measure will save a suddenly jumping pet with impaired coordination from injury.

A slightly recovered cat can moisten the mucous membranes of the mouth with a pipette or syringe without a needle. At the same time, water must be dosed drip so that the animal does not choke. Do not be afraid if your pet starts to feel sick. If the conditions of the "hunger strike" were met correctly, vomiting will not be plentiful and prolonged.

A disoriented cat can behave very strangely. For example, plaintively meow or hiss, bite and scratch, try to hide somewhere or jump, bump into corners, miss the door, walk staggeringly. All this is considered normal in the first 8-12 hours after surgery. So that the pet does not harm itself in some way, it is better not to leave it alone at this time.

4 hours after waking up, you can place a bowl of water near the bedding. But you shouldn't force a cat to drink. In this matter, it is better to rely on her instincts. It is allowed to feed the pet only a day after the operation in small - literally a teaspoonful - portions, gradually increasing them. In this case, it is necessary to give preference to easily digestible food. With a persistent refusal to eat on the third day, you should contact the clinic.

Adaptation period

As a rule, after sterilization, an “apron” is put on a cat even in a veterinary clinic. It is a piece of "breathable" fabric with laces sewn to it. The latter are tied around the neck and back of the animal, securely fixing the material covering the seam. Such a "clothes" is necessary to protect the wound from the pet itself, because an unusual place on the body will inevitably attract her attention. It will be possible to remove such an outfit only after complete scarring of the damaged area.

All recommendations for the treatment of the seam and other drug therapy are issued strictly individually. Much in this case depends on the general condition of the animal, the nature of the seam, the type of suture material. Seams with ordinary threads require the application of disinfectants or drying agents, as well as healing ointments, twice a day. It is more convenient to do this together, laying the cat on its back or side and untying the ribbons of the "apron" in the area of \u200b\u200bthe hind legs. But when using absorbable materials, it is much easier to care for a cat after sterilization, because, as a rule, there is no need for such treatment. Some cats may also need antibiotics or pain medication.

As a rule, on the 3-4th day, the veterinarian prescribes an examination, during which the doctor assesses the condition of the suture and the general well-being of the animal. Until then, you need to keep an eye on the cat, Special attention giving it to appetite and the regularity of bowel movements. At this appointment, previous appointments can be adjusted.

If the wound is clean, dry and healing well, stitches will likely be removed 10-14 days after surgery. When using absorbable material, it is recommended to isolate the suture from the cat's tongue and claws with a blanket or Elizabethan collar for the same period. Otherwise, the probability of licking the wound is very high. The consequences of this will be a significant lengthening of its healing time and other possible complications - suppuration, fistula formation, etc.

Life goes on!

Spayed cats do not need any special care after the stitches are removed. They again become full-fledged pets and continue to lead a normal life. However, some of them eventually become lazy and gain weight. You should not consider this a pathology, but having noticed the appearance of fat deposits on the sides of your pet, you should cut its usual portion by about 20%.

From the diet of a sterilized cat, it is better to remove all spicy, fatty, salty foods, as well as any food containing flour products and legumes. It is also recommended to reduce fish consumption to once a week. Among ready-made feeds, it is preferable to choose wet options rather than dry ones.

Each clinic has its own method of suturing. If there was a laparoscopic operation, then, most likely, suture treatment will not be needed. There are options after laparotomy. In any case, you must follow your veterinarian's instructions as only he knows what stitch he put.

If the seam needs to be treated, then usually an aqueous solution of miramistin or chlorhexidine is applied to it daily, which can be bought at any pharmacy. It is also sometimes recommended to lubricate the place with an antibiotic - Levomekol ointment. It is necessary to process the seam from the second day after the operation until the 7-10th day.

Before processing the seam, the blanket is removed only from the hind legs. It is better not to remove it completely, because it can be difficult to tie the cat back.

Cat appetite after surgery

If the cat was taken out of anesthesia by doctors and given to you under anesthesia, then the pet may show interest in food immediately upon arrival home. However, in some cases (this will depend on the type of surgery, suture, and medication) the veterinarian will recommend not feeding the animal for up to 24 hours after surgery. Ask your doctor about this.

If the cat has a poor appetite in the first days after the operation, this is also normal. You don’t need to force her to eat: the main thing is to drink water. But if the cat refuses food for more than two days, you need to contact the veterinarian.

As for the quality of food, during this period it is very important that the cat's stool is soft, without constipation. Otherwise, she will strain, which will cause pain due to the stitches. Therefore, almost all meat meals should include porridge: then the stool will be soft - and there will be no need for straining.

In addition, it is very useful to give fermented milk products to a cat during this period: kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt, yogurt, but in no case milk - cats puff up from it, and excess gases of the operated abdominal cavity are not needed.

Constipation after surgery

Despite proper nutrition, after surgery, the cat may experience constipation for 2-4 days. Make sure that the pet goes to the toilet for the most part at least 1 time in 2 days. If you see that the second day is already ending, and the tray is empty, it is better to give the pet vaseline oil: pour it into the mouth through a syringe at the rate of 5 ml per 5 kg of weight. It is absolutely harmless, but it helps to go to the toilet. The effect must be achieved by giving Vaseline every 8 hours until the cat poops.

It happens that the cat refuses to write. In this case, it is recommended to put a Microlax microclyster for children, which immediately causes both urination and defecation. Microclysters should be injected into the ass, in no case should the medicine be given by mouth.

In addition, feline lactobacilli can be added to cat food, which will help to cope with dysbacteriosis caused by antibiotics.

Cat has bleeding stitches after spaying

It happens that a cat bleeds after surgery. This is normal, although ideally it should not be. Therefore, if you see that the seam is oozing, you need to call the veterinarian to prescribe treatment. Normally, on the fifth day, the seam should be completely dry. You can check this by lifting the blanket.

Cat's paw swollen after surgery

In order to inject various drugs into the blood of a cat, veterinarians put catheters on her paws. Through them, in particular, premedication and anesthesia are administered. Sometimes the catheter is not removed immediately after the operation, but is done the next day, so that in which case the animal can be quickly injected directly into the blood with the desired drug.

After the catheter is removed, you will notice that the cat's paw is swollen. This is a reaction to the ligation that holds the catheter. After a few hours, the swelling should go away. If it persists for more than a day, see a doctor.

It looks like a catheter on a cat and a paw after a catheter

Is it possible for a cat to run after the operation and not wear a blanket?

After laparoscopy (when not a large seam is made, but small cuts), it is not necessary to put on a blanket: only small holes-seams are visible on the cat. After a laparotomy (when there is a large incision), a blanket must be put on the cat. Cats after removal of the testicles do not wear anything. She will walk in this blanket for 10-14 days.

The blanket is good because it hinders the movements of the cat and does not allow it to run and jump strongly, if it suddenly seemed that it was healthy under painkillers. Although, as practice shows, when jumping, even high ones, the seams do not diverge if they are performed with high quality. The main purpose of the blanket is to prevent the cat from getting to the seam and pulling out the threads, and also from licking the seam.

Many owners feel sorry for the cat, they say, the blanket prevents her from living. And on the fifth or sixth day after the operation, it seems that the blanket is no longer needed, because the cat is already active and behaves as if nothing had happened. As a result, some owners decide to remove the blanket or replace it with a sleeve from an old sweater, in which holes are made for paws. Under no circumstances should this be done! The blanket, we repeat, is needed not to hold the seam, but to protect it from cat interference. As soon as the blanket is removed from the cat, she begins to seriously deal with the seam and most often ends up on the operating table again. Only this time, the seam will no longer be able to heal so easily: now the cat will have to walk in a blanket for 2 months. Do you need it for the sake of false momentary pity that the cat is uncomfortable?

It has been tested on the experience of hundreds of cat owners: the blanket stays on the cat for 10-14 days without any problems and is never removed. That is, if you have not been assigned suture treatment, you should not touch the blanket at all.

It looks like a cat in the ass

Intimate hygiene of a cat in a blanket

After the operation, the cat may have another problem: she does not reach her genitals and anus with her tongue to wash them. It may seem that the blanket is to blame. In fact, if it is tied correctly, not too tight, and the size is right, then it's not a blanket. The problem is that the seam pulls: it is he who does not allow the pet to be flexible. He stops pulling after 5-7 days: and then the cat will be able to wash even in a blanket.

For the period until she is able to do it herself, you can take care of hygiene yourself. Every time after the toilet, inspect the organs: if dirt is stuck on the anus, just take a cotton pad, moisten it with water or vegetable oil and wipe the ass. The labia can simply be blotted with a fresh clean disc without anything, but very gently, do not rub. And it is better not to touch it if there is no visible contamination. If they are, then a cotton pad dipped in water will do. But hygiene should be like that of women: in popular terms, you can only wipe in the direction from pussy to priest, not vice versa.

Spayed cat won't drink water

If your cat refuses to drink water after the operation, this is very bad. She needs water now. Therefore, you can very carefully, without pressure, inject water with a syringe without a needle, putting it between your teeth (cats have empty spaces there). If it's really bad, ask your veterinarian to put on a dehydration drip - it gives excellent results.

Removal of stitches

There are self-absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed. If your cat has these, the veterinarian will warn about it. But more often, the external sutures should be removed 10-14 days after the operation. This is done very simply and quickly, within 10 minutes, but the procedure must be performed by a professional. To do this, you need to either call the veterinarian at home, or go to the clinic.

The area where the suture was placed may remain swollen for a few more days - this is normal. It is most often not necessary to process it yourself (if there are no complications). After the suture is removed, the veterinarian should apply a layer of medical glue (most often a silvery spray) to act as a protection and antiseptic.

This video contains expert advice on caring for a cat after spaying.

The author of the article, Ekaterina Yugosh, is the editor of the Murkotiki website, a journalist and a felinologist instructor (a specialist who studies cats). She received her felinological education according to the WCF system (World Cat Federation, World Cat Federation). Specializes in Scottish and British breeds. Her area of interest also includes feline nutrition and animal psychology.

Cat owners are increasingly thinking about sterilizing their pet in order to maintain health. A qualified doctor will not allow postoperative complications and will devote the owner to all the details of caring for the animal. However, there are cases when, for certain reasons, the veterinarian did not provide the owners with basic information. Then the question arises sharply, how to care for a cat after sterilization.

Factors affecting the recovery of a cat after spaying

Sterilization is a basic operation that can be performed by an experienced specialist. To understand how long a cat will recover, study the basic aspects.

The most important thing is the timely appeal to a specialist. If you sent the animal for sterilization on time, taking into account the recommendations of the doctor, then the pet will recover quickly. The optimal period is considered to be the time at which the cat has not yet had estrus, pregnancy and childbirth. In this case, the tissues will recover in a short period.
Rehabilitation also depends on the age of the cat. Young individuals have good health, unlike the elderly. In cats up to a year, all metabolic processes are at an optimal level. If you fed the animal well, vaccinated and gave vitamins, there should be no problems with rehabilitation.
The qualifications of the veterinarian matters. For sterilization, you need to contact only surgeons who have sufficient knowledge. An experienced doctor will perform the operation with minimal tissue rupture, properly suturing. These aspects will lead to rapid wound healing.
The recovery of the animal after sterilization also depends on the care that the owner himself will give the pet. If you strictly follow the recommendations of the veterinarian, process the stitches in a timely manner, feed and water the cat, the duration of rehabilitation will be reduced to a minimum.
If the cat had any health problems, after sterilization, complications may occur. An increase in body temperature, the consumption of stitches, and other ailments will increase the duration of recovery.

Cat care immediately after spaying

Extract. It is important to take full responsibility for caring for the animal in the first hours after surgery. There are clinics that bring the animal out of anesthesia, then transfer it to the owner in an awakened state. However, more and more doctors prefer to "discharge" cats from the clinic in a state of narcotic sleep. In the latter case, the surgeon must definitely give advice regarding care.
Warmer. Being under anesthesia, the animal will increase breathing, but the pulse will become slower. In this case, the body temperature will drop by 2-3 degrees. In this state, the pet is susceptible to sudden changes in temperature, as well as drafts and cold. If you sent the animal for surgery in winter or autumn, take care of an additional heating pad. On the back, place a bottle of warm water. Throughout the transportation, make sure that the container does not move out to the surgical wound. Otherwise, the heat will cause bleeding.
Transportation. Take care in advance of a carrying bag with a hard bottom, with which you will transport the cat. Line the cavity with a disposable diaper, put a soft cotton cloth (sheet folded in several layers) on top of it. Place the animal in the bag. It is important that the pet lies on its right side. Cover her with a blanket or a warm blanket.
Arrival home. After you arrive at your destination, leave the animal in the carrier (if there is enough space in the bag). Otherwise, lay a disposable diaper and a warm underlay (cloth) on the floor away from drafts. Do not leave the cat in places with a hill and a very elastic surface (bed or sofa).
Awakening. Throughout the journey home, the cat was under anesthesia. The way out of a sleepy state depends on a number of aspects, such as the type and dose of anesthesia, the individual characteristics of the body, the pet's body weight, etc. On average, the cat will wake up in 2-8 hours. At this time, it is important to constantly monitor your pet. After waking up, the cat will move unconsciously, jumping or running away. To prevent the animal from injury, choose a completely safe place for the cat.
Eye care. After surgery, the veterinarian should give clear recommendations regarding the care of the animal. The thing is that during anesthesia, the eyes of cats remain open. Some hosts are intimidated by this, but be patient. To prevent the cornea from drying out, gently close your pet's eyelids once every 30 minutes. You can do a light massage of the eyeballs with eyelids or drip drops to the cat (from drying out).
Massage. Throughout the duration of anesthesia, the cat should not be given water or food through force. If the sleep continues for too long, gently massage the paws and toe pads of the animal. Thus, you will speed up the circulation of blood throughout the body of the pet and prevent numbness of the limbs.

Maintenance and nutrition of a cat after sterilization

When the pet moves away from anesthesia, she will begin to move more confidently. Offer the cat food, provide round-the-clock access to clean water.
When it comes to food, give your cat special premium food labeled appropriately for neutered cats. As a rule, appetite returns at the end of the first day or the beginning of the day following the operation.
Some animals feel sick after the first meal. Thus, anesthesia is reflected. After 2-3 days, the cat will regain its appetite, digestion will normalize.
Doctors do not always give owners recommendations regarding feeding. In the early days, treat your pet with food for animals that have undergone surgery. If your cat has previously eaten normal food, increase the amount of milk and boiled vegetables in her diet.
Watch how often the animal defecates. If the cat has constipation (she does not go to the toilet for more than 3 days), treat the pet with 4 gr. vaseline oil. Do not give enemas or give cat laxatives without consulting a doctor. If constipation does not go away after taking the oil internally, contact your veterinarian.
Many experienced doctors put a blanket on the cat, which prevents the animal from licking the wound itself. Also, the device protects the wound from dirt. After sterilization, the blanket is allowed to be removed when the wound is completely healed. Too "meticulous" cats (constantly licking themselves) need 10-12 days, all the rest - 3-9 days.

Cat after sterilization: suture care

Closely monitor the postoperative suture of the animal. Ask your veterinarian how to treat the cut. As a rule, it is necessary to wash the seam with aluminum spray. In this case, additional drugs are not required.
If the doctor said that the treatment of the seam is necessary, carry it out after 2-3 days after the operation. To heal the wound quickly, use an antiseptic. The usual “brilliant green”, hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine, betadine, levomekol will do.
In the first days after surgery, the suture may swell slightly, turn red or become shiny, such phenomena are considered the norm. Often, ichor oozes from the wound (translucent liquid).
The duration of the healing of the suture depends on a number of aspects. This includes the individual structure of the tissues of the animal, the skill of the veterinarian, postoperative care, etc. If we take the average value, the cut is tightened after 10-12 days.
Close attention is paid to the seam on the fifth day of antiseptic treatment. It is important that the edges do not diverge by more than 1 mm. Also, the wound should be dry, free of pus and other fluid.
Many doctors practice sterilization, in which the suture is applied using absorbable material. Such threads do not need to be removed. If you want to carry out the removal procedure on your own, learn more about the manipulations from your doctor.
The technique is not difficult. You need to know how many stitches were placed. Arm yourself with tweezers and scissors, sterilize the tools. Pull the knot with tweezers, cut one thread with scissors. Gradually get rid of the remnants of the material.

Possible complications of a cat after sterilization

Sterilization is not always easy. Unfortunately, in 20% of cases, postoperative complications are observed, which entail serious consequences.

You need to be alert if you have the following symptoms:

Lack of appetite in the cat for 4-5 days after the operation.
Elevated body temperature (39.5 degrees) on the fifth day after sterilization.
Apathy and drowsiness that accompany the cat in the first 5 days.
Swollen, red, bleeding, swollen suture on the fifth day after the intervention of the surgeon.
Intolerable pain, in which the cat "yells" constantly.

The above signs indicate that rehabilitation is not going as well as it should. Contact the surgeon who performed the operation for advice.

Many owners of fluffy pets believe that after surgery, the cat will become lethargic, fat, and not cheerful. However, such profound statements are extremely erroneous. Sterilization has a positive effect on the health of the animal and sexual behavior.
So, after 1.5-2 months, the hormonal background of the cat returns to its usual level. It is significantly stabilized due to a decrease in hormones, which from now on remain at a minimum level.
It is after this that the owner may notice the changed behavior of his furry girlfriend. The cat spends more time with the household, demanding affection. She is less alone.
The pet will not suffer because of the constant sexual instincts. The cat is more playful and receptive to humans, trying to be around.
If you previously had a question regarding the placement of a second pet, you can carry out your plan after the complete rehabilitation of the first pet. The cat will be playful, friendly and caring towards the new family member.

If sterilization takes place in the cold season, take care of a blanket and a heating pad for the cat. Upon arrival home, do not place the operated pet on high surfaces, give her a place on the floor. Watch your eyes, provide round-the-clock access to water. Buy food marked "For sterilized cats", wash the seam in a timely manner. At the slightest sign of complications, take the animal to the veterinarian.

Video: how to help a cat after sterilization

We are sure that many of our readers, being responsible owners, have already sterilized their pets, providing them with a long and peaceful life. For those who have just made this decision, and, of course, are worried about their pet, we will tell you what they will have after the operation.

Recovery from anesthesia after sterilization

If the operation is performed in a good veterinary clinic, then, as a rule, the animal remains under the supervision of doctors until the restoration of motor and orientation functions after anesthesia - this is included in the usual cost of the operation. This process takes an average of two to eight hours. Thus, if the operation is scheduled for 10 am, then you will be asked to pick up the pet at 6 pm. All the time after the operation, the animal will be in a closed box of the hospital in complete safety, and assistants will visit him every hour and quickly provide the necessary assistance if necessary.

If there is no hospital in the clinic, or you invited a doctor to your house, then you yourself will have to be next to the cat during the entire first and most dangerous stage of coming out of anesthesia and carry out postoperative care. You can't leave your cat alone! Let's take a closer look at what kind of care a cat needs after sterilization?

Transport after surgery

The animal should be transported home from the veterinary clinic in a spacious carrier, so that the cat lies freely on its right side. It is on the right, so as not to create additional pressure on the heart, which is already experiencing an increased load. And in case vomiting starts, the position on the side will not allow the cat to choke.

Eye care

You need to take care of the eyes of the kitty - under anesthesia in cats, the eyes remain open. During the operation, the veterinarian closes her eyelids so that the patient's eyes do not dry out. After the operation, the owner will have to do this - about once every 10 minutes. Or you can give your cat special eye drops.

Temperature and comfort

It is also worth taking care of the temperature in the room in advance, and perhaps even sheltering the animal. After anesthesia, the cat's body temperature drops, it can be chilled.

Security on the first day

It is also necessary to create a safe environment at home. Recovery from anesthesia is accompanied by muscle weakness, which causes the cat to stagger from side to side, and at the same time, disorientation in space and severe anxiety. The animal may begin to rush around the apartment, bumping into obstacles, meowing loudly, even showing aggression. The cat cannot concentrate, the paws do not obey her, such a state frightens the animal, and it tries to either run, hide, or defend itself. You need to clearly understand what is happening with the cat, the norm, keep calm, speak in an affectionate voice, do not touch the pet once again. And most importantly - to organize the space so that the cat could not hit, hurt, get stuck or jump high. Be gentle but firm.

Required accessories

Postoperative care of the cat includes the obligatory wearing of a special blanket or protective collar for the animal. Despite the fact that most cats strongly dislike such a hospital gown, veterinarians continue to insist that cats wear it until the stitches are removed. Special clothing protects the surgical suture from contamination, and the collar does not allow the animal to lick the suture, because it's like rubbing a wound with sandpaper.

Ordinary cheap caps are made of light cotton fabric with ties. Inexperienced owners have to spend some time to figure out how to properly tie a blanket, so it's better to buy it in advance, carefully study the instructions and even practice.

It is necessary to provide the pet with the maximum convenience of wearing a blanket, to adjust the ties well, especially in the inguinal and axillary areas. Most likely, after a couple of days, the pussy will put up with a temporary inconvenience. The general duration of wearing a collar or a collar is from 2-3 days for cats (they do not need a blanket), and from 7 to 12 days for cats, but it is best to follow the recommendation that your veterinarian will give you.

seam care

Cat care after spaying also includes daily postoperative suture treatment. How and what is better to process, the doctor who performed the operation will advise you. It is most convenient to process the seam without laying the animal on its back, but placing it on its hind legs - this way the cat will be less worried. In this case, the blanket needs to be untied only at the bottom, and then tied again.

In the first days after surgery, the suture looks reddened and swollen, small bruises may appear. Do not panic - these are the usual consequences of a skin injury. The "beauty" of the seam also does not matter - as a rule, it evens out and, after healing, becomes completely invisible under the coat.

Feeding in the early days

Sterilization of cats and postoperative care require a special feeding regimen. The operation itself is performed only on an empty stomach, which the veterinarian will definitely warn you about. After getting out of anesthesia, you should not try to reward the cat for all the suffering with culinary delights at once. If the animal had vomiting, then the first meal should occur no earlier than one day after the operation. As a rule, during this period, animals do not experience much appetite, and only if the “hunger strike” lasts more than 5 days, you should consult a doctor.

The first portion of food after the operation should be no more than half of the usual norm.

Reasons to see a doctor

During postoperative care, you should carefully monitor the condition of the cat. The norm is a slight increase in temperature caused by a protective reaction of the body during wound healing. Only if the temperature persists for more than five days or has risen above 39.5 degrees, you need a doctor's advice.

The condition of the stitch can also lead you to see a doctor. If it is wet, inflamed or purulent, immediately visit a veterinary clinic.

A veterinary consultation may also be required if the cat has increased or no urination or constipation after spaying.

Svetlana Mosolova

What canned food is best for cats?

ATTENTION, RESEARCH! Together with your cat you can participate in it! If you live in Moscow or the Moscow region and are ready to regularly observe how and how much your cat eats, and also do not forget to write it all down, they will bring you FREE WET FOOD KITS.

Project for 3-4 months. Organizer - Petkorm LLC.