Neutering a cat: reasons for surgery, how to care for a pet and nutrition in the postoperative period

All cat lovers one day face the question of spaying their pet or not. Our grandmothers, having 2-3 cats in their house, did not suffer from such a question, because even though cats brought kittens every year, natural selection did its job: cats lived 4-6 years and there were still no more than three on the farm . In extreme cases, each village had its own Gerasim. Currently, we have elevated pets to the rank of full members of the family and we cannot solve the problem with kittens by a barbaric method. In this matter, veterinary medicine goes forward and offers such operations as castration in cats and sterilization in cats.

Animals are sterilized for two main reasons.

1. During estrus, the cat behaves inappropriately and aggressively, which disrupts the normal course of life for the whole family. In addition, the owners are frightened by the very fact of the appearance of kittens.
2. Sterilization is indicated for the animal as prescribed by the doctor. This happens with mastopathy, tumors of the reproductive organs.

It is believed that such an operation should be performed after the first birth. In fact, in each case it is individual and only a veterinarian can set the timing of the operation.

Preparing for an operation

Before visiting a doctor, you must:

• purchase a blanket that the animal will wear after the operation;
• prepare a sheet or diaper on which the cat will be in the first 24 hours after the operation;
• take a portable basket or carrier with you, the main thing is that the bottom is hard, as well as a bag and special wet wipes in case the animal vomits after anesthesia.

The cat should be fed 12 hours before the upcoming procedure, and water should be given no later than three hours before the operation. it will reduce the workload on the heart and ensures that the cat will endure the operation more easily. For the same reason, the operation is scheduled for the next morning. In addition, it will be more convenient for the owners to care for the animal in the first 12 hours after sterilization.

Care of a cat after sterilization

The duration of the sterilization operation is about one hour. The hosts are usually not allowed to this procedure and they are waiting in the emergency room. At that time you can get detailed advice how to care for a cat after spaying.

From anesthesia the animal can depart from 2 to 12 hours. For the body, this is the strongest stress, so at this time the cat can feel sick. It is better to be ready for this right away and take a bag and napkins with you to the veterinary clinic.

Transporting an animal in public transport is unlikely, so you need to use a taxi. It is better to put a diaper in the bag for transportation, and in the cold season you can use a heating pad, as the cat’s heat exchange will be disturbed due to anesthesia. It is important that the bottom of the carrier is rigid and does not bend under the weight of the body.

Place for an operated cat

At home, you also need to arrange the animal on a straight surface. High places should be avoided. For an animal recovering from anesthesia, this can be dangerous. Soft warm bedding is better cover with disposable non-wetting diapers or sheets. It is necessary to provide the cat with warmth. It can be a blanket, a heating pad or something else. There must be fresh water next to the stove. The behavior of pets will be inadequate for the first 12 hours after sterilization:

• a cat may have its eyes open but is actually asleep. So that the eyes do not dry out, they need to be dripped with a special agent even before the operation. If this is not done, then the veterinarian may advise blinking for her, that is, gently close her eyelids every 5 minutes;
• the animal can begin to walk, while bumping into objects and falling. Just return it to the prepared place. A cat under the influence of anesthesia is not aware of its actions and the dangers caused by them, therefore, in no case do not arrange a couch on the tables for them, sofas and other surfaces that are above 10 cm from the floor. Moreover, when she recovers from anesthesia, it will be painful for her to climb to a higher place to rest;
• under the influence of drugs, the animal can go to the toilet under itself. Just wipe it with special wet wipes and change the diaper.

Recovery postoperative period

After the operation, the veterinarian will definitely explain how to care for the cat after sterilization. Perhaps antibiotics will be prescribed. They can be put on the animal yourself, or you can take them to the clinic. For injections, it is better to purchase insulin syringes. They have a thinner needle and the animal will not feel discomfort.

The seam must be processed twice a day green or special composition, which will be sold immediately after the operation in the pharmacy of the veterinary clinic. Care should be taken to ensure the cleanliness of the postoperative suture. It will not be difficult to do this, since the cat’s tummy will be shaved bald before sterilization. For this procedure, two people will be needed: one will process the seam, and the second will hold the animal so that it does not break out and injure itself. To carry out the dressing, the blanket must be removed or loosened in order to have access to the seam. After processing, the protective corset is put on again. In case of inflammation, you should immediately consult a doctor.

It is very important that the patient does not remove the blanket for the first two weeks after the operation, otherwise there is a risk that the sutures may come apart or any complications arise. It is better to limit the activity of your pet during this period, do not allow them to jump on high surfaces or, conversely, jump off them. In general, there are no special requirements for the environment, but if the cat lived in the yard before the operation, it should be taken into the house for two weeks of the recovery process to ensure proper sanitary standards.

Cat nutrition in the postoperative period

In the first two days after the operation, the cat is unlikely to show interest in food, while fresh water should always be near the animal. If on the third day the appetite does not appear, it is necessary to urgently consult a veterinarian. You can feed your cat with her usual food. The only thing you can change in your diet is switch from dry food to wet food the same brand. Some companies produce special feed for weakened animals. You can give them the first days. In the future, the animal must be transferred to feed intended for neutered cats and sterilized cats so that there are no problems with the kidneys.

The life of a cat after sterilization

After recovery, the animal lives a normal life: plays, eats well, but at the same time does not suffer in search of a cat and does not behave aggressively. She forever returns to a carefree childhood. Once a year need to visit a veterinary clinic for examination of the kidneys.