Click here to download PDFYour cat has received an anesthetic in order to have a surgery. Each patient is unique and we have chosen a set of anesthetic agents appropriate to the health issues that your particular cat faces. Since we choose the safest agents for each individual, each patient may receive a slightly different anesthetic protocol. Some cats may have injectable medications, some may have gas anesthetic and some may have both.
Here are some recommendations to follow after an anesthetic procedure:
1. Your cat may feel disoriented, and not recognize you right away, so approach him or her slowly and quietly.
2. One of your cat’s legs may have a shaved area with a bandage on it. This is where the I.V. (intravenous) catheter was placed to administer medications. You may remove the bandage after 2-4 hours at home. (Yes kitty’s fur will grow back!)
3. Do not use scoopable or clay cat litter for 5-7 days. Use torn newspaper, paper towels, popcorn kernels, dried beans, or a pelted litter like “Yesterday’s News” to give your cat something to scratch in.
4. Discourage jumping up and down on things for 1-2 weeks as it can cause pain and bleeding.
5. If a paw starts to bleed, you can apply very light pressure with a clean cloth or tissue for 5 minutes. Or you can place your cat into his carrier with a towel for 30-60 minutes.
6. Your cat’s paws will be tender for 1-2 weeks if they are under 5 pounds and 3-4 weeks for bigger cats.
7. Each cat experiences pain differently and if your cat isn’t eating well, seems quiet and withdrawn, or refuses to walk, please call us so we can provide more pain relief.
8. Please call the clinic if your cat is still limping or walking “flat footed” 3 weeks after the surgery or if the paw is swollen or if there is any discharge from the paw.